DaVinci Resolve Studio License Activation and Transfer

How to fix it

Try these in order — the most common fix is first.

1. 1. Deactivate on the old machine

   Copy steps
   1. While Resolve still runs: Help > Deactivate License
   2. Enter the same key on the new computer
   Did this fix it? Yes No

2. 2. Re-enter the key after reinstall

   1. Install Studio, then enter the activation key when prompted
   Did this fix it? Yes No

3. 3. Keep key and serial

   1. Blackmagic support asks for the activation key and serial number
   Did this fix it? Yes No

4. 4. Dongle licenses

   1. Keep the USB dongle plugged in; no internet required
   Did this fix it? Yes No

Symptoms

Studio shows as the free version after a reinstall, or you cannot activate on a new computer.

Why it happens

• Key already used on other machines
• Reinstall without deactivating first
• App Store license (cannot be converted to a key)
• Dongle not plugged in

This guide also covers

• davinci resolve studio activation
• davinci resolve studio license transfer
• davinci resolve studio two computers

The same problem in other apps

All login, account & activation guides →

• CapCut Login Failed (Retry After 24h) (CapCut)

Other DaVinci Resolve errors

• DaVinci Resolve "GPU Memory Is Full" Error
• DaVinci Resolve Media Offline Error
• DaVinci Resolve Crashing on Startup
• DaVinci Resolve Playback Choppy or Laggy
• DaVinci Resolve Render Job Failed Error
• DaVinci Resolve No Audio on Linux (AAC Codec)
• DaVinci Resolve "Unsupported GPU Processing Mode" Error
• DaVinci Resolve Keeps Crashing or Freezing