How to Transfer a MAXQDA License

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Can you transfer your license?

This section explains how to transfer your MAXQDA license to a different device. This might be necessary if you are giving the license to another user, have lost your original device, or are upgrading to a newer one.

Please note that this process does not apply if you use MAXQDA via a server connection. For server-based licenses, you must uninstall and reinstall the software on the new device. Management of these licenses is typically handled by your organization's IT department or server administrator. The following instructions are for those with a local license (such as single-user, teaching, or student licenses) who activated MAXQDA using a serial number

How to transfer a MAXQDA license

Transferring your MAXQDA license to a new computer involves different steps based on whether you still have access to your original device.

  1. Back up your project and external files:
    • Go to Home > Save Project As to back up your project file.
    • If using external files, bundle them into a compressed .zip file via Home > External Files > Bundle External Data Files.
    • Save both files on the new device.
  2. Deactivate MAXQDA on the original device by following the instructions outlined in this chapter.
  3. Install MAXQDA on the new device and reactivate your license following the proceedure described here.
  4. Lastly, open your project file backup file with MAXQDA on the new device. If you have external files, navigate to Home > External Files > Unpack Bundled Data Files.
Do you not have access to the previous device?

If you cannot deactivate the license (e.g., due to a lost or broken device), contact MAXQDA support via this form, providing your serial number and the device’s name. We will manually deactivate your license. Once the license is deactivated, you can reactivate it on a new device.

Where to find your serial number?

Your serial number is a unique code linked to your MAXQDA license, containing information about the version and type of product, as well as its validity period.

  • If you have access to your original device where MAXQDA is still activated, you can find your serial number by clicking the information icon on the welcome screen, or, if a project is open, navigating to the help menu at the left side of the bottom toolbar and selecting License Status.
    • License status window with circled serial number
  • Cleverbridge GmbH sends your serial number upon purchase of a MAXQDA license. Therefore, you can look for your delivery email or your invoice sent from no-reply@cleverbridge.com.
  • If you manage your subscription using our Subscription Manager, you may log in to find your serial number.

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