# Security & Passwords

App password, Artist Retreat password, and how to get back in if you forget one.

MusicLaunch supports two layers of password protection — an app-wide lock (locks the whole app at startup) and a separate Artist Retreat lock (just for your private creative section). Both are optional.

## When to enable the app password

- You share a computer with a roommate, partner, or bandmate
- You travel with a laptop (pair it with your Mac's login password and FileVault, which protect the files themselves)
- Your contacts list, financial info, or unreleased music is sensitive
- You want a second line of defense beyond macOS login

> **Note: What the app password does**
>
> It keeps anyone using your Mac out of MusicLaunch's screens. It doesn't encrypt your files, so for real protection also use a Mac login password and turn on FileVault (System Settings → Privacy & Security).

## Setting it up

1. **Settings → Security**

   Click "Enable" under App Password.

2. **Set a password**

   At least 4 characters — longer is better. It's stored only on this Mac in scrambled form, so nobody (including us) can read it back.

3. **Set a recovery email**

   Optional but strongly recommended. A reset code is sent to this address through your connected Gmail account, so connect Gmail (Settings → Gmail Integration) too — recovery needs both. No recovery email? Your license key works as a backup (see below).

## Artist Retreat password (separate)

Lyric drafts and creative notes are deeply personal for many artists. In Settings → Security, click "Enable" under Artist Retreat Password to add a separate password just for that section, on top of any app-wide password. So even if a curious bandmate gets past the app password, they still can't see your unfinished lyrics.

## Recovering a forgotten password

On the lock screen, click "Forgot Password?". If you set a recovery email and connected Gmail, MusicLaunch emails you a 6-digit code (it expires after 10 minutes) — enter it and choose a new password. No recovery email or Gmail? Use your license key instead: paste the key from your purchase email, and MusicLaunch removes the password and offers to set a new one right away. This works for both the app password and the Artist Retreat password.

> **Tip: Your license key is your backup way in**
>
> Keep the email with the subject "Your MusicLaunch License Key" — that key can always clear a forgotten password. Can't find it? We'll email it to you again at musiclaunchapp.com/license. Clearing a password never touches your data.

## Related articles

- [Settings & Preferences](https://www.musiclaunchapp.com/help/settings-overview.md): License, profiles, theme, fonts, backups, Gmail, and security.
- [Artist Retreat](https://www.musiclaunchapp.com/help/artists-corner.md): Creative space for lyrics, setlists, bios, and press copy, plus the songwriting tools.

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- From the MusicLaunch Help Center (Settings & Account). The same guide is built into the app under Help.
- Web page: https://www.musiclaunchapp.com/help/security-passwords/
- All guides: https://www.musiclaunchapp.com/llms.txt
- Support: hello@musiclaunchapp.com