What Should I Do If cPanel Login Shows “Invalid License”?

Introduction

The “Invalid License” error in cPanel usually appears when the server cannot validate its license with the cPanel licensing system.
This error prevents access to WHM and cPanel, affecting website and server management.
Before proceeding, you may also refer to:

What is cPanel and WHM?
How to Access WHM Using Server IP

This article explains why the cPanel invalid license error occurs and provides step-by-step instructions to fix it.

What Does “Invalid License” Mean in cPanel?

When this error appears, it means:

cPanel cannot verify the license for the server’s public IP address.
The license is expired, suspended, or assigned to a different IP.
The server is unable to connect to the cPanel license verification server.
You can manually check the license status using the official cPanel verification tool:
https://verify.cpanel.net/app/verify

cPanel licenses are IP-based, so even a minor change in the server’s public IP address can trigger this error.

Common Causes of cPanel Invalid License Error

Server public IP address changed
License expired, suspended, or unpaid
Incorrect IP assigned in the license portal
Firewall blocking outbound license validation
Server migration or IP reassignment

You may also find helpful:

How to Check Server Public IP Address
Common cPanel Licensing Issues

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting

Step 1: Check Server Public IP Address

Connect to your server via SSH and run:

curl ifconfig.me

Confirm this IP matches the one assigned to your cPanel license.

Step 2: Verify License Status

Log in to your hosting provider or license vendor portal
Check if the license is:

Active
Not expired or suspended
Assigned to the correct IP address

If required, update the licensed IP.

Step 3: Update cPanel License Manually

Run the following command as root:

/usr/local/cpanel/cpkeyclt

Expected output: License Update Success

service cpanel restart

Step 4: Then access

https://server-ip:2087 (WHM)

Step 5: Check Firewall and Network Access

Ensure outbound connections are allowed:

Ports 80 and 443
No firewall blocking license servers

Conclusion

An Invalid License error in cPanel is most commonly caused by an IP mismatch or license issue. By verifying the server IP, updating the license, and checking firewall access, you can restore cPanel functionality quickly.
If the issue persists, contact your hosting provider or license reseller for further assistance.

Need Help?

If you require assistance at any point while using this guide, our Support Team is here to help:

📧 Email: support@bigcloudy.com
🌐 Submit a support ticket

FAQ

Can I access cPanel if the license is invalid?

No. Access to WHM and cPanel is blocked until a valid license is detected.

Does changing the server IP affect the cPanel license?

Yes. Any public IP change requires updating the cPanel license.

How long does it take to fix an invalid license?

Typically 5–10 minutes once the IP is corrected and the license is refreshed.

Does changing the server IP cause an Invalid License error?

Yes. If the server’s main IP address changes and the license is not updated accordingly, cPanel will display an “Invalid License” error.