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Metered Access

Metered access allows logged-in free members to read a limited number of protected articles before requiring a paid subscription.

How It Works​

  1. User registers for free account — Creates account without subscribing
  2. User reads protected content — Article count is tracked
  3. Limit reached — Paywall shows, subscription required
  4. Counter resets — Monthly
Free Members Only

Metered access only applies to logged-in users with free accounts. Guests (not logged in) cannot access protected content at all.

Configuration​

Enable Metered Access​

  1. Go to PaywallWP → Settings → General
  2. Find Free Articles section
  3. Set Free Articles Per Month (e.g., 5)
  4. Save Settings

Settings​

SettingDescription
Free Articles LimitNumber of free articles per month (0 = disabled)

How Articles Are Counted​

What Counts​

  • ✅ Protected posts (access level > 0)
  • ✅ Unique articles only (same article viewed multiple times counts as 1)

What Doesn't Count​

  • ❌ Public content (access level 0)
  • ❌ Repeated views of same article
  • ❌ Paid subscribers (unlimited access)

User Experience​

When a free member reads protected content:

  1. Article counter increments
  2. After reaching limit, paywall appears on next protected article
  3. Counter resets at the start of each month

Benefits​

  • Lead Generation — Users must register to access free articles
  • Trust Building — Free members experience content quality before paying
  • Conversion Path — Natural progression from free to paid
  • User Data — Collect email addresses for marketing

Troubleshooting​

Counter Not Working​

  • Verify user is logged in with a free account
  • Check that content is protected (access level > 0)
  • Verify metering is enabled (limit > 0)
  • Check subscription status is "active"
  • Verify subscription hasn't expired
  • Check user's access level matches content requirement

Next Steps​