# How to activate your NotchStar license key

> Buy NotchStar, then paste the key in Settings, License and press Activate. One key works on up to 3 of your Macs. Prices as of 4 November 2026.

Canonical: https://www.notchstar.com/help/activate-notchstar-license-key/
Last updated: 2026-11-04

Published 2026-11-04.

To activate NotchStar, open Settings, go to the License tab, paste your key into the License key box and press Activate. The status then reads Licensed. NotchStar costs $4 once, and one key works on up to 3 of your Macs. Prices as of 4 November 2026.

## Steps

1. Buy a key from the [pricing page](https://www.notchstar.com/pricing/). The key arrives from Dodo Payments, the merchant of record.
2. Click the star in the menu bar and choose **Settings**. You can also use the gear in the notch header.
3. Open the **License** tab.
4. Paste the key into **License key**. Spaces around it are removed for you.
5. Press **Activate**. Return also works.

If the trial has ended, the notch shows an **I have a key** button that opens this same tab.

## What activation sends

Activation sends your key and your Mac's name, for example "Sam's MacBook Pro", to Dodo Payments so it can count your devices. That is the only reason the name is sent. It is described in the [what NotchStar sends page](https://www.notchstar.com/help/what-notchstar-sends/).

## After you activate

The License tab shows the email the key belongs to and a **Deactivate this Mac** button. The license does not expire and keeps working offline. About once a week NotchStar quietly checks that the key is still valid, as explained in [offline use](https://www.notchstar.com/help/notchstar-offline-license/).

If the key is refused, read [license key not working](https://www.notchstar.com/help/notchstar-license-key-not-working/). Every tool, such as the [clipboard](https://www.notchstar.com/features/clipboard/), works the same during the trial and after activation.

## Quick answers.

### Where do I find my license key?

It comes from Dodo Payments after you buy, by email. If you cannot find it, write to hello@notchstar.com.

## Keep reading.

- [Can you use one NotchStar license on 3 Macs](https://www.notchstar.com/help/notchstar-license-3-macs/): One NotchStar license works on up to 3 of your own Macs for $4 once. Use the same key on each and free a slot by deactivating. Prices as of 4 November 2026.
- [NotchStar license key not working](https://www.notchstar.com/help/notchstar-license-key-not-working/): If NotchStar says a key is not valid, already on 3 Macs, or cannot reach the server, here is what each message means and what to do.
- [What happens when the NotchStar trial ends](https://www.notchstar.com/help/notchstar-trial-ends-what-happens/): After 7 days the tool area shows a buy prompt. Your notes, clipboard and settings are not deleted or hidden. Enter a key and the tools return.
- [Clipboard history that lives in your notch](https://www.notchstar.com/features/clipboard/): Searchable clipboard history in the Mac notch: text, links, images and files. Skips password manager copies. Click any item to copy it again.

## More in Licence and billing.

- [What happens when the NotchStar trial ends](https://www.notchstar.com/help/notchstar-trial-ends-what-happens/): After 7 days the tool area shows a buy prompt. Your notes, clipboard and settings are not deleted or hidden. Enter a key and the tools return.
- [How to get a NotchStar refund](https://www.notchstar.com/help/notchstar-refund/): Email hello@notchstar.com within 7 days of buying NotchStar and you get a refund. Payments go through Dodo Payments. Prices as of 4 November 2026.
- [Can you use one NotchStar license on 3 Macs](https://www.notchstar.com/help/notchstar-license-3-macs/): One NotchStar license works on up to 3 of your own Macs for $4 once. Use the same key on each and free a slot by deactivating. Prices as of 4 November 2026.
- [How to deactivate NotchStar on a Mac](https://www.notchstar.com/help/deactivate-notchstar-mac/): Open Settings, License and press Deactivate this Mac. That frees one of your 3 activations so the same key can go on another Mac.
- [NotchStar license key not working](https://www.notchstar.com/help/notchstar-license-key-not-working/): If NotchStar says a key is not valid, already on 3 Macs, or cannot reach the server, here is what each message means and what to do.
- [Does NotchStar work offline and what is the weekly check](https://www.notchstar.com/help/notchstar-offline-license/): NotchStar works offline. A licensed copy checks quietly about once a week, and being offline never revokes the license. Only an explicit refusal can.