# Add a License Key to Redpanda Console

> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.redpanda.com/llms.txt). Component-specific: [streaming-full.txt](https://docs.redpanda.com/streaming-full.txt)

---
title: Add a License Key to Redpanda Console
latest-redpanda-tag: v25.1.1
latest-console-tag: v3.7.3
latest-operator-version: v26.1.4
# EOL = End-of-Life (support lifecycle status)
page-is-nearing-eol: "false"
page-is-past-eol: "true"
page-eol-date: April 7, 2026
latest-connect-version: 4.93.0
docname: config/enterprise-license
page-component-name: streaming
page-version: "25.1"
page-component-version: "25.1"
page-component-title: Streaming
page-relative-src-path: config/enterprise-license.adoc
page-edit-url: https://github.com/redpanda-data/docs/edit/v/25.1/modules/console/pages/config/enterprise-license.adoc
description: Learn how to apply or update a license key to Redpanda Console.
page-git-created-date: "2024-12-03"
page-git-modified-date: "2025-02-06"
support-status: past end-of-life
---

<!-- Source: https://docs.redpanda.com/streaming/25.1/console/config/enterprise-license.md -->

To enable [enterprise features for Redpanda Console](https://docs.redpanda.com/streaming/25.1/get-started/licensing/overview/#console), you must have an Enterprise Edition license to load at startup. This guide explains how to configure Redpanda Console to load the license key from its local configuration.

> 💡 **TIP**
>
> This option is best for deployments that are not connected to a Redpanda cluster. If you plan to connect Redpanda Console to a Redpanda cluster, consider uploading the license to the Redpanda cluster. See [Add an Enterprise Edition License to Redpanda Console](https://docs.redpanda.com/streaming/25.1/get-started/licensing/add-license-console/).

## [](#prerequisites)Prerequisites

You must have an Enterprise Edition license. To get a trial license key or extend your trial period, [generate a new trial license key](https://redpanda.com/try-enterprise). To purchase a license, contact [Redpanda Sales](https://redpanda.com/upgrade).

If Redpanda Console has enterprise features enabled and cannot find a valid license locally or in the connected Redpanda cluster, it shuts down. See [Redpanda Licenses and Enterprise Features](https://docs.redpanda.com/streaming/25.1/get-started/licensing/overview/).

## [](#add-a-new-license-to-redpanda-console)Add a new license to Redpanda Console

To add a new license to Redpanda Console, you have two options:

-   [Provide the path to the license file](#file).

-   [Provide the license key contents directly](#inline).


### [](#file)Use a license file

Specify the path to the license file in one of the following ways:

-   Set the `licenseFilepath` property in the `/etc/redpanda/redpanda-console-config.yaml` configuration file:

    ```yaml
    licenseFilepath: <path-to-license-file>
    ```

-   Set the `REDPANDA_LICENSE_FILEPATH` environment variable:

    ```bash
    export REDPANDA_LICENSE_FILEPATH=<path-to-license-file>
    ```


### [](#inline)Use the license key contents directly

If you don’t want to provide a path to the license file, you can use the contents of the license key directly in one of the following ways:

-   Set the `license` property in the `/etc/redpanda/redpanda-console-config.yaml` configuration file:

    ```yaml
    license: <license-key-contents>
    ```

-   Set the `REDPANDA_LICENSE` environment variable:

    ```yaml
    export REDPANDA_LICENSE=<license-key-contents>
    ```


## [](#update-an-existing-license)Update an existing license

To update an existing license:

1.  Update your configuration file or environment variables with one of the following:

    -   [The path to your new license file](#file)

    -   [The contents of your new license key](#inline)


2.  Restart Redpanda Console to make the changes take effect.


## [](#next-steps)Next steps

[Check the Status of Licenses](https://docs.redpanda.com/streaming/25.1/get-started/licensing/check-status/).

## [](#suggested-reading)Suggested reading

-   [Redpanda Licensing](https://docs.redpanda.com/streaming/25.1/get-started/licensing/)

-   [Manage Enterprise Edition Licenses through Redpanda Console](https://docs.redpanda.com/streaming/25.1/console/ui/add-license/)