---
title: Activating the License
slug: zixi-broadcaster-v18/activating-the-license
docTags: 
createdAt: 2024-12-25T19:35:23.460Z
---

Activation of the licenses is performed in the relevant web-based management UI. For all Zixi products (Broadcaster and ZEC), the installation can be done online using a *License Key.*

:::hint{type="info"}
To activate Zixi license online, ensure connection to URL: license.zixi.com (for versions 15 and under) and license2.zixi.com (for v16+) via TCP port 80. Please contact Zixi Support at [support@zixi.](mailto\:support@zixi.com)
:::

:::hint{type="warning"}
Metered broadcaster licenses are required to check in with the Zixi license server every 72 hours for the license to remain active. Broadcasters offline for more than 72 hours will require re-activation of the license. (Note: in these cases the re-activation will not use a new activation.)
:::

*IP Address or NIC changes can prompt the license server to recognize the machine as a new machine and in some cases can require a license re-activation.  Note: Public IP Addresses can change and will NOT affect the license.*

When logging in to a Zixi Broadcaster or ZEC for the first time, you must activate the Zixi license.

# Logging in to Zixi Broadcaster/ZEC

**To log in to Zixi Broadcaster/ZEC:**

1. In your web browser, navigate to [http://localhost:4444](http://localhost:4444/).
   A user authentication window opens.
2. In the **User Name** field, enter '**admin'**.
3. In the **Password** field, enter '**1234**'.
4. Click **OK**.
   The Broadcaster/ZEC UI opens on the **Status** page. After logging in to a Zixi Broadcaster/ZEC for the first time, you must activate the Zixi license as described in the following section.

# Online Activation (License Key) for Broadcaster/ZEC

The following procedure requires connectivity to the Internet. If you are not able to connect, you can activate the Broadcaster/ZEC using the procedure described in [Offline Activation (License File) for Broadcaster/ZEC](docId\:alqqpMjek2KxFjzeL2ptY)  

**To Activate the License online using a License Key:**

::::WorkflowBlock
:::WorkflowBlockItem
In the **Status** page of the Zixi Broadcaster/ZEC UI, click **Options** in the menu bar.
The drop-down menu is displayed.

::Image[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/mzxtTQEvCNIdUNgF2kuwJ/4Lyr23ikl7vGFFxgWGgNK_image.png" size="48" width="286" height="174" position="center" showCaption="false"}
:::

:::WorkflowBlockItem
Click **Activate License**.
The **Activate License** window appears.

::Image[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/mzxtTQEvCNIdUNgF2kuwJ/ilzSNjA_g5bE8E4t6LBn5_image.png" size="38" width="259" height="189" position="center" showCaption="false"}
:::

:::WorkflowBlockItem
In the **Key** field, enter your Activation Key.
:::

:::WorkflowBlockItem
Click **Activate**.
The Zixi Broadcaster/ZEC is enabled.
:::
::::

# Offline Activation (License File) for Broadcaster/ZEC

If you want to activate your license without an internet connection, you can upload a License File. To obtain a license file, please contact *Zixi Support* at [support@zixi.com](mailto\:support@zixi.com). 

**To Load the License File:**

::::WorkflowBlock
:::WorkflowBlockItem
In the **Status** page of the Zixi Broadcaster/ZEC UI, click **Options** in the menu bar.
The drop-down menu is displayed.

::Image[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/amUtKWPrNQCS-26DKyGuI-2-Xy2pLO0el78oIm0bDJx-20250227-194343.png" size="46" width="664" height="322" position="center" alt="upload license" showCaption="false"}
:::

:::WorkflowBlockItem
Click **Load License**.
The directory of the local drive opens.
:::

:::WorkflowBlockItem
Navigate to the License File and click **Open**.
A prompt window instructs you to Reload the license to activate the license.
:::

:::WorkflowBlockItem
Click again on **Options** and select **Reload Licenses** from the dropdown menu.
The Zixi Broadcaster/ZEC is enabled.
:::
::::