NOTE: The instructions below are only applicable when activating with a license key. License file activation is preferred as it will eliminate this class of error. See the appropriate admin guide for more detail on how to activate with a license file.
If you see this message, Error activating product key: Connection to the server
failed. while trying to activate your license key for Posit Workbench, Shiny Server Pro, Posit Package Manager or Posit Connect; then, this indicates that there's an issue with your server not being able to contact our licensing server. This is most common if your server is not connected to the Internet, or if it's behind some kind of firewall or proxy. It could also be an issue with certificates.
License File Activation
If you don't yet have a license file for your license, please reach out to Posit Support.
Networking
Outbound access necessary from the Product Server
Proxy Servers
Please see the admin guide for instructions on how to activate a license key when a proxy is present.
Offline Activation
License file activation is preferred for activating our products in an offline or air-gapped environment.
If your system has no connection to the internet it's also possible to perform an offline activation using the license key. To do this, follow the directions given in the admin guides:
Certificates/SSL Troubleshooting
Please see this article for certificate troubleshooting on a when trying to activate or deactivate and experiencing this error:
Error deactivating product key: (4): Connection to the server failed. Ensure that you have a working internet connection, you've configured any required proxies, and your system's root CA certificate store is up to date; see https://rstudio.org/links/licensing_ssl for more information
If you have any questions or concerns about this please file a premium support ticket with Posit Support and we'll be happy to help you.