# Activating Your License

## What This Does

Activating your license enables Pro features in Steel Security.

A valid license key is required to unlock these features.

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## Before You Start

Ensure that:

- you have a valid Steel Security license key  
- the Steel Security plugin is installed and activated  
- your site can connect to external services  

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## How to Activate Your License

1. Navigate to the Steel Security plugin in your WordPress admin  
2. Locate the license or activation section  
3. Enter your license key  
4. Click the activate button  

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## What Happens After Activation

After activating your license:

- your site connects to the Steel Security licensing system  
- your license is validated  
- Pro features become available  

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## How to Confirm Activation

You can confirm successful activation by:

- seeing a confirmation message in the plugin  
- observing that Pro features are enabled  
- verifying that your license status is active  

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## Common Issues

### Invalid License Key

- ensure the key is entered correctly  
- check for extra spaces or formatting issues  

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### Unable to Connect

- verify your site has internet access  
- check firewall or hosting restrictions  
- ensure outgoing requests are allowed  

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### License Limit Reached

- your license may already be in use on other sites  
- review your license usage and adjust if needed  

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## What to Do Next

- begin using Pro features  
- review available hardening controls  
- configure protections as needed  

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## Related

- [Licensing Overview](https://docs.steelwp.com/books/licensing-and-activations/page/licensing-overview)
- [Deactivating a License](https://docs.steelwp.com/books/licensing-and-activations/page/deactivating-a-license)
- [License Not Activating](https://docs.steelwp.com/books/licensing-and-activations/page/license-not-activating)