Plugins Appear in Demo Mode Although My License is Activated

Jan 22, 2026

Learn what to do if your Waves plugins load in Demo mode even though your license for them is activated.

When no valid license is detected, Waves V16 - V14 plugins will load in Demo mode. In Demo mode, the plugins are functional but audio is periodically muted (with mutes synchronized across all instances of Waves plugins).

If your license is activated but your plugins still appear as if they are in Demo Mode, follow these steps:

  1. Verify the license is activated on your computer or USB flash drive:
    1. Launch Waves Central.
      Windows: via the desktop shortcut or Start Menu > All Programs > Waves.
      Mac: Applications > Waves Central.
    2. Log into Waves Central using your Waves account information.
    3. Select the Licenses page.
    4. Select the Connected Devices tab. Use the arrow on the right to expand the list.
    5. Check whether the missing plugin/s license is activated on one of the connected devices.

    If the licenses are not activated on any of the connected devices, check whether they appear in the Not Activated tab. In this case, select the license/s and click ‘Activate’.

    Once the license is activated, click “Rescan Licenses” in the Demo Mode window:

  2. If you are subscribed to Waves Creative Access, make sure that the plugins that are in demo mode are part of your Waves Creative Access Subscription:
    1. If you are subscribed to the Waves Ultimate option, none of the plugins should be in demo mode.
    2. If you are subscribed to the Waves Essentials option, check whether the plugins that are in demo mode are not included in the Waves Essentials Subscription.
      Click here to see a list of all the plugins included in the Waves Essentials Subscription.
  3. If you own a bundle, make sure that the plugins that are in demo mode are a part of your bundle. See our bundles here.
  4. Mac: If your licenses are activated on a USB flash drive, make sure your DAW has permissions to access it:
    1. Go to System Preferences > Privacy & Security > Full Disk Access.
    2. If your DAW is not listed in the list, add it by clicking the ‘+’ icon under the list.
  5. If the plugin licenses are not found in the Not Activated tab, check if they appear in a device under the Disconnected Devices tab. If that's the case, refer to this article.
  6. If you are connected to the internet via proxy, temporarily disable it.
    Windows:
    Go to Control Panel > Internet Options.
    On the Connections tab, click the LAN Settings button and uncheck Use proxy server for your LAN.

    Mac:
    Go to the System Preferences > Network > Advanced > Proxies tab.
    Under Proxies, make sure nothing is checked in the list.
  7. Rescan your DAW for plugins, following the relevant steps in the Plugins Missing in DAW page.
  8. Go to the Settings page in Waves Central. Under Maintenance, click Repair.

None of the above worked? Please contact Waves Tech Support.