HiveLogger FAQ
HiveLogger is a beekeeping hive management app for iOS and Android. This page covers the most common questions about features, pricing, QR codes, Smart Voice Log, Apiary Sharing, and more. Can't find your answer? Contact us and we'll help.
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Getting Started
What is HiveLogger?
HiveLogger is a beekeeping hive management app for iOS and Android. It lets beekeepers log hive inspections, treatments, harvests, and feedings in 30 seconds or less using QR code scanning, Smart Voice logging, and multi-hive logging. The app works fully offline and syncs automatically when reconnected. HiveLogger is free to download with a one-apiary, one-hive free plan. HiveLogger Pro includes unlimited hives, unlimited apiaries, Smart Voice Logs, and Apiary Sharing. It costs $3.49 USD per month or $34.99 USD per year. Prices shown in USD; pricing varies by country.
What platforms is HiveLogger available on?
HiveLogger is available on iOS (iPhone and iPad) and Android (phones and tablets). Download it free from the Apple App Store or Google Play. Both versions support the same core feature set and are designed for use in the field. You can log a hive inspection from your phone with or without a data connection.
Is HiveLogger free to download?
Yes. HiveLogger is free to download on both iOS and Android. The free plan includes one apiary and one hive with full access to all core logging features: inspections, treatments, feedings, and harvests. To manage unlimited hives and apiaries, use Smart Voice Log, reports, or invite collaborators to a shared apiary, you'll need HiveLogger Pro. New subscribers can try HiveLogger Pro free for 30 days.
How do I get started with HiveLogger?
Download HiveLogger from the App Store or Google Play and create a free account. Set up your first apiary and add your hive or hives. Each hive gets a unique QR code you can print from the app or order as a weatherproof tag from the store. From there, tap any hive to open its log screen and record your first inspection. No tutorial required. Most beekeepers are logging within a few minutes of downloading.
Is HiveLogger suitable for beginners?
Yes. HiveLogger is designed to be simple enough for a first-season beekeeper and capable enough for someone managing dozens of hives. No fields are required in any log. You record only what is relevant for each visit. The dashboard gives a clear overview of all your hives at once, and QR scanning means you never need to navigate menus to find the right hive. Start simple and use more features as your operation grows.
Free Plan & Pricing
What is included in the free plan?
The free plan includes one apiary and one hive with full access to all core logging features: Inspection, Treatment, Harvest, and Feeding logs. You can also use Hive Tasks, Hive Notes, Queen Notes, the customizable dashboard, and data export on the free plan. Smart Voice Log and the ability to own and share apiaries (Apiary Sharing) require HiveLogger Pro. There is no time limit on the free plan. It stays free for as long as you use it.
What is HiveLogger Pro?
HiveLogger Pro is the paid subscription tier that unlocks unlimited hives, unlimited apiaries, Smart Voice Log (hands-free AI logging), PDF & CSV reports, and Apiary Sharing (invite up to 10 collaborators to a shared apiary). It is designed for beekeepers who manage more than one hive or apiary, work in the field with gear or gloves, or want to co-manage hives with a partner, employee, or family member.
How much does HiveLogger Pro cost?
HiveLogger Pro is $3.49 USD per month or $34.99 USD per year. The annual plan works out to about $2.92 per month. That is roughly the cost of 3 to 4 jars of honey a year, or less than the price of a single queen replacement. Prices shown in USD; pricing in other countries varies by local currency and taxes. New subscribers get a 30-day free trial.
How do I upgrade to HiveLogger Pro?
Upgrade directly from within the HiveLogger app. Go to Settings and select the Pro upgrade option. You'll go through the standard in-app purchase flow for your platform: Apple App Store or Google Play. Pro features activate immediately after purchase. New users get a 30-day free trial.
What happens if I cancel my Pro subscription?
Your account retains full HiveLogger Pro access until the end of the billing period you paid for. If you purchased an annual plan in March, you have access until the following March. If you purchased a monthly plan, you have access until the next renewal date. Once the billing period ends, your subscription lapses. See "What happens to my data if my Pro subscription lapses?" below for details on what happens to your data after that.
Does HiveLogger offer a team or family plan?
Not as a separate plan, but Apiary Sharing covers most team and family use cases. A Pro subscriber can invite up to 10 contributors to a shared apiary, and contributors join for free. No Pro subscription required for contributors. The owner's Pro plan covers the shared apiary. This works well for families managing hives together.
Logging Your Hives
What types of logs can I record in HiveLogger?
HiveLogger supports four log types: Inspection, Treatment, Harvest, and Feeding. Inspection logs capture hive health: brood, queen sighting, mite counts, population, and observations. Treatment logs record what was applied and when. Harvest logs document honey yield. Feeding logs track what was fed and in what quantity. All four are accessible from a hive's log screen and can be filled out as fully or as briefly as needed for that visit.
Do I have to fill out every field in a log?
No. Every field in every log type is optional. You fill in only what is relevant for that visit. A quick check where you just note the queen was spotted is a valid log. A detailed inspection with mite counts, brood pattern notes, and feeding observations is also a valid log. HiveLogger is built for flexibility. The goal is to make logging fast, not to impose a rigid process.
How do I log multiple hives at once?
Use Multi-Hive Logging, found on the main dashboard. Select the hives you want to log, fill out one log entry, and it gets applied to all selected hives simultaneously. This is designed for batch treatments or feedings where the same action applies across multiple hives. No duplicate data entry. Multi-Hive Logging is one of HiveLogger's three core speed features.
Can I edit or delete a log after saving it?
Yes. You can edit or delete any log at any time from a hive's log history. Tap the button in the top right of a log entry and you'll find edit and delete options. This lets you correct typos, fix a field you filled in wrong, or remove a duplicate entry.
How do I view a hive's full inspection history?
There are two ways. From the Hives tab select the hive you want to see the inspection history for, then scroll down to see the logs in chronological order. You can also see history after scanning a QR code. Tap the View Hive button in the top right corner of the log screen to jump directly to the full hive details: complete log history, hive notes, tasks, and queen information.
How is HiveLogger different from paper notes or a spreadsheet?
Paper notes get lost, are difficult to search, and are slow to record. Spreadsheets require careful phone typing in the field and don't connect to individual hives. HiveLogger gives each hive a QR code you scan to open its log instantly, works offline in the field, syncs to the cloud automatically, and lets you export your log history to PDF or CSV at any time. Everything is structured and backed up. No mess.
QR Codes & Hive Tags
How do QR codes work in HiveLogger?
Every hive in HiveLogger is assigned a unique QR code. When you scan that code with your phone camera (no special app required, just your standard camera) or the in-app scanner, HiveLogger opens directly to that hive's log screen. No searching menus, no scrolling a hive list. One scan takes you exactly where you need to be. It is the fastest way to go from walking up to a hive to having a log open on your screen.
How do I print QR code labels for my hives?
Go to Settings in HiveLogger and tap "Print QR Codes." Select which hives you want to print labels for and choose your label sheet format: 12 or 20 labels per standard 8.5 x 11 inch sheet. The app generates a PDF you can print at home. You can print labels for one hive or all of them at once. A full tutorial can be found here.
What size labels do I need to print my own QR codes?
HiveLogger's QR labels are designed for 2 inch by 2 inch square labels on standard 8.5 x 11 inch sheets, either a 12-up or 20-up configuration. Water-resistant or waterproof labels are strongly recommended since the tags will be outdoors in all weather. Avery and similar brands offer compatible options widely available online or at office supply stores. A full material list and tutorial can be found here.
What if my printed labels don't stick to my hive boxes?
Textured or rough wood surfaces can make adhesion difficult, especially outdoors where moisture and temperature changes are a factor. Printed labels should always be stuck to a smooth backing tag made of metal or plastic and then screwed to the hive. The most reliable alternative is HiveLogger's weatherproof screw-mount QR tags, available in the store. They attach directly to the hive box with wood screws, require no adhesive, and are designed to last season after season without peeling or fading.
Can I buy weatherproof QR tags instead of printing labels?
Yes. HiveLogger sells durable, UV-stable weatherproof QR tags in the store. They screw directly onto your hive boxes. No adhesive, no reprinting when they fade. They are a good permanent option if you want outdoor-grade durability without maintaining a label supply. Visit the store to see options and pricing.
How do I assign a purchased QR tag to a hive?
Go to the hive details for the hive you want to tag (tap the hive from the Hives tab), then tap the QR code button. Select "Replace QR Code" and use your camera to scan the new tag. The hive is now linked to that physical tag. Scanning it in the field opens that hive's log instantly. A tutorial with photos can be found on our site here.
What is the View Hive button?
After scanning a QR code and opening a hive's log screen, there is a View Hive button in the top right corner. Tapping it takes you directly to the full hive details screen: complete log history, hive notes, queen notes, and tasks. No navigating back to the dashboard or hive list needed. It is useful for reviewing a hive's full history or outstanding tasks before logging your current visit.
Smart Voice Log
What is Smart Voice Log?
Smart Voice Log is a hands-free logging feature available to HiveLogger Pro subscribers. Tap Smart Voice Log and speak naturally about your inspection: what you saw, what you did, what needs follow-up. The app processes your speech and automatically fills out the correct fields in the log form. It also generates a short summary and populates it in the notes. No typing required.
How do I use Smart Voice Log?
With a log open, tap the Smart Voice Log button and start speaking. Talk naturally. No specific commands or phrases needed. Describe your visit as if telling someone about it: what you saw, what you did, any concerns. When you finish, the app processes your words, structures them into the appropriate log fields, and generates a notes summary. Review, adjust if needed, and save.
Why is Smart Voice Log a Pro feature?
Smart Voice Log uses AI models that carry a per-use processing cost. Offering it on the free plan is not sustainable without raising prices across the board. HiveLogger Pro subscribers get unlimited Smart Voice Log use as part of their subscription.
Is Smart Voice Log useful when working in the field?
Yes. It is specifically designed for field use. If you are working in gloves or full protective gear, typing on a phone screen is slow and frustrating. Smart Voice Log lets you log a complete inspection by talking for 30 to 60 seconds without removing your gloves or touching the screen beyond the initial tap. For beekeepers running through multiple hives in a session, it significantly reduces total logging time.
What does the AI do with my voice input?
Your voice is processed to identify what each part of your description maps to in the log form: brood observations, mite count, feeding notes, queen sighting, and so on. The app fills out the appropriate fields based on what you described and generates a short written summary placed in the Notes field. No audio is retained after processing.
Apiaries, Hives & Sharing
How many hives can I manage in HiveLogger?
The free plan includes one apiary and one hive. HiveLogger Pro gives you unlimited hives and unlimited apiaries. You can also add up to 50 hives at once using the bulk-add feature. It is useful when setting up a new apiary or migrating from paper records.
How do I add multiple hives at once?
HiveLogger supports bulk hive creation: you can add up to 50 hives at once. Each hive gets its own unique QR code automatically as part of the setup. This is useful when setting up a new apiary quickly or when you are transitioning your existing operation from paper into the app.
What is Apiary Sharing?
Apiary Sharing is a HiveLogger Pro feature that lets you invite other HiveLogger users to collaborate on a shared apiary. The apiary owner, who needs an active Pro subscription, generates a shareable invite link. Contributors accept the invite and gain access to the shared apiary at no cost to them. Up to 10 contributors can join per apiary. It is designed for families where more than one person manages the same hives.
How do I invite someone to my apiary?
From the Hives tab click on the three dots next to the apiary name. Select "Share Apiary" from the menu that appears. The apiary members will appear. At the bottom of the screen click the button to create an invite link. You can then share the link via text, email, or any messaging app. They will need a free HiveLogger account. Once they accept the invite, they gain access to the shared apiary immediately. Sharing links are valid for 7 days and are one-time use only. If you need to invite 2 or more people, create a unique invite link for each person.
Does a contributor need a Pro subscription to join a shared apiary?
No. Contributors join for free. The apiary owner's Pro subscription covers the shared apiary. Contributors can log, view history, manage tasks, and use Smart Voice Log on shared apiary hives without paying anything. Shared apiaries also do not count against a contributor's free-plan limits. A free user can be a contributor on unlimited shared apiaries while keeping their own one-apiary, one-hive free account.
What can contributors do in a shared apiary?
Contributors can view all hives and logs, add and edit logs, manage hive tasks, and use Smart Voice Log on shared apiary hives. They cannot add or delete hives, rename or delete the apiary, or generate PDF reports. Those actions are reserved for the apiary owner. The owner can remove a contributor at any time, and contributors can leave voluntarily.
Tasks, Notes & Queen Tracking
What are Hive Tasks?
Hive Tasks are a built-in to-do system designed specifically for beekeeping. You can create tasks tied to a specific hive, for example "Treat for mites in 7 days" or "Add a super before next inspection", and receive push notifications as reminders. Tasks let you track what needs to happen at each hive without relying on a separate app, a paper list, or memory.
Can I assign a task to a group of hives?
Yes. In addition to single-hive tasks, you can assign a task to a group of hives at once, useful for batch operations like a feeding run or treatment cycle across a full apiary. The task appears on each selected hive individually so nothing gets missed or confused across your operation.
What is the difference between hive details and inspection log notes?
Inspection logs are dated entries that capture what happened during a specific visit: inspections, treatments, harvests, feedings. Hive details are a permanent, non-dated field attached to the hive itself, for information that persists over time: hive configuration, temperament, queen genetics, standing observations. If something changes visit to visit, it belongs in a log. If it is a standing fact about the hive, it belongs in hive details.
What are Queen details?
Queen details are a dedicated freeform notes section for queen-specific observations, separate from the general hive details field. Use it to record queen behavior, temperament, laying pattern, or notes from a requeening event.
Can I track self-reared queens in HiveLogger?
Yes. Each hive has a "Self-Reared Queen" option under breed. This is useful for beekeepers running active breeding programs who want to track which hives carry queens of known lineage. Pair it with the queen details field to record genetics, behavior, and breeding-specific observations for each queen.
Data, Export & Offline
Can I export my hive data?
Yes. HiveLogger can export your hive data as a PDF report or a CSV file. Report types are: all apiaries, a single apiary, or a single hive. All apiaries and apiary reports include up to 6 logs per hive and hive tasks. A single hive report can pull up to 12 months of data. The PDF reports are useful for printing records, sharing with a co-manager, or reviewing your season. CSV export gives you raw data you can open in a spreadsheet or analyze with AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, or any AI tool you prefer.
What is included in a PDF report?
For all apiaries or a single apiary report the PDF includes your log history (up to 6 logs per hive), hive tasks, hive details, and queen details. This gives a comprehensive snapshot of one or all of your apiaries in a printable, shareable format. A single hive report lets you get up to 12 months of data for a single hive in the same printable format. Reports are useful for physical record keeping, insurance documentation, or sharing a full hive status with a business partner or co-manager.
Does HiveLogger work without an internet connection?
Yes. HiveLogger has full offline functionality with the exception of Smart Voice Logs. You can log inspections, treatments, feedings, and harvests in the field with no cell signal or Wi-Fi. Everything logged offline is stored on your device and syncs to the cloud automatically the next time you have a connection. This makes HiveLogger reliable for remote apiaries or any location where connectivity is inconsistent.
How does cloud sync work?
HiveLogger syncs your data to the cloud automatically whenever your device has an internet connection. If you log hives offline, those entries are queued and uploaded as soon as you reconnect and open the app. If you use HiveLogger on multiple devices (for example, a phone and a tablet), your data stays consistent across both after each sync.
Is my data backed up?
Yes. All data synced to the cloud is backed up on HiveLogger's servers. If you lose or replace your phone, your hive history, logs, notes, and tasks are preserved. Log back into your account on a new device and your data syncs down automatically.
Account & Support
How do I cancel my HiveLogger Pro subscription?
Subscriptions are managed through the platform you purchased on. On iOS: go to Settings > [your name] > Subscriptions on your iPhone and cancel from there. On Android: go to Google Play > Subscriptions. HiveLogger does not manage billing directly. All subscription management happens through Apple or Google.
What happens to my data if my Pro subscription lapses?
There is a 2 month grace period between when your Pro subscription lapses and when your account data is downgraded to the free tier. If you resubscribe to Pro in that period, none of your data is lost. After 2 months your account reverts to the free plan (one apiary and one hive chosen at random). All existing logs, notes, and hive history for the kept apiary and hive remain intact; all other data is permanently deleted.
How do I contact HiveLogger support?
You can reach support through the Contact page. Describing your device (iPhone or Android), app version, and a brief description of the issue helps us respond as quickly as possible. We try to respond within 2 business days.
How do I delete my account?
You can delete your account right inside the app. Go to Settings > Account > Delete Account. This permanently deletes your login and all associated data, including any shared apiaries and hives you are the owner of. If you have any issues, please contact us with the email address associated with the account you want deleted. You'll need to have proof you own the email address before any account is deleted.
Start Logging Your Hives Today.
Free to download. New subscribers get a 30-day free trial of HiveLogger Pro.
