# Frequently asked questions

> We've gathered the questions new users ask most. Quickly check whether you need to know code, whether your data is safe, what to do when something goes wrong, and more.

## Can I use it without knowing how to code?

Yes, you can use it even if you can't read a single line of code. You tell your AI (Cursor, Claude Code) what you want to check in plain words, and it organizes it into a step-by-step test in Specnote and verifies it by clicking through a real browser like a person. There's no need to write test code or memorize commands.

In fact, it's built for planners and solo makers who can't read code. For a fuller introduction, see [What is Specnote](/en/docs/what-is-specnote); to try it right away, walk through [Get your first verification in 5 minutes](/en/docs/quickstart) and [Creating tests](/en/docs/creating-scenarios) in order.

## Can I use it without an AI coding tool like Claude Code?

Partly. **Re-verifying tests you've already made, and reading the results and fix reports, all work right here in the web app** without an AI tool. But **creating a new test, and starting a new run group (submitting the plan review, a PRD), go through your AI** (Cursor, Claude Code). The old "Create" button in the web app is gone; now you tell your AI "make a test for this" or "start a verification round." (Approving the plan review itself you can do right in the web app.)

So we recommend connecting an AI tool once when you start. You only connect once, and the steps are laid out in [Connect your code](/en/docs/connect-your-code). Connecting your code (GitHub) as well makes auto-extraction and impact analysis more accurate, but that part is optional.

## Is my test account information safe?

Yes, it's safe. The test accounts and keys you register are encrypted immediately (we use a dedicated vault called KMS) and only you can open them. Even when you click "Reveal" on screen, the value shows for just 5 seconds and then hides again.

You only put test-only values here, not your production password. For details on connecting and security, see [Connect your code](/en/docs/connect-your-code).

## What is a credit, and what do I do if I run out?

A credit is a unit that counts how much work the AI did. Writing tests is unlimited, and credits are only spent when the AI actually works — like AI auto-extraction or verification. You get 60 credits at signup, and subscription plans refill each month.

In a month where you run short, you can top up as needed with a pack, and topped-up credits never expire. For detailed costs and plans, see [Credits and plans](/en/docs/billing-and-credits).

## My verification keeps failing. What should I do?

When a verification fails, Specnote produces a failure report describing where and why it stopped. Paste that report straight into an AI coding tool like Cursor or Claude Code, and it will point out exactly what to fix.

You don't have to fix the code yourself — you hand the report to the AI and let it make the fix. To learn how to read verification results, see [Running and results](/en/docs/running-and-results).

## What do I do if my code won't connect?

First, figure out which connection is the problem. For the **your AI ↔ Specnote** connection, if you used browser authentication, re-authenticate by clicking "Allow" again in your AI tool; if you used a token, check that it hasn't been revoked in My Page and issue a fresh one if needed. For the **GitHub repository** connection, check that the repository you want to verify was included when you installed the app.

Sending code is one-way, so Specnote never changes your code in return — you can connect with confidence. The connection steps are detailed in [Connect your code](/en/docs/connect-your-code).

## How do I get a refund or cancel?

Specnote starts immediately upon payment, so all payments are non-refundable in principle. However, if you haven't used any credits within 7 days of payment, you get a full refund; if you've used some within 7 days, the balance after deducting usage is refunded. After 7 days, payments are non-refundable. Canceling is one click in My Page, and even after canceling you keep paid features until your next billing date.

Payments are securely processed through Paddle, and you can issue tax invoices yourself. For details, see [Credits and plans](/en/docs/billing-and-credits).

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Source: https://specnote.io/en/docs/faq