> ## 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 extension licensing issues

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

Extension 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 extension, then re-entering your API key.

## What You'll Learn

* Fix extension license activation failures
* Resolve missing extension updates
* Troubleshoot extension update failures

## Prerequisites

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

***

## Extension License Activation Fails

If your API key doesn't activate an extension:

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

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

  <Step title="Deactivate the extension">
    Click **Deactivate** under the extension.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Reactivate the extension">
    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                                                 |

***

## Extension Updates Not Detected

Extensions 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 extensions show as activated.
  </Step>

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

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

  <Step title="Reactivate the extension">
    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 extension, and click the **Check for Updates Now** link in the extension description.
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## Extension Update Fails

If an extension shows an available update but won't install:

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

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

  <Step title="Refresh update check">
    Click the **Check for Updates Now** link in the extension description.
  </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 extension 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

* [ ] Extension is installed and activated as a plugin
* [ ] API key entered on MainWP > Add-ons page
* [ ] Extension 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 extensions
* [Resolve System Requirements](/troubleshooting/resolve-system-requirement-issues) - Server configuration issues