How to use Subscriptions
Step-by-step guide for subscribing to services and managing your payments.
Getting Started
To use the Subscriptions Protocol, you need:
- MetaMask wallet — installed and configured for LitVM Testnet
- USDC tokens — the payment currency for subscriptions
- Small amount of LTC — for gas fees (unless the service sponsors them)
App Interface
After connecting your wallet, you'll see three tabs:
My Subscriptions
Your dashboard. Shows active subscription count, monthly spend, wallet balance, and all your subscriptions grouped into Active and Ended sections.
Browse Services
Marketplace of available services. Each service shows its plans with pricing. Click "Subscribe" to start a subscription.
Service Panel
For service providers — register services and manage plans. You can ignore this tab if you're only subscribing.
Setting Up Your Account
Before subscribing, you need to set up your Smart Account. This is a one-time process.
Step 1: Create Smart Account
Click "Create Smart Account" in the My Subscriptions tab. This deploys a personal smart contract wallet that will manage your subscription payments. You are the sole owner.
Step 2: Fund Smart Account
Transfer USDC from your wallet to the Smart Account. Enter the amount and click "Fund Smart Account". This is the balance that subscriptions will be charged from.
Step 3: Activate Payments
Click "Activate" to give the Subscription Module permission to charge your Smart Account. Without this, no payments can be processed. You'll see "Approved ✓" when done.
Subscribing to a Service
- Go to the "Browse Services" tab
- Find a service you want and review its plans (price, billing period)
- Click "Subscribe" on the plan you want
- Confirm the transaction in MetaMask
- The first payment is charged immediately. Done!
Managing Subscriptions
All your subscriptions appear in the "My Subscriptions" tab, split into two sections:
Active Subscriptions
Shown by default. Each card displays the service name, status, amount, next charge date, and start date. You can:
- Click "Pause" — temporarily stops charges. Resume anytime.
- Click "Cancel" — permanently ends the subscription. No more charges.
Ended Subscriptions
Hidden by default. Click "Show" to expand and see your subscription history — cancelled or expired subscriptions.
Wallet Balance & Funding
The stats bar at the top shows:
- Active Subscriptions — number of currently active plans
- Monthly Spend — total USDC charged per month across all active plans
- Wallet Balance — your EOA (MetaMask) USDC balance
The Smart Account card shows the account's USDC balance — this is what subscriptions charge from. Top it up anytime using the "Fund Smart Account" form.
Troubleshooting
Subscription failed to create
Check that your Smart Account has enough USDC and that payments are activated (Step 3). Also verify you're not already subscribed to the same plan.
Payment failed
Usually means insufficient USDC in your Smart Account. Fund it and the next scheduled charge will succeed.
Transaction stuck
Try increasing gas in MetaMask, or wait for network congestion to clear.