Troubleshooting iLok Activation Issues

Justin L

April 30, 2025 21:28

Unexpected license issues can be frustrating, but most of the time it’s possible to get back up and running in just a few steps. If you run into one of the following errors, it’s likely there’s a communication issue with the iLok servers:

Enter Activation Code
All Visible Licenses Expired
Authorization was found, but the wrapper could not verify it

iLok Error Screenshot

✅ Step 1: Check for Service Outages

Visit the official iLok status page to make sure the issue isn’t server-side:
👉 https://status.ilok.com/

🧩 Step 2: Update iLok License Manager

Download the latest version here:
👉 https://www.ilok.com/#!home

🔄 Step 3: Refresh Your License Activation

If you use iLok Cloud:
Close and reopen your Cloud Session.

If you use an iLok dongle:
Right-click the dongle and choose Synchronize.

If you use machine activation:
Deactivate and Reactivate the license.

☁️ How To Close/Open an iLok Cloud Session

Open iLok License Manager and sign in to your account.
Click File in the menu bar and select Close Your Cloud Session.
If this option is unavailable, skip to the next step.
Click File again and choose Open Your Cloud Session.

Close/Open Cloud Session

⚠️ Note: If the Cloud Session is already open on another machine, “Close Your Cloud Session” will be greyed out. When you try to open it on your current machine, it will prompt you to close the previous session first. You don't need access to the previous machine your iLok Cloud session was opened on, but only one iLok Cloud Session can be active at a time.

🔌 How To Synchronize Your iLok Dongle

Open iLok License Manager and sign in.
Right-click your iLok dongle (listed in the left sidebar) and select Synchronize.
Wait for the sync to complete, then relaunch your DAW.

Synchronize iLok

💻 How To Deactivate a License from Machine-ID

Open iLok License Manager.
Click the Machine-ID icon (looks like a computer) in the left sidebar.
You’ll see all licenses activated to that machine.
Select the licenses you want to move. Use Shift + Click to select multiple.
Right-click and choose Deactivate.

This will return your licenses to the Available tab in your iLok account.

In the Available tab (or via View → Available Licenses), find your deactivated licenses.
Select the licenses you want to activate and either right-click and choose Activate, or drag and drop them onto the new computer’s Machine-ID icon.

Machine ID License Transfer

❓ Still have questions?

If issues persist, please contact support so we can help you directly.