> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.cstplus.org/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.cstplus.org/documentation/troubleshooting/license-issues.md).

# License Issues

## License Issues

***

### "License not found" on activation

The key does not exist in our system. Double-check you copied the full key from your account dashboard at account.cstplus.org with no extra spaces.

***

### "hwid\_mismatch" on activation

This key is already bound to a different server. Each license key can only be active on one machine at a time.

To move the license to a new server, contact support to reset the hardware binding. Once reset, activate the key on the new server normally.

{% hint style="warning" %}
Do not try to clone or copy an activated server disk image to a new VPS. The hardware ID is derived from the machine, so the clone will trigger an `hwid_mismatch` immediately.
{% endhint %}

***

### Panel is locked after login

The license has expired or been deactivated. The lock screen shows the current license status.

To reactivate: enter your license key on the lock screen or via SSH:

```bash
cstplus license activate YOUR_KEY
```

If you believe your subscription is active, contact support with your license key and account email.

***

### A "DMCA complaint" or account-hold banner appears

If the panel shows an amber banner at the top saying your account needs attention (for example, an open DMCA or abuse complaint), your account is on a temporary **hold**, not locked.

{% hint style="info" %}
A hold is **non-blocking**: your channels keep running and the panel stays fully usable. You normally have **24 hours** to resolve it.
{% endhint %}

To resolve it:

1. Open your account portal at [account.cstplus.org](https://account.cstplus.org) and sign in.
2. Review the complaint and follow the steps shown to resolve it.

The banner clears on its own once the hold is lifted. The panel re-checks your license status automatically, so you do not need to reload.

{% hint style="warning" %}
If the matter is not resolved in time, the account may be **suspended**, which does stop channels and lock the panel. If you believe the hold is a mistake, contact support with your license key and account email before it escalates.
{% endhint %}

***

### License check interval

CST+ re-checks the license on a configurable interval (default 30 minutes). If you reactivate a license, the panel may stay locked until the next check fires.

To force an immediate re-check without waiting:

```bash
systemctl restart cstplus-control
```

{% hint style="info" %}
Restarting the control plane does not affect running channels. They continue airing without interruption.
{% endhint %}

***

### Channels stopped unexpectedly

If all channels stopped at the same time with no manual action, the most common cause is license expiry or revocation.

Check license status:

```bash
cstplus license status
```

If the license is valid and channels still stopped, check the control plane logs:

```bash
journalctl -u cstplus-control -n 100
```

***

### "License required" on all API requests

This means the license enforcement is active and the current license is invalid. Every `/api/*` endpoint returns `403 license_required` until the license is reactivated.

Exceptions that still work without a valid license:

* `POST /api/auth/login`
* `GET/POST /api/license/*`

Use these to log in and activate your key without needing API access.


---

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