# Can you use one NotchStar license on 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.

Canonical: https://www.notchstar.com/help/notchstar-license-3-macs/
Last updated: 2026-11-04

Published 2026-11-04.

Yes. One NotchStar license works on up to 3 of your own Macs. You pay $4 once, with no subscription, and the license does not expire. Prices as of 4 November 2026.

## How the 3 Macs are counted

Each time you press Activate on a Mac, Dodo Payments records that Mac as one activation. The key allows 3 at the same time. The Mac is identified by the name it has in System Settings, such as "Sam's MacBook Pro".

## Activate a second or third Mac

1. Install NotchStar on the other Mac. See [install from the disk image](https://www.notchstar.com/help/install-notchstar-from-dmg/).
2. Open Settings, License.
3. Paste the same key and press Activate.

## The fourth Mac

A fourth activation is refused with the message "This key is already active on 3 Macs. Deactivate one of them in its Settings, then try again." Open Settings on a Mac you no longer use and press **Deactivate this Mac**. Then try again on the new one. If the old Mac is gone, write to hello@notchstar.com. See [deactivating a Mac](https://www.notchstar.com/help/deactivate-notchstar-mac/).

## Limits

The terms say the license is for your own Macs. The trial is separate on each Mac and starts at that Mac's first launch.

Using the same key on a new computer is covered in [moving to a new Mac](https://www.notchstar.com/help/move-notchstar-to-new-mac/). The [clipboard tool](https://www.notchstar.com/features/clipboard/) behaves the same on each Mac, and its history is not shared between them.

## Quick answers.

### Does the license work on Macs of family members?

The terms describe the license as for up to 3 of your own Macs.

### Is the history shared between my Macs?

No. Nothing syncs between Macs.

## Keep reading.

- [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.
- [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.
- [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.
- [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.

- [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.
- [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.