Blackout User Manual

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Authorization ​

How Blackout Logins Work ​

Each Perceptual Blackout license comes with two device slots, and they work independently of your Apple ID. This means you can:

  • Share your account across two different iPads — even on different Apple IDs
  • Collaborate seamlessly across team members (e.g., a Gaffer and a Rigging Gaffer can both access the same account)
  • Deauthorize a device easily by logging out while connected to the internet

TIP

Think of your Blackout account like a Netflix login — it allows you to authorize two different iPads, each with separate Apple IDs. Both iPads can run independently of one another.

NOTE

Blackout subscriptions are designed for one user login. Sharing credentials beyond your team’s authorized devices is not supported. If you need access for more users or iPads, consider:

  • Purchasing an additional account
  • Upgrading to an Enterprise Plan for centralized, multi-user management (see below)

Managing Device Authorizations ​

Signing in and out allows you to shift your device authorizations to other hardware as needed. When you sign in, you register the device to your account. You can deauthorize a device by logging out — just make sure you're connected to the internet for the authorization and deauthorization to take place.

✅ Want to free up a slot? Just log out on one device while it's online, and it will automatically deauthorize — instantly freeing up space for another.

EXAMPLE

You might have a Main iPad and a secondary iPad for a Rigging Lighting Console Programmer. If your Rigging LCP changes with each show, you can deauthorize their iPad at the end of the show by logging out, and authorize a new iPad by logging in at the start of the next show.

Important: Multiple Apps on the Same Device ​

⚠️ Heads up! Installing both Blackout Lighting Console (BLC) and Blackout Next (BON) on the same iPad counts as using two devices, even though it's just one piece of hardware.

Our tip: Stick to using only one app per device to get the most from your available device slots.

Troubleshooting Login Issues ​

Run into a login problem? Check out these resources:

Need More Devices? ​

If two device slots aren't enough for your workflow, you have a couple of great options:

1. Purchase an Additional Account ​

This is the simplest way to expand access if you're working in a small team or just need a few more devices online.

2. Upgrade to an Enterprise Plan ​

Designed for large productions, rental houses, studios, or anyone managing a fleet of iPads, the Enterprise Plan offers centralized device management via your Admin Panel. Here's what you get:

  • Admin login access on the Blackout website
  • Ability to generate unique 6-digit device codes for each iPad
  • Devices will auto-logout after a set number of days (configurable by your team)
  • As long as an iPad comes online within that time frame, it won't prompt for reauthorization
  • Lost or stolen device? Or offboarded team member? Remotely deactivate devices from your dashboard — no waiting or support tickets needed

Interested? Contact us through Patch, and we'll walk you through your options.