FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about ZeroTrace products, shipping, privacy, and authorized use.
Products
6What is ZeroTrace?
ZeroTrace is a German company specializing in cybersecurity hardware and software. We build HID automation devices, OSINT software, and firmware tools designed for authorized security testing, research, and training.
What's the difference between ZeroTrace and Hak5?
Both companies make HID and security testing hardware. ZeroTrace differs with no subscription fees, WiFi included by default, a no-log policy, devices designed and shipped from Germany, and lifetime updates at no additional cost.
How does ZeroTrace compare to Flipper Zero?
Flipper Zero focuses on RF, NFC and infrared. ZeroTrace focuses on HID automation, OSINT software and professional authorized security testing workflows.
What's included with my purchase?
Hardware includes the device, lifetime dashboard access, firmware variants, lifetime updates, and Discord access. Software purchases include the license and all updates.
Are your tools compatible with all operating systems?
Yes. ZeroTrace devices work across Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and smart TVs, supporting 50+ keyboard layouts.
Which dev board / hardware do I need to flash ZeroTrace firmware myself?
ZeroTrace HID firmware targets the ESP32-S3 (N16R8). The Lilygo T-Dongle S3 is recommended, though generic ESP32-S3 boards also work.
Shipping
3Where do you ship to?
We ship worldwide from Germany. EU orders typically arrive within 3-5 business days. International orders may take 7-14 business days.
Do you charge customs or import fees?
Customs duties and import taxes are the responsibility of the buyer and vary by country.
What is your return and warranty policy?
All ZeroTrace hardware includes a warranty against manufacturing defects. Contact support for repair or replacement.
Licensing
6I won a giveaway, how do I claim my prize?
Create a dashboard account, then open a support ticket with proof you won and your dashboard username. Staff will add the license manually.
Are licenses lifetime or do they expire?
All ZeroTrace licenses are lifetime. Licenses are one-time activation and become bound to the account or device they are redeemed on.
Is the device license the same as the OSINT / Desktop App license?
No. Hardware licenses and Desktop Licenses are separate. Use the correct key for the correct product.
Why do I need to log in to the dashboard?
The dashboard stores your scripts, device configurations and settings and associates them with your account.
Is it legal to use ZeroTrace tools?
ZeroTrace tools are intended for authorized security testing, research, education and automation. Users are responsible for obtaining proper authorization.
Can I use these tools for penetration testing?
Yes. ZeroTrace tools are designed for authorized penetration testing and professional security research.
Software & Updates
3What does 'lifetime updates' mean?
You receive all future firmware releases, features and security patches at no additional cost for as long as the product is supported.
What's included in the software suite?
The software suite includes the dashboard, desktop application, scriptable automation environment, script library and debugger.
How often do you release updates?
We release firmware updates and features regularly, often multiple times per month. Critical fixes are often addressed within days.
Security & Privacy
2Do you collect logs from my device?
No. ZeroTrace has a strict no-log policy. We do not collect, store or transmit data from your devices, sessions or payloads.
Do you have remote access to my device?
No. There are no backdoors, remote access mechanisms or kill switches.
Support
4License activation fails or shows 'license not found' / E301.
Common causes are outdated firmware, inaccurate system clock, or using the wrong license type. If it still fails, generate a request code from the device and send it via support.
Where do I download the OSINT desktop app, and how do I install it on macOS?
The download is available in the dashboard under Firmware. On macOS, follow the install video for the chmod +x step. Windows users may need the ZeroTrace OSINT AppData folder present.
My script runs but types wrong characters or special keys come out garbled.
Use the correct keyboard layout in your script, update firmware, and verify your USB cable supports data transfer.
Which devices work in the Desktop App?
The Desktop App drives AirLeak Pro and Echo over USB. AirLeak Mini and USBLogger pair with the ZeroTrace mobile app instead.
Still stuck?
Ask on Discord or email admin@zerotrace.pw, we usually respond within a day.