How do I activate MATLAB or other MathWorks Products?

Here's a simplified explanation of how to activate MATLAB or other MathWorks Products:

MATLAB Activation: The Basics

• Automatic Activation: Usually, MATLAB activates itself during (R2020a+) or right after (R2019b and older) installation. You typically don't need to do anything manually.

• When Manual Activation is Needed:

  • To update an existing license.
  • To switch to a different license.
  • If your current license is expired or faulty, preventing MATLAB from launching.

How to Manually Activate MATLAB (Using the Activation Client)

You'll need Administrator permissions on your computer to do this.

A. If MATLAB Can Launch (Your License is Still Working):

1. Open MATLAB.
2. Go to the "Help" menu (usually under "Resources" in the toolstrip).
3. Hover over "Licensing".
4. Click "Activate software".

B. If MATLAB Cannot Launch (Expired or Unusable License):

You'll need to launch the activation client directly. The location depends on your MATLAB version and operating system.

For MATLAB R2022b and Newer:

• Windows: Go to C:\Program Files\MATLAB\R20XXy\bin\win64\ and run MathWorksProductAuthorizer.exe. (Replace R20XXy with your specific MATLAB release, e.g., R2024b).
• macOS:
  1. Open Finder, go to "Applications".
  2. Right-click (or Ctrl-click) on your MATLAB application icon (e.g., MATLAB_R2024b.app).
  3. Select "Show Package Contents".
  4. Double-click "Activate".
• Linux: Go to /usr/local/MATLAB/R20XXy/bin/glnxa64/ and run MathWorksProductAuthorizer.sh. (Replace R20XXy with your specific MATLAB release).

For MATLAB R2022a and Older:

• Windows: Go to C:\Program Files\MATLAB\R20XXy\bin\win64\ and run activate_matlab.exe. (Replace R20XXy with your specific MATLAB release).
• macOS:
  1. Open Finder, go to "Applications".
  2. Right-click (or Ctrl-click) on your MATLAB application icon (e.g., MATLAB_R2022a.app).
  3. Select "Show Package Contents".
  4. Double-click "Activate".
• Linux: Go to /usr/local/MATLAB/R20XXy/bin/ and run activate_matlab.sh. (Replace R20XXy with your specific MATLAB release).

Once the MathWorks Activation Client is Open (for all versions):

1. Log in with your MathWorks account.
2. Choose the license you want to use from the list.
3. For Individual Licenses Only: Double-check that your computer's login name is correct on the activation screen. (If you need help finding your username, refer to the MathWorks guide: How do I find my username in order to install or activate my license?)
4. Click "Finish" to complete.

Alternative: Manual Activation Through MathWorks License Center

This method is useful if your computer is offline. You can activate your license directly through the MathWorks website: MathWorks License Center. (The original text didn't detail this, but it's the second mentioned option for manual activation).