If you’re a Mac user working with AutoCAD, encountering the “License Not Found” error can be incredibly frustrating—especially when you’re in the middle of an important project. This error typically appears when AutoCAD is unable to locate or validate your software license, preventing the application from launching or functioning properly.
Fortunately, this issue is usually resolvable with a few troubleshooting steps. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the most effective solutions to fix the “License Not Found” error on AutoCAD for Mac.
Understanding the “License Not Found” Error
Before diving into fixes, it’s important to understand what might be causing the error. Common triggers include:
- Corrupted or missing license files
- Network connectivity issues (for network or subscription licenses)
- Outdated or incompatible macOS versions
- Incorrect system date/time settings
- Conflicts with antivirus or firewall software
- Issues with Autodesk Account sign-in or subscription status
Step-by-Step Solutions
1. Verify Your Internet Connection
AutoCAD requires an active internet connection to validate subscription-based licenses. If you’re using a single-user or subscription license:
- Ensure your Mac is connected to the internet.
- Test your connection by opening a web browser and visiting Autodesk Account.
- If you’re behind a corporate firewall or proxy, ensure Autodesk services are whitelisted.
Note: Offline use is possible with a valid offline license, but initial activation requires internet access.
2. Sign In to Your Autodesk Account
AutoCAD for Mac relies on your Autodesk Account for license validation.
- Open AutoCAD.
- When prompted, sign in using the email and password associated with your Autodesk subscription.
- If already signed in, try signing out and signing back in:
- Go to AutoCAD > Sign Out from the menu bar.
- Restart AutoCAD and sign in again.
If you’ve forgotten your credentials, use the “Forgot Password” option on the Autodesk sign-in page.
3. Check Your Subscription Status
Your license may have expired or been suspended.
- Visit manage.autodesk.com.
- Log in with your Autodesk Account.
- Navigate to Products and Services.
- Confirm that your AutoCAD subscription is Active.
If your subscription has lapsed, renew it through your Autodesk Account or contact your reseller.
4. Reset the Autodesk Licensing Service
Corrupted licensing data can cause the “License Not Found” error. Resetting the licensing service often resolves this.
On macOS:
- Quit AutoCAD completely.
- Open Finder and press Cmd + Shift + G.
- Type the following path and press Go:
~/Library/Application Support/Autodesk - Locate and delete (or rename) the following folders:
AdskLicensingADUTFLEXnet(if present)
- Also clear cached license data:
- Go to
~/Library/Preferences/and delete any files starting withcom.autodesk.AdskLicensing.
- Go to
- Restart your Mac.
- Relaunch AutoCAD and sign in again.
Caution: Deleting these folders will require you to re-authenticate your license, but it won’t affect your drawings or settings.
5. Update AutoCAD and macOS
Outdated software can cause compatibility issues.
- Update AutoCAD: Open AutoCAD > AutoCAD > Check for Updates.
- Update macOS: Go to Apple Menu > System Settings > General > Software Update.
Ensure you’re running a macOS version supported by your AutoCAD version. For example, AutoCAD 2024 requires macOS 12.0 (Monterey) or later.
6. Repair or Reinstall AutoCAD
If the above steps don’t work, a corrupted installation may be the culprit.
Option A: Repair Installation (if available)
Autodesk’s installer sometimes offers a “Repair” option. Re-run the installer from your Autodesk Account and look for this choice.
Option B: Clean Reinstall
- Uninstall AutoCAD:
- Use the Autodesk Uninstall Tool (downloadable from your Autodesk Account).
- Or manually delete:
/Applications/Autodesk/AutoCAD [Version]~/Library/Application Support/Autodesk~/Library/Preferences/com.autodesk.*
- Restart your Mac.
- Download the latest version of AutoCAD for Mac from Autodesk Account.
- Install and activate using your Autodesk credentials.
7. Check System Date and Time
An incorrect system clock can invalidate license validation.
- Go to System Settings > General > Date & Time.
- Ensure Set date and time automatically is enabled.
- Confirm your time zone is correct.
8. Disable Security Software Temporarily
Some third-party antivirus or firewall applications may block AutoCAD’s communication with Autodesk’s license servers.
- Temporarily disable your security software.
- Launch AutoCAD and attempt to sign in.
- If successful, add AutoCAD and Autodesk licensing services to your security software’s allowlist.
9. Contact Autodesk Support
If none of the above solutions work:
- Visit Autodesk Support.
- Use the live chat or submit a support request.
- Provide details such as:
- AutoCAD version
- macOS version
- Error screenshots
- Steps you’ve already tried
Autodesk’s support team can check your license status on their end and provide personalized assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What does “License Not Found” mean in AutoCAD for Mac?
The “License Not Found” error indicates that AutoCAD cannot locate or validate an active license on your Mac. This may occur due to a missing or corrupted local license file, an expired subscription, or a failure to authenticate with Autodesk’s licensing servers—even if you have a valid subscription.
Can I use AutoCAD on Mac without an internet connection?
Yes, but only after initial activation. AutoCAD for Mac requires an internet connection to sign in and validate your subscription license for the first time. Once activated, you can work offline for up to 30 days (depending on your license type) before needing to reconnect to revalidate. If you attempt to launch AutoCAD offline without prior activation, you’ll see the “License Not Found” error.
Does the “License Not Found” error occur if I’m using a student or educational license?
Yes, it can. Educational licenses are time-limited and tied to your Autodesk Education account. If your school email is no longer valid, your educational access has expired, or you haven’t verified your student status recently, AutoCAD may fail to validate your license and display this error—even on a Mac.
Will resetting the licensing service delete my drawings or custom settings?
No. Resetting the Autodesk licensing service only removes authentication and license-related files (stored in ~/Library/Application Support/Autodesk and ~/Library/Preferences). Your drawings, templates, CUI customizations, and workspace settings are stored separately and will not be affected.
I have a multi-user subscription—why does AutoCAD Mac still show “License Not Found”?
AutoCAD for Mac does not support multi-user (network) licenses. Only single-user (named user) subscriptions are compatible with the Mac version. If your organization assigned you a multi-user license, you’ll need to request a single-user license from your administrator or use AutoCAD on Windows via Boot Camp or a virtual machine.
Can Time Machine or macOS snapshots cause license issues?
Indirectly, yes. Restoring your Mac from a backup that predates your current license activation may revert licensing files to an outdated or invalid state. After a system restore, always relaunch AutoCAD and sign in again to refresh your license status.
Is there a way to check my license status directly from the Mac terminal?
Not directly, but you can inspect local license cache files. For example, check the existence of:
ls ~/Library/Application\ Support/Autodesk/AdskLicensing/
However, these files are encrypted and not human-readable. The most reliable way to verify your license is through your Autodesk Account online or by successfully launching AutoCAD after signing in.
Preventing Future License Issues
- Keep AutoCAD and macOS updated.
- Avoid modifying or deleting Autodesk-related folders manually.
- Use a stable internet connection during activation.
- Regularly sign in to your Autodesk Account to maintain session validity.
Final Thoughts
The “License Not Found” error in AutoCAD for Mac is usually a temporary hiccup related to authentication or local licensing files. By methodically working through the solutions above—starting with verifying your subscription and internet connection, then progressing to resetting licensing data or reinstalling—you can typically restore full functionality quickly.
If you’re part of a team using network licensing, consult your IT administrator, as the issue may stem from the license server configuration rather than your local machine.
Disclaimer: This guide is intended for informational purposes. Always back up your data before making system changes. Autodesk and AutoCAD are registered trademarks of Autodesk, Inc.
