One of the greatest things about the Pogoplug is that it's super easy to get up and running, even if you're a total computer novice.  However, there are some key things to know - and some slight differences in the activation process if you already have a Pogoplug account.

You should be reading this article if:

• You want to know more about why activation is required
• You are a first time user and need help activating your Pogoplug
• You already have an account but don't know how to add another Pogoplug to it
• You bought a used Pogoplug, borrowed from a friend, etc.
• You are selling your Pogoplug and want to know what you need to do

Why do I need to activate my Pogoplug?

The Pogoplug uses the My.Pogoplug service to work its magic, and thus you need a login and password to access and manage your files online.  Once you create your account, the Pogoplug software works as a gateway to your Pogoplug at home that you can log into from virtually any device with a web browser.  Don't worry - activation, as well as the Pogoplug service, is quite secure.  Also remember that none of your files will be transferred or stored elsewhere, they stay safe and sound on your local attached drive.

If you want to know more about what Pogoplug is and what it can do for you, click here to read our FAQ.

Note that after you activate your Pogoplug, you can install the Pogoplug Drive software to "mount" your Pogoplug connected drives on your local machine without the need to log into My.Pogoplug.  Click here for more information on Pogoplug Drive.

Pogoplug Activation for First Time Users

If you don't have a Pogoplug account, you'll need to create one.  Remember, the Pogoplug service is free; opening an account costs nothing, and there are no monthly fees.

Head to http://my.pogoplug.com and click the "Activate Pogoplug" link.

You'll be brought through a series of simple steps first, to get your Pogoplug connected:

• Connect Pogoplug to your router
• Connect Pogoplug to power
• Attach your hard drive(s)
• Verify the Internet connection

After the connection steps, you'll be prompted to enter a username and password as well as an email address for your account.  Very shortly, if not immediately, you'll receive a verification email to that address - make sure you click the link contained in that email to complete the activation process.

Now, you should be all set to use Pogoplug!  If you need more infomation on getting started, check out the forums, the Pogoplug FAQ, or our extensive library of articles.

Pogoplug Activation for Existing Users

If you already have a Pogoplug account, this process will go a bit faster, although you still have to complete the basic connection steps first to get the Pogoplug powered on and connected to your network.  Once you complete that, head to your My.Pogoplug account.

Click on the Settings section, then General Settings.  You'll see a listing of the current Pogoplug linked to your account, along with a button reading "Activate a New Pogoplug Enabled Device."  Click it!

If your new Pogoplug is connected to the Internet and your network properly, the My.Pogoplug service will (quickly) discover it, and prompt you to activate.  Once you confirm, the new Pogoplug will show in your list.

I bought a used Pogoplug and I can't activate it.  Help!

Pogoplugs are tied to individual user accounts - that's how they work their magic.  Since the Pogoplug service is designed to be private and secure, once a Pogoplug is tied to an account owner, it must be "unregistered" before it can be transferred to another account.

Chances are, the seller of your Pogoplug forgot to do this - but don't panic!  The Pogoplug support team can help.  You can email them, or submit an official support ticket.

I'm selling my Pogoplug.  What do I need to do for my buyer?

If you ever decide to sell your Pogoplug (we won't judge, but I would really miss mine) unregistering it from your Pogoplug account is simple.

Head to the Settings => General Settings screen.  Next to each Pogoplug enabled device listed in the panel, you'll see a small blue "unregister" link.  Note that doing this will unshare all of your shared items, requiring you to manually re-share them if necessary.  In other words, if you are having second thoughts about trading, selling, donating, or otherwise giving your Pogoplug to someone else, don't do this!

If you're certain, click the confirm button, and the Pogoplug will become unregistered - making it ready to join a new home.

Questions?

Still wondering about activation?  Post any questions you have in our forums!

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