How Meraki licensing works
Every Meraki device needs a valid license to stay connected to the cloud dashboard and keep passing traffic. The license covers cloud management, support and firmware updates for that hardware.
What happens when a license expires
Meraki gives a short grace period after expiration. If the license isn't renewed by then, you lose dashboard access and the device stops working. Tracking expiration dates matters.
Two licensing models
| Co-termination | Per-device licensing | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | All devices of a type in an organization share one expiration date. | Each device has its own license and its own expiration date. |
| Best for | Simple, predictable yearly renewals. | Mixed hardware ages and staggered budgets. |
| Watch out for | Adding devices shortens the shared term for everyone. | More dates to track. |
Terms and editions
- Licenses are sold in multi-year terms, commonly 1, 3, 5, 7 or 10 years. Longer terms usually cost less per year.
- Some product lines, such as security appliances, come in different editions with different feature sets.
How we help
- Review your dashboard and list every device and expiration date.
- Recommend co-term or per-device licensing based on your setup.
- Send renewal quotes well before anything expires.
Licensing terms and model availability can change. Confirm current details with Cisco Meraki or your quote.