---
title: Install TrueCommunity Pro and activate your license
description: Add the Pro plugin next to the free one and activate your license key to get updates.
url: "https://truecommunitypro.com/docs/install-pro/"
updated: "2026-10-09"
category: Getting Started
---

# Install TrueCommunity Pro and activate your license

TrueCommunity Pro is an add-on. It needs the free **TrueCommunity** plugin to be installed and active first.

## Step 1: Download Pro

After you buy, open your purchase receipt or your **Account** page on our website. There you will find:

- the **TrueCommunity Pro** ZIP file
- your **license key**

## Step 2: Install the plugin

1. In your dashboard, go to **Plugins → Add New Plugin → Upload Plugin**.
2. Choose `truecommunity-pro.zip` and click **Install Now**.
3. Click **Activate Plugin**.

**Important:** If you see the message "TrueCommunity Pro requires the TrueCommunity plugin to be installed and active", install and activate the free plugin first, then activate Pro again.

## Step 3: Activate your license

1. Go to **TrueCommunity → License**.
2. Paste your key into **License key**.
3. Click **Activate License**.

When it works, the status changes to **Active** and you see "License activated. Plugin updates are now enabled."

[![The License screen](https://truecommunitypro.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/tc-admin-license.webp)](https://truecommunitypro.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/tc-admin-license.webp)
The License screen

## What the license does

Your license gives you **plugin updates** and support. All Pro features work as soon as the plugin is active. Without an active license you still see update notices, but you cannot install the updates.

## License messages and what to do

| Message | What to do |
| --- | --- |
| Invalid license key | Check that you copied the full key, with no spaces at the start or end. |
| Your license key has expired | Renew your license from your account page to get updates again. |
| Your license key has reached its activation limit | Deactivate the license on a site you no longer use, or upgrade to a plan with more sites. |
| This license key does not belong to TrueCommunity Pro | The key is for a different product. Use the TrueCommunity Pro key from your receipt. |
| Your license key has been disabled | Please contact support. |

**Tip:** Moving to a new domain? Click **Deactivate License** on the old site first. This frees the activation so you can use it on the new site.