Every license is tied to one public IP address. You never enter that IP yourself. AstroShield records it the first time your server connects.
How it works#
- A new license starts with no IP. The dashboard shows Not configured.
- The first time the resource connects and the license is valid, the backend saves the IP it connected from. This is called binding.
- From then on the license only works from that IP. A connection from any other IP is refused.
- To move the license to a different IP you need an IP reset. Approving it clears the saved IP, and the next connection binds the new one.
Which IP counts#
The IP that counts is the one the backend sees when your server connects, which is your machine's public outbound address.
That is usually the same as the address your players join, but not always. It can differ when:
- your host uses separate addresses for incoming and outgoing traffic,
- the server sits behind a NAT, VPN or proxy, or on a shared host with several outbound addresses,
- your provider rotates the IP, for example a home connection or a dynamic address.
If the outbound IP changes, the license stops working until you request a reset. A server with a fixed public IP avoids the problem.
License statuses#
The Status line of the console banner and the license card in the dashboard show where your license stands.
| Status | Banner text | What it means |
|---|---|---|
active | License active | Everything is fine. Expires shows the expiry date. |
expiring | Your license expires in N days! | Seven days or less are left. Renew soon. |
lifetime | Lifetime license | The license never expires. |
expired | Your license has expired. Renew at https://astroshield.dev/pricing | The backend refuses the connection. See Expiry and renewal. |
ip_mismatch | This license needs to be IP Resetted on our dashboard. (Expires: IP RESET REQUIRED) | Your server connected from an IP that is not the saved one. Request an IP reset. |
banned | This license has been banned. Contact support for more info. | The license was suspended. Contact support. |
inactive | This license is inactive. Contact support for more info. | The backend has no server configuration for this license. Contact support. |
When the backend refuses a connection, the console also prints the reason as Auth failed: .... The messages are listed in Troubleshooting.
A refused license does not retry
After the backend refuses the license (IP locked, expired, banned), the resource does not keep trying. Once the problem is fixed, restart the resource with restart AstroShield.
When the lock gets in the way#
- Moving to a new host or machine. Request a reset, see the checklist in IP reset.
- Changing hosting plan or provider. Same as above.
- Dynamic or rotating IP. Every change needs a reset. Move the server to a fixed IP.
- Running a test copy. A second machine cannot use your license. Buy another license for it.
Where to see the saved IP#
- The dashboard lists it in the IP column of Your Servers and on the server's overview.
- The in-game panel shows it on its dashboard page, hidden until you click the eye icon. See In-game panel.