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I see the message 'Your license is already active on two devices. Go to Unity ID to manage seats' when opening the Unity Hub. What does this mean?

Updated

This warning arises from conflicts between Unity's Named User Licenses (NUL) and serial-based licenses, as both can count as separate activations on the same machine. Unity licenses allow two active machines, but dual activation causes issues. To resolve, return current activations, sign out of Unity Hub, delete the license file, and sign back in for automatic reactivation. Serial keys remain for offline or automated scenarios. For further help, contact Unity support with your log file.

 

Cause:

This warning is caused by a conflict between Unity's licensing systems (Named User Licenses vs Serial-based licenses) and your current activations. All Unity licenses support two active machines at the same time, however if a machine has both a serial key activation and the automatic NUL activation, our system can count it as two separate activations on the same machine, causing the conflict.

Named User Licenses (NUL):

  • Typically used with Unity Pro, Industry and Enterprise plans. This is linked directly to your Unity ID once a license seat has been assigned.
  • No serial key required.
  • Activation is automatic when you sign in to Unity Hub,  or when you refresh your license through the Licenses tab, and is deactivated when you sign out again.
  • An automatic token refresh occurs (approximately every two hours) while you're signed into the Unity Hub.

Serial-based licenses:

  • Activated using a serial key, either through Unity Hub or via the command line.
  • Legacy activation method. Preferred for automated build environments and manual activations on offline machines.

Resolution:

To resolve this, you must return your current activations. You can follow our article 'How do I return the activations on my Pro/Industry/Enterprise license?', to do so.

After returning your activations, follow the steps below:

  1. Sign out of Unity Hub on all your machines.
  2. Close the Unity Hub completely using the task manager or similar.
  3. Delete the current license file. Using your file explorer, navigate to:
    • Windows: C:ProgramData/Unity
    • Mac: Library/Application Support/Unity and delete the .ulf file housed there.
      (Note: Folders might be hidden by default.)
    • Relaunch the Unity Hub and sign back in.

Your license will now have reactivated automatically without needing a serial key.

Users can still activate using a serial key in specific scenarios, such as automated build environments or situations that require an offline manual activation.

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