Lemon Squeezy License Key Not Working

How to fix it

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

1. 1. Free an activation

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   1. Deactivate an old instance via the License API with the key and instance_id
   2. Or raise the activation limit in the product settings
   Did this fix it? Yes No

2. 2. Use the right call order

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   1. Keys with a limit: activate first, then validate with instance_id
   2. Keys without a limit: validate with just the key
   Did this fix it? Yes No

3. 3. Check the request

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   1. POST over HTTPS to api.lemonsqueezy.com
   2. Send Accept: application/json
   3. Read the raw response body for the error
   Did this fix it? Yes No

Symptoms

Validation or activation returns an error such as 'This license key has reached the activation limit'.

Why it happens

• Activation limit reached
• Key never activated or wrong instance_id
• Missing Accept: application/json header
• Key disabled or expired after refund or subscription end

This guide also covers

• lemon squeezy license key not working
• lemon squeezy license key activation limit
• lemon squeezy validate license key

The same problem in other apps

All login, account & activation guides →

• Paddle Account Verification and Domain Approval Rejected (Paddle)
• Gumroad Login Code Not Received (Gumroad)

Other Lemon Squeezy errors

• Lemon Squeezy Charge on My Card: What Is LEMSQZY* STORE?
• Lemon Squeezy Refund Request: How to Get a Refund
• How to Cancel a Lemon Squeezy Subscription
• Lemon Squeezy Store Not Approved or Pending
• Lemon Squeezy Identity Verification Not Working
• Lemon Squeezy Payout Delayed or Not Received
• Lemon Squeezy Webhook Not Working
• Lemon Squeezy Account Suspended or Store Paused