> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://wiki.daki.cc/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Keep Your Free Server Active

> How to extend your free server's runtime by watching ads, and what happens if your server expires.

<Warning>
  Free Tier servers have no automatic backups. If your server is deleted after the grace period, **Daki cannot recover your files or data**. Always keep a copy of your code in an external location such as GitHub.
</Warning>

## What you'll learn

* How the <Tooltip tip="The time budget a Free Tier server runs for; extend it by watching ads.">runtime</Tooltip> counter and expiry system work
* How to extend your runtime by watching ads
* What happens during <Tooltip tip="The server is offline but its files are preserved, pending renewal.">suspension</Tooltip> and the grace period
* How to enable renewal reminders

***

## How Runtime Works

Your free server runs on a **runtime counter** that starts at **3 days** when the server is created. Once the counter reaches zero, your server is suspended and eventually deleted unless you top it up.

| Stage                        | What happens                                           |
| :--------------------------- | :----------------------------------------------------- |
| Runtime > 0                  | Server runs normally                                   |
| Runtime = 0                  | Server is **suspended** — offline and inaccessible     |
| 0–2 days after suspension    | **Grace period** — you can still renew by watching ads |
| After 2 days without renewal | Server is **permanently deleted**                      |

***

## How to Renew: Watch Ads

Extend your runtime by watching short ads in the <Tooltip tip="The free-hosting site (dash.daki.cc) where you manage your free server.">Free Tier Dashboard</Tooltip> at [dash.daki.cc](https://dash.daki.cc).

| Action                   | Runtime gained |
| :----------------------- | :------------- |
| Watch 1 ad (\~2 minutes) | +3 days        |
| Maximum ads per day      | 2              |
| Maximum per day          | +6 days        |
| Maximum total runtime    | 30 days        |

### Steps

1. Log in at [dash.daki.cc](https://dash.daki.cc).
2. Navigate to your server in the dashboard.
3. Use the ad-watching or renewal option to add runtime.
4. Repeat up to twice per day.

<Info>
  Watching ads when you are already at 30 days does not add more time. The counter is capped at 30 days maximum.
</Info>

***

## Enable the Renewal Reminder

Go to the **Credentials** tab in the Free Tier Dashboard ([dash.daki.cc/credentials](https://dash.daki.cc/credentials)) and enable the **Server Renewal Reminder**. When active, the Daki Discord bot will send you a DM before your runtime is about to expire.

***

## Best Practices

* **Watch ads daily.** Two ads per day keeps your runtime near the 30-day maximum with a comfortable buffer.
* **Enable the renewal reminder** so you never miss an expiry.
* **Back up your code externally** (e.g., on GitHub). Even if your server is deleted, your project is safe.

***

## Frequently Asked Questions

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Can I recover my server after it has been deleted?">
    No. Once the 2-day grace period ends and the server is deleted, the data is permanently gone. Daki cannot restore it.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What happens to my files when the server is suspended?">
    Your files remain on the server during the suspension and the grace period.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Do paid plans expire the same way?">
    No. Paid plans renew via credits or a saved payment method — not through ads. See [Billing & Payments](./billing) for details.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

***

## Next Steps

* [Portal Overview](./portal) — Learn how to access and manage your server.
* [File Manager](./file-manager) — Download your files before they are deleted.
* [Paid Plans](./paid-plans) — Upgrade to a paid plan to avoid the runtime system entirely.