Manual Chapter : Add and activate a purchased license pool on a BIG-IQ not connected to the internet \(manual method\)

Applies To:

  • BIG-IQ Centralized Management

    7.0.0

Updated Date: 07/07/2026

Add and activate a purchased license pool on a BIG-IQ not connected to the internet \(manual method\)

To add and activate a license, you must have a base registration key. You get your key from F5 Networks, typically in the form of an email. If you do not have a base registration key, contact the F5 Networks sales group (f5.com).

Activate a pool license and make it available for assignment to BIG-IP VEs in your network. If BIG-IQ Centralized Management system is not connected to the public internet, you can use this procedure for activation, rather than automatically contacting the F5 license server.

  1. At the top of the screen, click Devices.

  2. On the left, click LICENSE MANAGEMENT > Licenses.

  3. Click the Add License button.

  4. In the License Name field, type a name to identify this license.

  5. In the Base Registration Key field, type or paste the registration key, and into the Add-on Keys field, type or paste any associated add-on keys.

  6. For Activation Method, select Manual and click the Get Dossier button.

    The BIG-IQ system refreshes and displays the dossier in the Device Dossier field.

  7. Select and copy the text displayed in Device Dossier.

  8. Click the Access F5 manual activation web portal link.

    The F5 Product Licensing site opens.

  9. Click the Activate License link.

  10. Paste the dossier into the Enter Your Dossier box and click the Next button.

  11. Review the EULA, and if you agree with the terms, click the Accept button at the bottom of the screen.

  12. Select the license and copy and paste it into the License Text box.

  13. Click the Activate button at the bottom of the screen.

If a license or offering fails to activate, the license displays with a yellow triangle next to it in the list. You’ll need to reactivate that license and its offerings. For individual offerings, you can add an optional description for identification after activation.