How to Activate Cisco ASA 5505 License

In this article, we shall discuss how to Activate Cisco ASA 5505 License. The Cisco ASA (Adaptive Security Appliance) is a security device that integrates a robust firewall, intrusion prevention system (IPS), and virtual private network (VPN) capabilities. Cisco ASA is widely deployed to protect enterprise networks by controlling access, preventing attacks, and ensuring secure remote access. Please see Basic Cisco ASA troubleshooting Commands Guide, how to Update Cisco ASA software, and AnyConnect SSL VPN Client Configuration Guide.

Note: A license specifies the functionalities (options) that are enabled on a given ASA. It is represented by an activation key which is a 160-bit (5 32-bit words or 20 bytes) value.

Determine the Serial Number

This value encodes the serial number (an 11 character string) and the enabled features.

TestASA# show activation-key ?
detail Show activation-key details
   | Output modifiers
   
TestASA# show activation-key 
Serial Number:  JxxxxxxxxV
Running Permanent Activation Key: 0x0xxxx 0x94xxxx 0xf0xxxx 0xaxxxx1c 0x4xxxx0

Also, see How to enable ssh via ASDM on Cisco ASA, and how to Setup Cisco ASA: Wiping Old Configurations.

How to Activate (License) Cisco ASA 5505

Now that you have the serial number as shown in the code above, and the current running activation key. Enter this information on the licensing website: https://www.cisco.com/go/license

Note: After obtaining the license it should look this way.

TestASA(config)# activation-key 27xxxxxc 4cxxx 1xxxx44 exxxx44 8fxxx8
Validating activation key. This may take a few minutes.

WARNING: AnyConnect Essentials license active. Basic VPN support is in effect.

Both the Running and Flash permanent activation key was updated with the requested key. This will become active after the next reload.

TestASA(config)# 
TestASA(config)# wr
Building configuration…
Cryptochecksum: bxxxx5 ebxxxc6f f6xxxx0b fxxxxx2 
9360 bytes copied in 1.130 secs (9360 bytes/sec)
[OK]
TestASA(config)# 

This platform has a Base license. The flash permanent activation key is the SAME as the running permanent key.

TestASA(config)# reload
Proceed with reload? [confirm] 
TestASA(config)# 

I hope you found this blog post on helpful. Please let me know in the comment session if you have any questions.