Requirements: RouterOS can be installed in the hardware equipment or virtual machine provided by yourself, and you do not have to purchase MikroTik hardware to use the RouterOS system.RouterOS is a commercial system for a fee, you need to purchase a license to use it.
RouterOS license key
After the free trial period ends, you will need a license key to continue using RouterOS. You can get the license key in your MikroTik account server. If you don't already have an account, click on "New Account" in the top right corner of this page. When purchasing a license, you will be asked for a software ID number – you can copy this ID number from your router's "Licenses" menu.
License:The hyperlink login is visible.
Overview
MikroTik hardware routers running RouterOS come with a RouterOS license pre-installed, and if you purchase a RouterOS-based device, you don't need to do anything with the license.
For x86 systems (i.e., PC devices), you need to obtain a license key. Each x86 system has a unique identifier called the Software ID that is used for license issuance.
A license key is a string of symbols that needs to be copied from your mikrotik.com account or an email you receive and then pasted into your router. You can paste the key anywhere in the terminal or click the "Paste Key" button in the WinBox license menu. The key takes effect and requires a router restart.
RouterOS's licensing scheme is based on the Software ID / System ID, where:
- The RouterBOARD software ID is bound to the storage media (HDD, NAND).
- The x86 software ID is bound to the MBR.
- The CHR system ID is bound to the MBR and UUID
Before purchasing a license, it is recommended to check whether the software ID changes after a restart. (Software IDs can change in the event of a hard drive failure, RAID controller being used but not configured correctly, etc.) ）
License information can be read from the CLI system console:
Or select from the equivalent menu of WinBox, WebFig.
System requirements:
Package version: RouterOS v6.34 or later
Host CPU: x86-64 architecture (64-bit)
Memory: 512MB or more
Disk space: 128MB or more
RouterOS version 6: The maximum supported hard disk capacity is 16GB
RouterOS version 7: Maximum RAM and disk space are limited by Linux kernel 5.6.3 and depend on specific hardware.
The minimum memory required depends on the number of interfaces and the number of CPUs. You can estimate an approximation using the following formula:
RouterOS v6 - RAM = 128 + [ 8 × (CPU_COUNT) × (INTERFACE_COUNT - 1) ]
RouterOS v7 - RAM = 512 + [ 8 × (CPU_COUNT) × (INTERFACE_COUNT - 1) ]
RouterOS license key level
Once installed, RouterOS will run in trial mode. You have 24 hours to register for Level 1 (free demo), or purchase a Level 4, 5, or 6 license and paste a valid key.
Level 3 licenses are only available for wireless terminals (client or CPE). For x86 PCs, a Level 3 license cannot be purchased separately.
A secondary license is a transitional version of the legacy (prior to version 2.8) license format. This type of license is no longer available. If you hold such a license, it will still work, but to upgrade, you will need to purchase a new license.
The following table shows the differences between the different license levels:
All licenses:
- Never expires (a properly functioning and licensed router can be used indefinitely)
- An unlimited number of interfaces are available
- Each selling price is a one-time installation fee
- Unlimited software upgrades available (exception: ROS version upgrades are not allowed for demo licenses (starting with 7.8))
The wifi-qcom driver supports PTMP operation regardless of the license level. AP mode is suitable for all wifi-qcom devices and supports multiple client sites.
CHR License Level
The licensing levels described above do not apply to Cloud Managed Routers (CHRs). CHR is a version of RouterOS that is designed to run as a virtual machine. It has its own 4 license levels and offers a 60-day trial period, and you can try any paid license level for free.
All paid license levels come with a 60-day free trial license. To get a free trial license, you need to have an account on the MikroTik.com as all license management takes place on the site.
A perpetual license is a lifetime license (one purchase, perpetual use). Perpetual licenses can be transferred to another CHR instance. A running CHR instance prompts when you need to access the account server to renew your license. If a CHR instance fails to renew its license, it will behave as if the trial period has expired and will not allow upgrading to a later version of RouterOS.
Once you have licensed a trial system, you must manually run commands from CHR to activate the system. Otherwise, the system will not recognize that you have authorized it in your account. If you do not do this by the deadline set by the system, the trial period will end and you will need to reinstall CHR, request a new trial, and activate with the license you obtained. /system license renew
Warning: If you plan to use multiple virtual systems of the same type, the next machine may have the same system ID as the first machine. This can happen with some cloud service providers, such as Linode. To avoid this, run the /system license generate-new-id command after the first launch before requesting a trial license. Note that this feature is only available if CHR is running on a free RouterOS license. If you have a paid or trial license, do not use the regenerate feature because you will no longer be able to update your current key.
To use multiple virtual machines, download the disk image from our web page and create multiple copies as needed. Then, create a new virtual machine system with each virtual disk image.
Before running or registering the downloaded file, be sure to back up the disk image.
Prepaid keys
A prepaid key is a license key that you can pre-purchase to purchase a MikroTik product (e.g., CHR) or convert it into a license key that can be applied to an x86 system software ID. itAllows you to purchase a license without having to assign it to a specific device immediately。 Once you have a prepaid key, you can use it to upgrade your CHR or convert it to a license key later by providing your device's software ID.
How to purchase a RouterOS license key
- Please visit mikrotik.com and log in to your account.
- Visit the Purchase RouterOS License Key section.
- Select the desired license key level;
- Select the key type "License Key";
- Enter the license key information: paste the device's software ID; Select the optional main features:
- Select the key add-on you may need.
- Press the "Put key in cart" button.
- Click "Go to checkout" to complete the purchase.
Review and complete your purchase
Please check your order details.
Please pay by credit card (CC) or PayPal.
Congratulations! You have successfully purchased a RouterOS license key.
How to convert a prepaid key to an x86 license key
Purchase a RouterOS prepaid key
Log in to your mikrotik.com account.
If you haven't purchased a RouterOS prepaid key yet, buy one.
Visit the "Make a key with a prepaid key" section
In your account, find the "Make a new card with a prepaid card" section.
Select and convert the prepaid key
Select the required prepaid key from the list.
Enter the software ID of the x86 device you need to license, or the software ID of the router you want to upgrade the license level to.
Press the "Generate" button.
Confirm the information
A message will appear on the screen: "The prepaid key has been successfully converted to a new license!" ”
Spare key
A replacement key is a special key issued by the MikroTik support team in the event of an x86 hard drive failure or a loss of license for an x86 instance running RouterOS.Replacement keys cost $10 and can only be requested once per original key。
Please note that before issuing such a key, MikroTik support may ask you to prove that the old hard drive has failed, which in some cases means sending us the damaged hard drive.
Request for a replacement key
1) Please log in to mikrotik.com to go to your account management page, fill out the "Support Contact Form", or send an email directly tosupport@mikrotik.com。
Please provide the required information:
Clearly explain why you need to replace the key.
Please provide the old software ID and its registered account.
2) Wait for confirmation and apply the key:
Once the MikroTik support team confirms that the replacement key has been added to your account, check your account.
Navigate to "Make a key from a replacement key" and proceed to activate.
3) Select the appropriate license level to replace.
4) Enter the new "Software ID"
5) Click "Add license replacement to cart" to go to the checkout page and complete the payment
6) You will receive an email with the new license in your profile.
You can also find the newly generated key in the "Search & View All Keys" section under the "Purchased YYYY" folder, where "YYYY" represents the current year.
Only one replacement key can be issued per original key, and the same key cannot be used twice for the replacement key service. In this case, you will have to buy a new key for this RouterOS device.
Get a license and work with it
Where can I purchase a RouterOS license key?
MikroTik devices come pre-installed with a license and do not require purchase.
To get a higher-level license, or to get a license for x86 PC installations, you must register an account on our web page and then use the "Buy RouterOS license key" option on the web page.
If my keys were purchased from somewhere else, I probably bought them somewhere else.
You must contact the company that sells you the license, and they will provide support.
What if I have a license and want to put it on another account?
You can use virtual folders to grant key access.
The only license type that can be transferred to another account is a prepaid key. Prepaid keys obtained through training are not transferable.
To transfer a purchased prepaid key, go to the "ROUTEROS Keys" section of your MikroTik account and find the "Transfer Prepaid Keys" option.
What if I lose my device license?
If your router license is lost for some reason, upgrade your router to the latest RouterOS version and use the "Request License Key" feature in your mikrotik.com account. When applying for a license, use the soft ID and serial number under the RouterOS System/License menu. Once you receive your license, apply it immediately; If the application function is not working, please contact ussupport@mikrotik.com 。
If the license is lost due to a repair that was not made under warranty through a reseller, you must purchase a new RouterOS license at full price!
Use license
Can I format or reflash the USB flash?
Formatting and reimaging the drive with non-MikroTik tools such as DD and Fdisk can corrupt your license! Always exercise caution and contact MikroTik support before doing so. We do not recommend this, as MikroTik support may deny your request to replace your license. Please use the tools provided by MikroTik – web installation or CD installation, which can be downloaded for free from our download page.
How many computers can this license be used on?
RouterOS licenses can only be used on one system at a time. The license is tied to the hard drive (HDD) on which it is installed, but you can move that hard drive to another computer system. You cannot move licenses to other hard drives, nor can you format or overwrite hard drives with RouterOS licenses installed. The license will be completely erased from the drive and you will need to repurchase the license. If you accidentally delete your license, contact the support team for assistance.
Can I temporarily use my hard drive for something other than RouterOS?
As mentioned above, the answer is no.
Can I transfer the license to another hard drive?
If your current hard drive is damaged or unusable, you can transfer the license to another hard drive. You will need to request a replacement key (see below) for $10.
Do I have to enter the entire password into the router?
No, just copy and paste into the System → Licenses → Paste Key menu and confirm the restart. Or paste it into the command line interface and press the "Y" key to restart.
Can I install another operating system on my hard drive and then reinstall RouterOS?
No, because if you use formatting, partitioning tools, or tools that do anything to MBR, you will lose your license and you will have to reapply for one. There is a fee for this process (see the "Rekeying" section above).
I lost my RouterBOARD, can you give me a license to use it on another system?
MikroTik hardware comes with an embedded license. You cannot transfer this license to a new system in any way, and this includes any upgrades to the MikroTik router while it is still running.
Licenses purchased from resellers
Keys that you purchase from other vendors and resellers will not be added to your account. Your mikrotik.com account only contains licenses purchased directly from MikroTik.
Can I terminate my license if I am not using the software?
These licenses are independent keys, and MikroTik cannot control your device remotely. Therefore, we cannot verify that you have used a license. This is why MikroTik cannot terminate any issued license.
Is it possible to upgrade or transfer my x86 license to a CHR license?
x86 licenses cannot be upgraded to CHR licenses. You will need to purchase a new CHR license.
Original:The hyperlink login is visible. |
Posted on 2025-11-28 22:20:13
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