Get a License

When no valid license is installed, the HiveMQ broker starts in evaluation mode (also known as a Trial License). Evaluation mode is for testing purposes only and supports up to 25 client connections. To enable the full product, you must add a license. This shows you how to purchase a license and turn your broker into a connected, fully licensed deployment.

This task applies only to a HiveMQ Enterprise MQTT Broker version 4.55 or later. If you use HiveMQ Cloud, your plan already includes the license, and no action is needed.

Step 1: Choose and Purchase a License

  1. In Connect, select Get a license.

  2. Select the offering that best fits your needs.

  3. Complete the checkout flow and enter your billing details.

After purchase, the license appears in the Network view on Connect with a Deployment value of License. Since no deployment reports to the platform with the license key yet, the Data Intelligence state is Not ready to connect.

The Data Intelligence add-on bills as a separate subscription, not as part of your HiveMQ broker license. For details, see Data Intelligence Metering and Billing.

Step 2: Deploy a Broker and Apply the License

  1. If you have not deployed a HiveMQ broker, deploy one now. See Deploy a Broker.

  2. Apply your license key to the deployment. For a HiveMQ broker, add the platform license key as described in Install a Platform License Key.

  3. Once the deployment starts up and reports to the platform with the license key, the Deployment value changes from License to Software.

Step 3: Connect the Broker to the Platform

When you deploy HiveMQ Software on your own infrastructure, the platform does not automatically know about it. You must explicitly register the broker so it shows up in your Connect network view and unlocks Data Intelligence functionality. There are several ways to connect a broker to the platform. The broker moves to Connected after it reaches the platform.

Choose the method that works for your use case:

  • Existing brokers or edges licensed with a license file: Generate and apply a connection string. For more information, see Connect an Existing HiveMQ Broker or Edge Instance.

  • New deployments or existing brokers licensed with a license key: Provide a platform license key. You can set the license key in several ways, depending on your use case and deployment method. For example, you can set the key in the HiveMQ Control Center without restarting the broker. For more information, see Provide the Platform License Key.

Next Steps