> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.mainwp.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Troubleshoot add-on licensing issues

> Troubleshoot MainWP add-on licensing issues including failed activation, updates not detected, and update failures. Deactivate and reactivate add-ons on the Plugins page, then re-enter API keys.

Add-on licensing issues typically occur when the connection between your Dashboard and MainWP's licensing server is interrupted. The solution usually involves deactivating and reactivating the add-on, then re-entering your API key.

## What You'll Learn

* Fix add-on license activation failures
* Resolve missing add-on updates
* Troubleshoot add-on update failures

## Prerequisites

* MainWP Dashboard with add-ons installed
* Valid MainWP API key(s) for your add-ons
* Admin access to your Dashboard site

***

## Add-on License Activation Fails

If your API key doesn't activate an add-on:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Go to Plugins page">
    Navigate to **WP Admin > Plugins**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Find the add-on">
    Locate the add-on that won't activate.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Deactivate the add-on">
    Click **Deactivate** under the add-on.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Reactivate the add-on">
    Click **Activate** to reactivate it.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Go to Add-ons page">
    Navigate to **MainWP > Add-ons**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enter API key">
    Try to activate your API key again.
  </Step>
</Steps>

### If Activation Still Fails

| Issue | Solution |
| - | - |
| API key invalid | Verify the key in your [MainWP account](https://mainwp.com/my-account/) |
| Key already in use | Deactivate from the other site first |
| Connection timeout | Check firewall isn't blocking mainwp.com |
| Subscription expired | Renew your subscription |

***

## Add-on Updates Not Detected

Add-ons must be activated with your API key to receive automatic updates.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Verify license activation">
    Go to **MainWP > Add-ons** and confirm your add-ons show as activated.
  </Step>

  <Step title="If not activated, enter API key">
    Enter your API key to activate the add-on.
  </Step>

  <Step title="If already activated, deactivate the add-on">
    Go to **WP Admin > Plugins**, find the add-on, and click **Deactivate**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Reactivate the add-on">
    Click **Activate** to reactivate it.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Re-enter API key">
    Go to **MainWP > Add-ons** and enter your API key again.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Check for updates">
    Go back to **WP Admin > Plugins**, find the add-on, and click the **Check for Updates Now** link in the add-on description.
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## Add-on Update Fails

If an add-on shows an available update but won't install, reset the add-on activation and license connection before retrying the update:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Go to Plugins page">
    Navigate to **WP Admin > Plugins**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Find the add-on">
    Locate the add-on that won't update.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Deactivate the add-on">
    Click **Deactivate** under the add-on.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Reactivate the add-on">
    Click **Activate** to reactivate it.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Go to Add-ons page">
    Navigate to **MainWP > Add-ons**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Activate the license">
    Activate the license for the add-on again.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Return to Plugins page">
    Go back to **WP Admin > Plugins**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Try updating again">
    Attempt the update again.
  </Step>
</Steps>

### If Update Still Fails

| Issue | Solution |
| - | - |
| License expired | Renew your subscription to receive updates |
| Server timeout | Increase PHP max\_execution\_time |
| Write permissions | Check wp-content/plugins folder permissions |
| Download failed | Verify mainwp.com is accessible from your server |

***

## Check Your License Status

You can verify your add-on licenses and subscription status:

1. Log in to [MainWP.com](https://mainwp.com/my-account/)
2. Go to **My Account > API Keys**
3. Check which API keys are active and where they're being used
4. Verify your subscription is active

***

## Self-Check Checklist

* [ ] Add-on is installed and activated as a plugin
* [ ] API key entered on MainWP > Add-ons page
* [ ] Add-on shows "Activated" status
* [ ] Updates detected after clicking "Check for Updates Now"
* [ ] Updates install successfully

***

## Related Resources

* [Manage Add-ons](/dashboard/overview/manage-extensions) - Add-on installation and management
* [Why Is My Add-ons Page Empty](/troubleshooting/why-is-my-extensions-page-empty) - Missing add-ons
* [Resolve System Requirements](/troubleshooting/resolve-system-requirement-issues) - Server configuration issues


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