# Activating Steel Security

## What This Covers

This guide explains how to activate Steel Security and connect your site to your account.

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## Do You Need to Activate?

Steel Security can be used without activation in its free version.

**Pro Feature:** Requires an active Steel Security license.

If you are using Steel Security Pro features, activation is required.

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## How to Activate Steel Security

1. In your WordPress admin, navigate to **Steel Security → Dashboard**  
2. Locate the **License / Activation** section  
3. Enter your Steel Security account credentials or license key  
4. Click **Activate**  

Once successful, your site will be linked to your Steel Security account.

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## What Happens During Activation

- Your site is connected to your Steel Security account  
- Pro features become available (if applicable)  
- Secure communication with the licensing system is enabled  

No changes are made to your site during activation.

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## What to Expect After Activation

- Activation status is visible in the dashboard  
- Pro features are enabled  
- The plugin will validate your license automatically  

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## Common Issues

### Activation Failed
- Verify your credentials or license key  
- Ensure your license is active  
- Confirm your site has internet access  

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### Unable to Connect to License Server
- Check outbound HTTPS connectivity  
- Review firewall or hosting restrictions  

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## What to Do Next

After activation:

1. Run your first scan  
2. Review findings  
3. Begin applying hardening  

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## Related

- [Running Your First Scan](https://docs.steelwp.com/books/getting-started/page/running-your-first-scan)
- [Licensing and Activations](https://docs.steelsecurity.com/books/licensing-and-activations)