> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://kb.nssurge.com/surge-knowledge-base/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://kb.nssurge.com/surge-knowledge-base/license/mac-faq.md).

# Surge Mac Licensing FAQs

### Can I upgrade the number of licenses after purchase?

Yes. You can upgrade a 1-device license to 3 or 5 devices, or a 3-device license to 5 devices, from the [purchase page](https://nssurge.com/buy_now?upgrade=1). Individual device slots cannot be purchased separately.

After the upgrade, the maintenance update subscription for the entire license will expire one year from the upgrade date. The upgrade price includes the difference between the license tiers, plus the prorated cost of extending the existing devices to the new expiration date. The exact price is calculated automatically based on the remaining subscription period.

### How long is the validity of Surge Mac license? Can I continue to enjoy subsequent updates?

The Surge Mac license is valid for life, and after purchase you can receive updates for free for one year. After one year, you need to renew the update subscription to receive subsequent updates. For details, see: [Surge Mac Maintenance Update Subscription Model Explanation](/surge-knowledge-base/license/mac-fus.md)

Even if you don’t renew, you can continue using the last version within the maintenance period, permanently.

### What is the relationship between Surge Mac license and iOS license?

Surge Mac's license and the iOS version are completely independent and unrelated.

### Will there be multiple keys for Surge Mac licenses for multiple devices?

There is only one key for multi-device licensing, which can activate multiple devices.

### Can I transfer the Surge Mac license quota to someone else?

Surge Mac license allows you to give your quota to your friends or family, but distribution and resale are prohibited. Once reselling is discovered, the license will be banned.

### How do I manage which devices are authorized and activated?

Each license can freely activate a limited number of devices.

1. Activated devices can be used without restrictions for life.
2. If the number limit is reached, you need to deactivate the old device before activating the new one. The deactivation operation can only be done on the original device. (Settings › License & Updates › Deactivation)
3. If you cannot operate on the original device (e.g., lost or under repair), and the device has not connected to the internet for more than 72 hours, you can deactivate that inactive device individually on the [License Management Page](https://nssurge.com/account), without performing a full license reset. Each license can perform this inactive-device deactivation operation once every 7 days.
4. This frequency limit for inactive-device deactivation does not affect regular deactivation performed on the original device.
5. If you need to deactivate all devices under the license, you can perform a Reset on the official website account management page and regenerate a new license key. This operation can be performed once every 3 days.

### Why does it say my license key is incorrect?

1. First, please make sure that your license key is for the corresponding product. A Surge iOS license key cannot be used for Surge Mac.
2. Then, make sure the license version and the software version are consistent. If the versions are inconsistent during activation, you will be prompted.
3. Finally, please note that after performing the Reset operation, the original license key will be invalidated, and a new license key will be sent to your email. If you forget the latest license key, you can visit the [License Management Page](https://nssurge.com/account) to resend it.
4. If you have lost access to the original license email, please fill out this form: [Surge License Retrieve](https://nssurge.com/license-retrieve)
5. If you have changed the license email, please remember to use the new email for activation.

If you encounter any other issues, please contact <support@nssurge.com> and attach a screenshot of the error prompt.

### How do multiple macOS user accounts or systems on the same Mac share the license?

A Mac uses only one device slot, regardless of how many macOS user accounts it has or how many macOS systems are installed on it. However, to keep the license secure, Surge stores a device credential in the Keychain of each user account, and the Keychains of different user accounts and systems are separate. If the credential in a user account or system does not match the one registered with the server, Surge shows "Device authentication failed. Please reactivate this device."

Starting with Surge Mac 6.11.0, you can sync the license among them by exporting and importing the device credential:

1. In the user account or system where Surge is activated, open Settings › License & Updates, and click "Export…" in the "License Credential Sync" row to save a `.sglicense` file.
2. Copy the file to the user account or system you want to sync (for example, through the `/Users/Shared` folder or a USB drive).
3. Double-click the file and confirm the import. Surge refreshes the license automatically.

{% hint style="warning" %}

* Both the exporting and the importing side need Surge Mac 6.11.0 or later.
* A credential file can only be imported on the same Mac it was exported from. Importing it on another Mac is rejected.
* The credential file contains the private key of this device. Keep it safe, never send it to anyone, and delete it right after importing.
  {% endhint %}