How to install self-hosted premium license

Get your instance ID from Admin → Licenses, purchase a subscription at baserow.io, download your license key, then register it in your self-hosted instance to activate premium features for selected users.

Quick overview

Baserow premium licenses unlock advanced features on self-hosted installations through a simple three-step process: obtain your instance ID, purchase a subscription, and register the license key.

Understanding self-hosted premium licensing

Self-hosted premium licenses work differently from cloud subscriptions. Instead of automatic feature activation, you receive a license key that must be manually registered with your specific Baserow instance. This approach gives you complete control over which users access premium features while maintaining data sovereignty on your servers.

The licensing system operates on a seat-based model where you assign premium access to specific users rather than entire workspaces. This flexibility allows mixing free and premium users within the same Baserow installation.

Step-by-step license installation

Step 1: Get your instance ID

Your instance ID connects your self-hosted installation to the premium license.

  1. Log into your self-hosted Baserow as an Instance Admin
  2. Navigate to Admin → Licenses
  3. Copy your unique instance ID

Instance ID location

Only Instance Admins can access this information through the admin panel.

Step 2: Purchase and download license key

  1. Visit baserow.io and log into your account
  2. Purchase a self-hosted subscription if you haven’t already
  3. Navigate to Subscriptions → License subscriptions → More details
  4. Click Reveal license key to display your key

License key access

Your license key is also delivered via email after purchase and remains accessible in your account dashboard.

License key in account

Step 3: Register license with your instance

  1. In your self-hosted instance, go to Admin → Licenses → Register license
  2. Copy and paste your license key into the provided field
  3. Click Register License

License registration interface

Managing premium user assignments

After registering your license, assign premium seats to specific users:

  1. Select which registered users can access paid features
  2. Assigned users gain premium access across all workspaces
  3. Non-assigned users continue with free plan limitations

You can modify user assignments anytime through the admin panel, allowing flexible premium access management as your team changes.

Self-hosted vs cloud licensing comparison

Aspect Self-hosted premium Cloud subscription
License management Manual key registration Automatic activation
User assignment Admin controls seats All workspace members
Feature activation Per-user basis Per-workspace basis
Data location Your servers Baserow’s infrastructure
Subscription management Via baserow.io Via baserow.io

Frequently asked questions

Can I use the same license key on multiple installations?

No, each license key works only with the specific instance ID it was purchased for. Multiple installations require separate subscriptions and license keys.

What happens when my license expires?

Premium features become unavailable for all assigned users immediately after expiration. Your data remains intact, but advanced functionality returns to free plan limitations until you renew.

How do I assign premium access to new users?

Add new users to your Baserow instance first, then assign them premium seats through Admin → Licenses. New assignments take effect immediately.

Can I mix free and premium users in the same workspace?

Yes, premium and free users can collaborate in the same workspaces. Premium users access advanced features while free users work within standard limitations.

What if I need to change my instance ID?

You can modify the instance ID associated with your subscription through the baserow.io subscription management interface. This supports server migrations and infrastructure changes.

Troubleshooting license installation

License registration fails

Verify your license key is copied correctly without extra spaces or characters. Ensure your instance has internet connectivity to validate the license with Baserow’s servers.

Premium features not appearing

Check that your user account is assigned to a premium seat in Admin → Licenses. License assignments affect individual users, not entire workspaces.

Cannot access admin panel

Only Instance Admins can register licenses. Contact your system administrator if you need admin access or have them complete the registration process.

After license installation

Monitor your license status through the admin panel, including expiration dates and seat assignments. Plan license renewals before expiration to avoid service interruption.

Consider documenting your license key and instance ID in secure company records for future reference during renewals or infrastructure changes.

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