Key takeaways

• iLok is a licensing system that stores your software licenses and verifies them when you launch your plug-ins/DAW
• iLok License Manager is a free app to redeem codes, view, move, and deactivate licenses in your iLok account
• To create an iLok account, go to ilok.com, select Create Account, use your purchase email, and verify it

What is an iLok?

iLok is a licensing system used by many audio software makers to authorise and activate your software licenses, and to make sure only authorised users run their software. Think of a license as a digital key. iLok stores these keys and checks them when you open a plugin or your DAW and when a valid license is present, the software will launch.

There are three ways to authorise:

• iLok USB (additional purchase necessary): A USB dongle that holds your licenses. Plug it into any compatible computer and your software is ready to go. Ideal if you move between studios or machines.
• Machine-ID: Activate your license directly on your computer’s hard drive. Once authorised you can use the software offline.
• iLok Cloud: Stores licenses directly in your iLok account and validates over the internet. No hardware or local activation necessary, but an internet connection is required to use.

Software protected by iLok won’t open until it finds a license on a USB key, in an active Cloud session, or on your machine. You’ll manage everything in the free iLok License Manager app, which lets you view, move, and activate licenses securely between your account and devices.

What is the iLok License Manager?

iLok License Manager is a free desktop app that lets you see and control every license in your iLok account. You’ll use it to redeem license codes, activate products, move activations, and deactivate ones you no longer need on a device.

Inside your account, you’ll see a clear breakdown: Available licenses ready to activate, Unavailable ones you can’t use right now, and any that have expired or transferred to another account. You can also browse All Licenses, and Hide items you don’t want cluttering your list.

Activating is simple: drag and drop a license to where you want it – an iLok USB, your or an iLok Cloud session. Double-clicking a license shows useful details like the deposit date, how many activations you’ve got left for other machines, and the expiry date if it’s time-limited.

Need to move things around? You can transfer licenses between multiple iLok USBs, shuffle them between studio machines, or even transfer a license to a different user. It’s the control centre for keeping your authorisations organised.

How to create an iLok account

1. To create an iLok account, you’ll need to visit the iLok website and navigate to the Create Free Account page.
2. Fill in the form provided, making sure to enter all details correctly. Take note of your username, password, and email, as the username and password are case sensitive and will be needed to log into your iLok License Manager. (When registering products, if the username is entered incorrectly without the correct case-sensitive information, your iLok licenses may be sent to another account.)
3. You will receive a verification email from iLok to the email address entered in the form. Open the email and click on the Activation Link provided.
4. Congratulations! You have created your iLok account and can now sign into the iLok License Manager app.

How to download and install the iLok License Manager

Windows:

1. Head to the iLok website and navigate to the iLok License Manager page.
2. Select the Windows 64-bit (Windows 7 or above) download file to download the product installer.
3. When the file has downloaded, open your Downloads folder and open the file.
4. Extract the downloaded files by right-clicking the .zip file, selecting Extract All, selecting the location you want the files to extract to, and then clicking Extract.
5. After extracting, open the folder and double-click the installer and follow the on-screen instructions. After installation, you can now launch the iLok License Manager.

Mac:

1. Head to the iLok website and navigate to the iLok License Manager page.
2. Select the macOS 10.12 (Sierra) or above download file to download the product installer.
3. When the file has downloaded, open your Downloads folder and open the file.
4. Extract the downloaded files by right-clicking the .zip file and selecting
5. After decompressing, double-click the .dmg file and then double-click the .pkg installer file and follow the on-screen instructions. After installation, you can launch the iLok License Manager.

How to register the iLok USB dongle

If you’ve purchased the iLok USB dongle or your software requires the dongle for registration, you will need to register your USB dongle to your iLok account via the License Manager.

Please Note: iLok USB dongles must always be connected to use your software licenses.

1. Launch the iLok License Manager and sign in with your iLok account
2. Connect your iLok USB dongle, and when prompted in the iLok License Manager app, click Yes to register to the account you have signed in with
3. Right-click the iLok icon in the top left corner to rename the physical iLok device to suit your needs.

Software troubleshooting tips

New iLok license not detected

1. Quit your DAW and the iLok License Manager.
2. Unplug and firmly reinsert the iLok USB. Try another USB port.
3. Open iLok License Manager and select View > Refresh.
4. Check the license lives in a valid location (USB, Machine, or Cloud).
5. Update your application by selecting Help > Check for Application Updates. Update if available.
6. If the license still isn’t seen, the location you have activated via your iLok Account on their website.

Do I need an iLok dongle for all licenses?

1. Check the manufacturer or Gear4music’s listing to see allowed activation types for your software.
2. If a USB isn’t required, choose Machine or Cloud in iLok License Manager.
3. If a USB is required, connect your iLok Dongle and keep it connected when using the software.

Missing license from my License Manager

1. Log in at iLok.com and go to My Licenses.
2. If the license isn’t listed, redeem your code again in License Manager > Licenses > Redeem Activation Code.
3. If it’s listed online but not in the app, sign out and sign back in to your License Manager.
4. Still missing? Contact the software developer with your iLok ID and proof of purchase.

iLok License Manager not working correctly

1. Save work and close audio apps.
2. Uninstall the currently installed iLok License Manager.
3. Download and install the latest version from iLok’s website.
4. Reboot your workstation, then sign in and verify your licenses/activations.

USB dongle not found/no licenses visible

1. Plug the iLok directly into a USB 2.0/3.0 port and do not use a USB hub or dock.
2. Open License Manager, then unplug/replug the dongle.
3. When it appears, right-click the iLok and choose Synchronize.

FAQs

How does an iLok work?

iLok works by storing a unique digital license that activates your software and prevents unauthorised use. The license can reside on an iLok USB, your computer (Machine-ID), or in the iLok Cloud. Only one location can hold the license at a time.

Does iLok work without internet?

iLok works without internet when using Machine-ID activation, as the license is stored locally on your computer. Once activated, it doesn’t require an internet connection to run. Using Cloud activation, however, requires a constant internet connection.

Do I have to pay to use iLok?

You do not need to pay to use iLok when using Machine-ID or iLok Cloud activation. Both methods are free to set up a standard iLok account. Only the physical iLok USB dongle requires purchase if you want portable license storage to use across different machines.

Final thoughts

By now, iLok shouldn’t feel mysterious. You’ve seen what an iLok is, how the License Manager organises and activates licenses, and the three ways to authorise: USB, Machine, and Cloud. You know how to create an account, install the app, register a dongle, and move licenses when needed. And if things go wrong, you’ve got troubleshooting steps. Keep this guide handy, and you’ll stay licensed and ready to make music.