# How to deactivate NotchStar on a 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. Canonical: https://www.notchstar.com/help/deactivate-notchstar-mac/ Last updated: 2026-11-04 Published 2026-11-04. To deactivate NotchStar on a Mac, open Settings, go to the License tab and press **Deactivate this Mac**. That frees one of your 3 activations, so the same key can be used on another Mac. ## Steps 1. Click the star in the menu bar, choose **Settings** and open the **License** tab. 2. Press **Deactivate this Mac**. The button only shows when the Mac is licensed. 3. The status changes from Licensed to the activate form. ## If you are offline The license is always removed from this Mac, even with no connection, so you are never stuck. The request that frees the slot at the license server is sent at the same time. If you were offline, that request may not reach it, and the slot can stay in use. Reconnect and check by activating on the other Mac. If it reports 3 Macs, write to hello@notchstar.com. ## What it does not do Deactivating does not delete your notes, settings or the app. On the deactivated Mac the 7 day trial has already been used, so it shows the buy prompt from [the trial end page](https://www.notchstar.com/help/notchstar-trial-ends-what-happens/). ## When to do it - Before you uninstall or sell a Mac. See [uninstall NotchStar](https://www.notchstar.com/help/uninstall-notchstar/). - Before moving to a new Mac, as in [moving to a new Mac](https://www.notchstar.com/help/move-notchstar-to-new-mac/). - When you reach the limit explained in [one license on 3 Macs](https://www.notchstar.com/help/notchstar-license-3-macs/). [Quick Notes](https://www.notchstar.com/features/quick-notes/) stay on the Mac where you wrote them. ## Quick answers. ### Does deactivating refund me? No. It only frees an activation slot. Refunds are by email within 7 days. ## 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. - [How to move NotchStar to a new Mac](https://www.notchstar.com/help/move-notchstar-to-new-mac/): Deactivate the old Mac, install NotchStar on the new one and activate with the same key. Clipboard and shelf do not move, there is no sync or export. - [How to uninstall NotchStar from your Mac](https://www.notchstar.com/help/uninstall-notchstar/): Quit NotchStar, deactivate the license if you want the slot back, switch off launch at login and drag the app to the Trash. - [A scratchpad that is always one hover away](https://www.notchstar.com/features/quick-notes/): A plain text scratchpad in the notch that saves as you type. Jot down a number, a name or a to do without opening another app. ## More in Licence and billing. - [How to activate your NotchStar license key](https://www.notchstar.com/help/activate-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. - [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. - [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.