FAQ
Straight answers about what we can decode, what it costs and how your code is handled.
Compatibility
What does an ionCube decoder do?
It turns ionCube-encoded PHP files back into readable PHP source. We decode whole projects: you upload a ZIP and get the same tree back with encoded files replaced by decoded ones.
Which PHP versions can you decode?
Any ionCube file that carries a section for PHP 5.0, 5.3–5.6, 7.0, 7.1, 7.2 or 7.4, including files that also carry PHP 8.1 or 8.2 sections. Files whose only sections are PHP 7.3 or PHP 8.x cannot be decoded. Full compatibility matrix.
How can I check my files before paying?
Use the free ionCube file checker. It reads the first line of each file in your browser, shows the PHP versions it targets and whether it can be decoded, and never uploads anything. Open the checker.
Do you decode SourceGuardian or Zend Guard files?
No. We decode ionCube-encoded PHP only.
Uploads and output
How large can an upload be?
An order can contain up to 10 ZIP packages, 2 GB in total. Each encoded file must be under 10 MB. ZIPs inside your ZIP are unpacked up to three levels deep.
Is the folder structure preserved?
Yes. Decoded files replace their encoded originals in place. Plain PHP, templates, images and other files are copied through unchanged.
Are files that cannot be decoded charged?
No. Encoded files that target only PHP 7.3 or PHP 8.x are detected at upload, left out of the quote and returned unchanged.
Pricing and payment
How much does decoding cost?
The standard rate is €1.90 per encoded file. Credit packs bring the price down to about €1.10 per file, and monthly plans suit steady volume. Plain files are never charged, and you see the quote before you pay. See pricing.
How do I pay?
Prices are in EUR. You pay from prepaid account credits or in cryptocurrency through our self-hosted gateway. The methods available at the time are shown at checkout.
What happens if a paid decode fails?
Eligible failed orders are refunded under the published refund policy: pay-as-you-go orders to account credits, subscription orders by restoring quota. The exact rules and limits are below.
Privacy and lawful use
Do you keep my source code?
Uploads and outputs are stored on disk, not in the database, and uploads are deleted after the retention period (30 days by default). Access to them is logged. Privacy policy.
Can I decode any ionCube file?
Only code you own or are authorized to decode, for example to recover lost source, maintain software whose vendor is gone, or audit what runs on your servers. Every order requires that attestation, and we do not sell or share decoded software. Terms of service.
Is there an API?
Yes. Everything the web portal does goes through a REST API. Sign in once, create an API token with one call, and use it for scripted orders. Read the docs.
Refund policy
RefundsLoading refund policy…