# 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.

Canonical: https://www.notchstar.com/help/notchstar-license-key-not-working/
Last updated: 2026-11-04

Published 2026-11-04.

If your NotchStar license key does not work, the message under the License box tells you why. There are four messages, and each has a different fix.

## "That key isn't valid"

The key was not found. Copy it again from the purchase email and paste it whole. Leading and trailing spaces are removed for you, but a missing character or a letter swapped for a similar one is not caught. If it still fails, write to hello@notchstar.com with the email you bought with.

## "This key is already active on 3 Macs"

The limit is reached. Press **Deactivate this Mac** in Settings, License on a Mac you no longer use, then try again. See [one license on 3 Macs](https://www.notchstar.com/help/notchstar-license-3-macs/) and [deactivating a Mac](https://www.notchstar.com/help/deactivate-notchstar-mac/).

## "Couldn't reach the license server"

Your Mac could not connect. Check your internet connection and try again. Activation is the one step that needs a network. Afterwards the app works offline.

## "The license server had a problem (code N)"

The server answered with an error. Wait a moment and try again. If it repeats, send the code in an email.

## "This license is no longer active"

The server said the key is no longer valid, for example after a refund. See [the refund page](https://www.notchstar.com/help/notchstar-refund/). If that looks wrong, write to hello@notchstar.com.

## Still stuck

Include your macOS version and Mac model, as described in [reporting a bug](https://www.notchstar.com/help/report-a-notchstar-bug/). The trial and the tools are explained in the [quick notes feature](https://www.notchstar.com/features/quick-notes/), which keeps working while you sort it out.

## Quick answers.

### Do I need internet to activate?

Yes. Activation contacts the license server once. Afterwards NotchStar works offline.

## 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.
- [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.
- [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.

## 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.
- [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.
- [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.