What does Activation mean?

Any Steinberg software needs to be activated by downloading and storing the required license.

The Activation is done in the utility eLicenser Control Center that is being installed along automatically. After entering an Activation Code, the license will be downloaded and stored either in the Soft-eLicenser - locally on hard disk - or on a connected USB-eLicenser (dongle).

The Activation via Activation Code will be automatically performed when you redeem a Download Access Code in the Steinberg Download Assistant. Download Access Code FAQ 

This tutorial video shows the Activation process by a practical example.

How do I get my Activation Code?

Activation Codes can have different sources:

• Boxed software
  If you have received your Steinberg software in a box, it includes a Download Access Code printed on a sheet (Essential Product License Information). When redeeming the Download Access Code in the Steinberg Download Assistant, an Activation Code will be automatically generated and used to download and activate your license. 
  Older boxed Steinberg software only: The Activation Code is printed on the included Essential Product License Information card.
• Software downloads
  In case you've purchased software as download from our online shop, you've received a confirmation email. Depending on the product, the mail includes the Activation Code or a Download Access Code. When redeeming the Download Access Code in the Steinberg Download Assistant, an Activation Code will be automatically generated and used to download and activate your license. 
• Reactivation
  An Activation Code will also be sent to you by email when you perform a Reactivation in your MySteinberg account.
• Legacy versions of Cubase LE, Cubase AI and WaveLab LE
  During the installation of one of these legacy products, a demo license limited in time will be created: Cubase LE 4, 5 and 6, Cubase AI 4, 5 and 6, WaveLab LE 6
  An Activation Code for a permanent license can be obtained by registering the software online in your MySteinberg account.

How to use Activation Codes

The following instructions outline the Activation - thus the download of a license by entering an Activation Code in the eLicenser Control Center - in detail.

The required actions step-by-step:

• Install your Steinberg software.
• Install the latest update if available in the Steinberg Download Assistant or on our download pages.
  Some installers allow for including updates during the installation.
• Open the eLicenser Control Center. You will find it under 'Program Files' (Windows) or 'Applications' (Mac OS X).
• Apply the 'Maintenance & Online Synchronisation' by clicking on 'Perform Maintenance Tasks' (or click on the 'Maintenance' button at the top right if not shown).

• Activation with USB-eLicenser
  In case your software requires an USB-eLicenser or if you want to use one, make sure the USB-eLicenser is connected and displayed by the eLicenser Control Center. If the USB-eLicenser appears to be missing, please click here.
• Activation with Soft-eLicenser
  If your software does not ask for an USB-eLicenser, the license will be stored in the Soft-eLicenser which will be represented by a hard disk symbol on the left side under 'eLicensers'. If the Soft-eLicenser appears to be missing, please click here.

• If the required USB-eLicenser or Soft-eLicenser is displayed, click on the green button [Enter Activation Code] at the upper left of the eLicenser Control Center.
• Enter Activation Code. Of course, you can also copy and paste the code into the input field. The Activation Code must not have been used before.
• Click on [Continue] and finally on [Download License] to complete activation.
• As soon as the license has been downloaded, it will appear in the right column of the eLicenser Control Center under 'Licenses'. Now the activation is complete. You can use your software now.
  
  If you have further unused Activation Codes, simply repeat the steps accordingly.

Further information

During the activation, licenses that are usually stored in a Soft-eLicenser on a hard disk can alternatively be stored on a connected USB-eLicenser.

Licenses that already have been stored in a Soft-eLicenser still can be transferred to a USB-eLicenser. In this way, a license can be made portable and also be made usable on computers without internet access.
Read more on transferring licenses ...

If you experience difficulties during the activation, you will find helpful information in these knowledge base articles:

USB-eLicenser help/FAQ  |  Soft-eLicenser help/FAQ

If you cannot solve an activation or license problem, please refer to our support team via the Contact page. Please describe the issue as detailed as possible and, if applicable, name the Activation Code you've tried to use.