This page explains how to replace your current MAXQDA activation with a new license on the same computer. Common examples include switching from the MAXQDA Free Trial to a purchased license (e.g., a student license) or renewing a time-limited license by activating a new serial number.
If you are looking to move your license to a different device, please refer to How to Transfer a MAXQDA License. For general information about activating or deactivating your license, see Activate and Deactivate MAXQDA.
Using MAXQDA via a server connection?
If you use MAXQDA via a server connection (such as a network or university/campus license), the instructions on this page do not apply to you. Server-based licenses are managed by your organization's IT department, and you do not need to activate or deactivate them locally. To use MAXQDA on a new device, install and set up MAXQDA there according to your organization's usual process. If you have questions about your server-based license, please contact your IT administrator.
Switch to your new license
Before you begin, make sure you have your new serial number ready. You will receive it in the invoice or delivery email from Cleverbridge GmbH (look for an email from no-reply@cleverbridge.com).
MAXQDA does not support replacing a license directly. To switch to a new license, you must first deactivate the license currently activated on your computer.
Switching to a new license does not transfer any remaining time from your previous license. However, you do not need to wait for your current license to expire before switching to a new one.
- Open MAXQDA
- Click the
information icon on the welcome screen or the help menu if you have opened a project - Select Deactivate License on this Computer
- Relaunch MAXQDA; it will prompt you to choose an activation method
- Choose Activate your MAXQDA license
- Enter your new serial number, name, and email address. To avoid errors, copy and paste your serial number rather than typing it manually.
- Click Activate.
The name and email address you enter during activation are used solely for license activation purposes. Entering these details does not create any account. This is not related to your MAXQDA Account, which is a separate, optional registration only needed for cloud-based services such as AI Assist, TeamCloud, and MAXQDA Transcription.
After successful activation, you can confirm your new serial number and license expiry date at any time by clicking the 
information icon on the welcome screen or navigating to the 
help menu and selecting License Status.
If activation fails, make sure your computer is connected to the internet. In institutional or company environments, firewall or network settings may also block activation. In that case, please contact your IT department.
What happens to your data
Your MAXQDA project files, documents, codes, memos, and all other research data are stored locally on your computer. They are not tied to a specific license and will remain on your device regardless of whether you deactivate, switch, or renew your license. You can continue working on your existing projects after activating your new license. Your data will only be removed if you manually delete your project files.
