> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.cstplus.org/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.cstplus.org/documentation/getting-started/quickstart.md).

# Quickstart

When you open the admin panel for the first time, CST+ walks you through a short setup wizard. This only happens once.

***

### Step 1: Create your admin account

On the first screen, set your admin username and password.

{% hint style="danger" %}
Use a strong password. This account has full control over all channels, lines, and settings. There is no email-based account recovery.
{% endhint %}

If you ever forget your password, reset it from the server via SSH:

```bash
cstplus admin reset USERNAME NEWPASSWORD
```

***

### Step 2: Activate your license

Paste the key from your account dashboard and click **Activate**. The key is verified and bound to this specific server.

{% hint style="warning" %}
Once activated, the same key cannot be used on a different machine without resetting the hardware binding first. Contact support if you need to move your license to a new server.
{% endhint %}

License status is shown on the Dashboard at all times. If the license expires or is deactivated, all channels stop automatically and the panel locks until you reactivate.

***

### Step 3: Configure basic settings

After activation you land on the Dashboard. Before creating your first channel, go to **Settings** and fill in the following.

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="General" %}

| Setting         | What it does                                                                                                |
| --------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Server timezone | Anchors EPG times. Set to your audience's timezone.                                                         |
| Public base URL | The URL viewers use to reach streams, e.g. `http://YOUR_IP:8080`. Used to build all playlist and feed URLs. |

{% hint style="warning" %}
If you skip the Public base URL, playlist links in the panel will have no host and will not work for viewers. Set this before creating your first line.
{% endhint %}
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="API (optional)" %}

| Setting              | What it does                               |
| -------------------- | ------------------------------------------ |
| MaxMind GeoLite2 key | Accurate country-based geo-blocking        |
| TMDB API key         | Auto-populates EPG with titles and posters |

These can be added later. Nothing breaks without them.
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}


---

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