Manual:License: Difference between revisions

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Spanish version of this article [[New_Policy_Spanish]]
{{Note|This document has been migrated to https://help.mikrotik.com/docs/display/ROS/RouterOS+license+keys}}
==== Licenses and RouterOS upgrades ====


*In regards to RouterOS upgrades, RouterOS can be Licensed with two types of keys, L3/L4, and also L5/L6
== RouterBOARD and PC license ==
*The difference between these is that L3 and L4 only allow RouterOS upgrades until the last update of the current version, plus the beta versions of the next one. L5 and L6 however, give you the ability to use one more major version
*There are also differences between all License levels (L3-L6) that are unrelated to RouterOS upgrades, see [[Software_levels]]


Examples:
RouterBOARD devices come preinstalled with a RouterOS license, if you have purchased a RouterBOARD device, nothing must be done regarding the license.


* If current version is ROS v3, L3 and L4 will work with v3.1, v3.20 and v4beta1, but NOT v4.1 and v4.20
For X86 systems (ie. PC devices), you need to obtain a license key.  
* If current version is ROS v3, L5 and L5 will work with v3.1, v3.20, v4.1, v4.20 and also v5beta1 but NOT v5.1 and v5.20
* If current version is ROS v4, L5 and L6 will work with v4.1, v4.20, v5.1, v5.20 and also v6beta1 but NOT v6.1 and v6.20


==== Change license Level ====
The license key is a block of symbols that needs to be copied from your mikrotik.com account, or from the email you received in, and then it can be pasted into the router. You can paste the key anywhere in the terminal, or by clicking "Paste key" in Winbox License menu. A reboot is required for the key to take effect.
 
RouterOS licensing scheme is based on SoftwareID number that is bound to storage media (HDD, NAND).
 
Licensing information can be read from CLI system console:
<pre>
[admin@RB1100] > /system license print
    software-id: "43NU-NLT9"
        nlevel: 6
      features:
[admin@RB1100] >
</pre>
 
[[Image:License menu.png | right]]
or from equivalent [[M:Winbox | winbox]], [[M:Webfig | webfig]] menu.
 
== CHR license ==
 
Cloud Hosted Router (CHR) licenses for virtual machines do not use Levels, please see the [[Manual:CHR#CHR_Licencing|CHR manual]] for more information
 
== License Levels ==
 
After installation RouterOS runs in '''trial mode'''. You have 24 hours to register for Level1 or purchase Level 3,4,5 or 6 and enter a valid key.
 
Level 3 is a wireless station (client or CPE) only license. ''For x86 PCs, Level3 is not available for purchase individually.
 
Level 2 was a transitional license from old legacy (pre 2.8) license format. These licenses are not available anymore, if you have this kind of license, it will work, but to upgrade it - you will have to purchase a new license.
 
The difference between license levels is shown in the table below.
 
{| border="1" class="wikitable collapsible sortable" style="text-align: left"
|  nowrap | <b>Level number</b>
|  nowrap | <b>0 (Trial mode)</b>
|  nowrap | <b>1 (Free Demo)</b>
|  nowrap | <b>3 (WISP CPE)</b>
|  nowrap | <b>4 (WISP)</b>
|  nowrap | <b>5 (WISP)</b>
|  nowrap | <b>6 (Controller)</b>
|-
| <b>Price</b>
|  style="color: blue;" | [http://www.mikrotik.com/download.html no key]
|  style="color: blue;" | [https://mikrotik.com/client/ registration required]
|  style="color: grey;" | not sold separately
|  style="color: blue;" | $45
|  style="color: blue;" | $95
|  style="color: blue;" | $250
 
|-
|  style="font-weight: bold;" | Wireless AP
| 24h trial
| -
| -
| yes
| yes
| yes
|-
|  style="font-weight: bold;" | Wireless Client and Bridge
| 24h trial
| -
| yes
| yes
| yes
| yes
|-
|  style="font-weight: bold;" | RIP, OSPF, BGP protocols
| 24h trial
| -
| yes<br />
| yes<br />
| yes<br/>
| yes
|-
|  style="font-weight: bold;" | EoIP tunnels
| 24h trial
| 1
| unlimited
| unlimited
| unlimited
| unlimited
|-
|  style="font-weight: bold;" | PPPoE tunnels
| 24h trial
| 1
| 200
| 200
| 500
| unlimited
|-
|  style="font-weight: bold;" | PPTP tunnels
| 24h trial
| 1
| 200
| 200
| 500
| unlimited
|-
|  style="font-weight: bold;" | L2TP tunnels
| 24h trial
| 1
| 200
| 200
| 500
| unlimited
|-
| style="font-weight: bold;" | OVPN tunnels
| 24h trial
| 1
| 200
| 200
| unlimited
| unlimited
|-
|  style="font-weight: bold;" | VLAN interfaces
| 24h trial
| 1
| unlimited
| unlimited
| unlimited
| unlimited
|-
|  style="font-weight: bold;" | HotSpot active users
| 24h trial
| 1
| 1
| 200
| 500
| unlimited
|-
|  style="font-weight: bold;" | RADIUS client
| 24h trial
| -
| yes
| yes
| yes
| yes
|-
|  style="font-weight: bold;" | Queues
| 24h trial
| 1
| unlimited
| unlimited
| unlimited
| unlimited
|-
|  style="font-weight: bold;" | Web proxy
| 24h trial
| -
| yes
| yes
| yes
| yes
|-
|  style="font-weight: bold;" | User manager active sessions
| 24h trial
| 1
| 10
| 20
| 50
| Unlimited
|-
|  style="font-weight: bold;" | Number of KVM guests
| none
| 1
| Unlimited
| Unlimited
| Unlimited
| Unlimited
|}
 
 
All Licenses:
 
*never expire
*can use unlimited number of interfaces
*are for one installation each
*offer unlimited software upgrades
 
== Upgrading from RouterOS v3 (2009) ==
 
[[Image:2009-05-21 1608.png|right|300px]]
 
Since RouterOS 3.25 and 4.0beta3 '''new SoftID format''' is introduced. Your license menu will show both the old and the new SoftID. Even by upgrading to a new version, RouterOS will '''still work as before''', but to use some of the new features, LICENSE UPDATE will be necessary. To do this, just click on "Update license key" button in Winbox (currently only in Winbox).
 
New SoftID's are in the form of XXXX-XXXX (Four symbols, dash, four symbols).
 
'''The following actions will be taken:'''
 
# Winbox will contact www.mikrotik.com with your old SoftID
# www.mikrotik.com will check the database and see details about your key
# the server will generate a new key as "upgrade" and put it into the same account as old one
# Winbox will receive the new key and automatically License your router with the new key
# Reboot will be required
# New RouterOS features will be unlocked
 
''Important Note!'': If you see this button also in v3.24, don't use it, it will not work.
 
If you ever wish to downgrade RouterOS, you will have to apply the OLD key before doing so. When RouterOS applies the NEW key, the OLD key is saved to a file, in the FILES folder, to make sure you have the old key handy.
 
'''Even more important''': Don't downgrade v4.0b3 to v3.23 or older. Use only v3.24 for downgrading, or you might lose your new format key.
 
== Change license Level ==


#There are no license level upgrades, if you wish to use a different license Level, please purchase the appropriate level. Be very careful when purchasing for the first time, choose the correct option.
#There are no license level upgrades, if you wish to use a different license Level, please purchase the appropriate level. Be very careful when purchasing for the first time, choose the correct option.
#Why is it not possible to change license level (ie. upgrade license)? Just like you can't easily upgrade your car's engine from 2L to 4L just by paying the difference, you can't switch license levels as easily. This is a policy used by many software companies, choose wisely when making your purchase! Instead we have lowered the prices, and removed the software update time limit.
#Why is it not possible to change license level (ie. upgrade license)? Just like you can't easily upgrade your car's engine from 2L to 4L just by paying the difference, you can't switch license levels as easily. This is a policy used by many software companies, choose wisely when making your purchase! Instead we have lowered the prices, and removed the software update time limit.
== Replacement Key ==
It is a special key which is issued by the Support Team if you accidentally lose the license on a x86 instance running RouterOS, and the Mikrotik Support decides that it is not directly your fault. It costs 10$ and has the same features as the key that you lose.
Note that before issuing such key, the Mikrotik Support can ask you to prove that the old drive is failed, in some cases, this means sending us the dead drive.
==== Replacement key request ====
'''1)''' Go to your account management in mikrotik.com and fill the "support contact form" or write a direct e-mail to support@mikrotik.com
*) Please provide detailed information about why replacement key is required
'''2)''' Send required info to MikroTik support department.
'''3)''' Re-check your account after support staff has confirmed that replacement key has been added to your account. Select the section "Make a key from replacement key"
[[File:replacement_license_1.png]]
'''4)''' Select the appropriate license level on which you wish to perform the replacement
'''5)''' Enter the new "software-ID"
'''6)''' Proceed to checkout by pressing "Add license replacement to cart" and finish the payment
[[File:replacement_license_2.png | 800px]]
'''7)''' An e-mail will be sent to your profile containing the new license.
*) You can also find the newly generated key in the section "Search and view all keys" under the folder "Purchased YYYY" where "YYYY" is the current Year
{{ Note | ''We may issue only one replacement key per one original key, using replacement key procedure twice for one key will not be possible. In cases like this new key for this RouterOS device must be purchased. Also, license can be issued only on the same account from which it was purchased. If you did purchase license from distributor or re-seller, then please contact them directly.'' }}


== Using the License ==
== Using the License ==
Line 21: Line 249:
==== Can I Format or Re-Flash the drive? ====
==== Can I Format or Re-Flash the drive? ====


Formatting, and Re-Imaging the drive with non-mikrotik tools (like DD and Fdisk) will destroy your license! Be very careful and contact mikrotik support before doing this. It is not recommended, as mikrotik support might deny your request for a replacement license.  
Formatting, and Re-Imaging the drive with non-mikrotik tools (like DD and Fdisk) will destroy your license! Be very careful and contact mikrotik support before doing this. It is not recommended, as mikrotik support might deny your request for a replacement license. For this use MikroTik provided tools Netinstall or CD-install that are freely available from our download page.


==== How many computers can I use the License on? ====
==== How many computers can I use the License on? ====


At the same time, the RouterOS license can be used only in one system. The License is bound to the HDD it is installed on, but you have the ability to move the HDD to another computer system. You cannot move the License to another HDD, neither can you format or overwrite the HDD with the RouterOS license. It will be erased from the drive, and you will have to get a new one. If you accidently removed your license, contact the support team for help.  
At the same time, the RouterOS license can be used only in one system. The License is bound to the HDD it is installed on, but you have the ability to move the HDD to another computer system. You cannot move the License to another HDD, neither can you format or overwrite the HDD with the RouterOS license. It will be erased from the drive, and you will have to get a new one. If you accidentally removed your license, contact the support team for help.  


==== Can I temporary use the HDD for something else, other than RouterOS? ====
==== Can I temporary use the HDD for something else, other than RouterOS? ====
Line 31: Line 259:
As stated above, no.  
As stated above, no.  


==== What is a Replacement Key ====
==== Can I move the license to another HDD ? ====  


It is a special key which is issued by the Support Team if you accidently lose the license, and the Mikrotik Support decides that it is not directly your fault. It costs 10$ and has the same features as the key that you lose. Note that before issuing such key, the Mikrotik Support can ask you to prove that the old drive is failed, in some cases this means sending us the dead drive.
If your current HDD drive is destroyed, or can no longer be used, it is possible to transfer the license to another HDD. You will have to request a replacement key (see below) which will cost 10$  


==== Must I type the whole key into the router? ====
==== Must I type the whole key into the router? ====


No, simply copy it and paste into the Telnet window, or License menu in Winbox.  
No, simply copy it and paste into the Telnet window, or License menu in Winbox.


==== Can I install another OS on my drive and then install RouterOS again later? ====
Copy license to Telnet Window (or Winbox New Terminal),


No, because if you use formatting or partitioning utilities, or tools that do something to the MBR, you will lose the license and you will have to make a new one. This process is not free (see Replacement Key above)
[[File:PasteLicense.png]]


==== I lost my RouterBOARD, can you give me the license to use on another system? ====
Another option to use Winbox License Window, click on '''System''' ---> '''License''',


The RouterBOARD comes with an embedded license that is free of charge. You cannot move this license to a new system in any way.
[[File:ApplyLicenseWinbox.png]]


== License Levels ==
==== Can I install another OS on my drive and then install RouterOS again later? ====


==== What Levels are there ? ====
No, because if you use formatting, partitioning utilities or tools that do something to the MBR, you will lose the license and you will have to make a new one. This process is not free (see Replacement Key above)


You can purchase a Level 4,5 and 6. Level 1 is the demo license.
==== I lost my RouterBOARD, can you give me the license to use on another system? ====
 
==== What are the Level 2 and 3 ? ====
 
Level 2 was a transitional license from old legacy license format. These licenses are not available anymore, if you have this kind of license, it will work, but to upgrade it - you will have to purchase a new license.
 
Level 3 was the basic license without wireless features, which now has been replaced with Level 4 as the lowest level. Now Level 3 is not available on the account server. Upgrading of this Level is not possible, a new purchase is necessary if you wish to get a higher level with wireless AP. Since the policy change we have removed Level3 from the account server, and it is available as a bulk-only purchase. It does have wireless client now if you happen to have it.
 
Level 3 can only be obtained in large quantities. If you need a wireless-client-only license, you can get these if you need more than 100 at once.


==== Why is there no Level3 anymore? ====
The RouterBOARD comes with an embedded license. You cannot move this license to a new system in any way, this includes upgrades applied to the RouterBOARD while it was still working.
 
We significantly lowered the Software prices, and the Wireless-AP enabled license now costs 45$ list price. It replaces the Level3 as the cheapest available license. Level3 is not available on the account server now (except for special request bulk purchase, contact sales for this). See above for description of the Level3


==== Licenses Purchased from Resellers ====
==== Licenses Purchased from Resellers ====


The keys that you purchase from other vendors and resellers, are not in your account. Your mikrotik.com account only contains licenses purchased from MikroTik directly.
The keys that you purchase from other vendors and resellers, are not in your account. Your mikrotik.com account only contains licenses purchased from MikroTik directly. However, you can use the "Request key" link in your account, to get the key into your account for reference, or for some upgrades (if available).


== Obtaining Licenses and working with them ==
== Obtaining Licenses and working with them ==


==== Where can I buy/upgrade a RouterOS license key? ====
==== Where can I buy a RouterOS license key? ====


In the [[Account Server]], which is located on www.mikrotik.com
You must register an [https://www.mikrotik.com/client account on our webpage], and in there, use the option "Purchase a RouterOS license key".


==== If I have purchased my key elsewhere, and now want to upgrade it? ====
==== If I have purchased my key elsewhere ====


You must contact the company who sold you the license, they will provide support and upgrades.
You must contact the company who sold you the license, they will provide support


==== If I have a license and want to put it on another account? ====
==== If I have a license and want to put it on another account? ====


You can give access to keys with the help of [[Virtual Folders]]
You can give access to keys with the help of [[Virtual Folders]]
==== If I have lost a license on my RouterBOARD? ====
If for some reason you have lost license from your RouterBOARD, then upgrade router to the latest RouterOS version available and use "Request key from another account" in your mikrotik.com account. Use soft-id and serial number available under System/License menu in RouterOS when requesting license. Apply received license or contact support@mikrotik.com if request feature do not work.
[[Category:Manual|L]]
[[Category:Basic|L]]
[[Category:License|L]]

Latest revision as of 10:56, 3 August 2021


RouterBOARD and PC license

RouterBOARD devices come preinstalled with a RouterOS license, if you have purchased a RouterBOARD device, nothing must be done regarding the license.

For X86 systems (ie. PC devices), you need to obtain a license key.

The license key is a block of symbols that needs to be copied from your mikrotik.com account, or from the email you received in, and then it can be pasted into the router. You can paste the key anywhere in the terminal, or by clicking "Paste key" in Winbox License menu. A reboot is required for the key to take effect.

RouterOS licensing scheme is based on SoftwareID number that is bound to storage media (HDD, NAND).

Licensing information can be read from CLI system console: 

[admin@RB1100] > /system license print 
    software-id: "43NU-NLT9"
         nlevel: 6
       features: 
[admin@RB1100] >

or from equivalent winbox, webfig menu.

CHR license

Cloud Hosted Router (CHR) licenses for virtual machines do not use Levels, please see the CHR manual for more information

License Levels

After installation RouterOS runs in trial mode. You have 24 hours to register for Level1 or purchase Level 3,4,5 or 6 and enter a valid key.

Level 3 is a wireless station (client or CPE) only license. For x86 PCs, Level3 is not available for purchase individually.

Level 2 was a transitional license from old legacy (pre 2.8) license format. These licenses are not available anymore, if you have this kind of license, it will work, but to upgrade it - you will have to purchase a new license.

The difference between license levels is shown in the table below.

Level number 0 (Trial mode) 1 (Free Demo) 3 (WISP CPE) 4 (WISP) 5 (WISP) 6 (Controller)
Price no key registration required not sold separately $45 $95 $250
Wireless AP 24h trial - - yes yes yes
Wireless Client and Bridge 24h trial - yes yes yes yes
RIP, OSPF, BGP protocols 24h trial - yes
 yes
 yes
 yes
EoIP tunnels 24h trial 1 unlimited unlimited unlimited unlimited
PPPoE tunnels 24h trial 1 200 200 500 unlimited
PPTP tunnels 24h trial 1 200 200 500 unlimited
L2TP tunnels 24h trial 1 200 200 500 unlimited
OVPN tunnels 24h trial 1 200 200 unlimited unlimited
VLAN interfaces 24h trial 1 unlimited unlimited unlimited unlimited
HotSpot active users 24h trial 1 1 200 500 unlimited
RADIUS client 24h trial - yes yes yes yes
Queues 24h trial 1 unlimited unlimited unlimited unlimited
Web proxy 24h trial - yes yes yes yes
User manager active sessions 24h trial 1 10 20 50 Unlimited
Number of KVM guests none 1 Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited


All Licenses:

  • never expire
  • can use unlimited number of interfaces
  • are for one installation each
  • offer unlimited software upgrades

Upgrading from RouterOS v3 (2009)

Since RouterOS 3.25 and 4.0beta3 new SoftID format is introduced. Your license menu will show both the old and the new SoftID. Even by upgrading to a new version, RouterOS will still work as before, but to use some of the new features, LICENSE UPDATE will be necessary. To do this, just click on "Update license key" button in Winbox (currently only in Winbox).

New SoftID's are in the form of XXXX-XXXX (Four symbols, dash, four symbols).

The following actions will be taken:

  1. Winbox will contact www.mikrotik.com with your old SoftID
  2. www.mikrotik.com will check the database and see details about your key
  3. the server will generate a new key as "upgrade" and put it into the same account as old one
  4. Winbox will receive the new key and automatically License your router with the new key
  5. Reboot will be required
  6. New RouterOS features will be unlocked

Important Note!: If you see this button also in v3.24, don't use it, it will not work.

If you ever wish to downgrade RouterOS, you will have to apply the OLD key before doing so. When RouterOS applies the NEW key, the OLD key is saved to a file, in the FILES folder, to make sure you have the old key handy.

Even more important: Don't downgrade v4.0b3 to v3.23 or older. Use only v3.24 for downgrading, or you might lose your new format key.

Change license Level

  1. There are no license level upgrades, if you wish to use a different license Level, please purchase the appropriate level. Be very careful when purchasing for the first time, choose the correct option.
  2. Why is it not possible to change license level (ie. upgrade license)? Just like you can't easily upgrade your car's engine from 2L to 4L just by paying the difference, you can't switch license levels as easily. This is a policy used by many software companies, choose wisely when making your purchase! Instead we have lowered the prices, and removed the software update time limit.

Replacement Key

It is a special key which is issued by the Support Team if you accidentally lose the license on a x86 instance running RouterOS, and the Mikrotik Support decides that it is not directly your fault. It costs 10$ and has the same features as the key that you lose.

Note that before issuing such key, the Mikrotik Support can ask you to prove that the old drive is failed, in some cases, this means sending us the dead drive.

Replacement key request

1) Go to your account management in mikrotik.com and fill the "support contact form" or write a direct e-mail to support@mikrotik.com

  • ) Please provide detailed information about why replacement key is required

2) Send required info to MikroTik support department.

3) Re-check your account after support staff has confirmed that replacement key has been added to your account. Select the section "Make a key from replacement key"

4) Select the appropriate license level on which you wish to perform the replacement

5) Enter the new "software-ID"

6) Proceed to checkout by pressing "Add license replacement to cart" and finish the payment

7) An e-mail will be sent to your profile containing the new license.

  • ) You can also find the newly generated key in the section "Search and view all keys" under the folder "Purchased YYYY" where "YYYY" is the current Year


Note: We may issue only one replacement key per one original key, using replacement key procedure twice for one key will not be possible. In cases like this new key for this RouterOS device must be purchased. Also, license can be issued only on the same account from which it was purchased. If you did purchase license from distributor or re-seller, then please contact them directly.


Using the License

Can I Format or Re-Flash the drive?

Formatting, and Re-Imaging the drive with non-mikrotik tools (like DD and Fdisk) will destroy your license! Be very careful and contact mikrotik support before doing this. It is not recommended, as mikrotik support might deny your request for a replacement license. For this use MikroTik provided tools Netinstall or CD-install that are freely available from our download page.

How many computers can I use the License on?

At the same time, the RouterOS license can be used only in one system. The License is bound to the HDD it is installed on, but you have the ability to move the HDD to another computer system. You cannot move the License to another HDD, neither can you format or overwrite the HDD with the RouterOS license. It will be erased from the drive, and you will have to get a new one. If you accidentally removed your license, contact the support team for help.

Can I temporary use the HDD for something else, other than RouterOS?

As stated above, no.

Can I move the license to another HDD ?

If your current HDD drive is destroyed, or can no longer be used, it is possible to transfer the license to another HDD. You will have to request a replacement key (see below) which will cost 10$

Must I type the whole key into the router?

No, simply copy it and paste into the Telnet window, or License menu in Winbox.

Copy license to Telnet Window (or Winbox New Terminal),

Another option to use Winbox License Window, click on System ---> License,

Can I install another OS on my drive and then install RouterOS again later?

No, because if you use formatting, partitioning utilities or tools that do something to the MBR, you will lose the license and you will have to make a new one. This process is not free (see Replacement Key above)

I lost my RouterBOARD, can you give me the license to use on another system?

The RouterBOARD comes with an embedded license. You cannot move this license to a new system in any way, this includes upgrades applied to the RouterBOARD while it was still working.

Licenses Purchased from Resellers

The keys that you purchase from other vendors and resellers, are not in your account. Your mikrotik.com account only contains licenses purchased from MikroTik directly. However, you can use the "Request key" link in your account, to get the key into your account for reference, or for some upgrades (if available).

Obtaining Licenses and working with them

Where can I buy a RouterOS license key?

You must register an account on our webpage, and in there, use the option "Purchase a RouterOS license key".

If I have purchased my key elsewhere

You must contact the company who sold you the license, they will provide support

If I have a license and want to put it on another account?

You can give access to keys with the help of Virtual Folders

If I have lost a license on my RouterBOARD?

If for some reason you have lost license from your RouterBOARD, then upgrade router to the latest RouterOS version available and use "Request key from another account" in your mikrotik.com account. Use soft-id and serial number available under System/License menu in RouterOS when requesting license. Apply received license or contact support@mikrotik.com if request feature do not work.

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