# License Already in Use

## What This Means

This issue occurs when your license has reached its maximum number of active sites.

You cannot activate the license on additional sites until a slot is freed.

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## Common Symptoms

- activation fails with a message indicating the license is already in use  
- unable to activate on a new site  
- Pro features remain unavailable on the new site  

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## Why This Happens

Each license has a limit on how many sites it can be used on at the same time.

If all available slots are in use:

- new activations are blocked  
- existing sites remain active  

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## How to Fix It

To resolve this issue:

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### 1. Review Your License Usage

- access your Steel Security account portal  
- view the list of active sites  
- identify any sites that no longer need the license  

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### 2. Deactivate an Existing Site

- deactivate the license on an unused or old site  
- confirm the slot is freed  

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### 3. Activate on the New Site

- return to your new site  
- enter your license key  
- activate the license  

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## What to Expect After Fixing

After freeing a license slot:

- activation on the new site should succeed  
- Pro features will become available  
- your license usage will update accordingly  

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## When to Seek Help

If you believe this is incorrect:

- confirm the number of active sites  
- ensure no duplicate or unexpected activations exist  
- contact support with details  

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## Best Practices

- deactivate licenses on unused or temporary sites  
- avoid leaving licenses active on development environments  
- review your license usage regularly  

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## Related

- [License Limits & Usage](https://docs.steelwp.com/books/licensing-and-activations/page/license-limits-usage)
- [Managing Your License](https://docs.steelwp.com/books/licensing-and-activations/page/managing-your-license)
- [Deactivating a License](https://docs.steelwp.com/books/licensing-and-activations/page/deactivating-a-license)