When you deploy a fresh cPanel server, you might see a banner stating: "cPanel & WHM is running in Trial Mode". Depending on your order, this means one of two things.
Scenario 1: You ordered a license from Tilaa
If you purchased a cPanel license add-on with your VPS, this banner usually indicates that the server simply hasn't synchronized with the licensing authority yet.
Fix it immediately:
You don't have to wait for the trial to "expire". You can force the activation right now.
1. Log in via SSH as
2. Run:
The banner should disappear instantly.
You don't have to wait for the trial to "expire". You can force the activation right now.
1. Log in via SSH as
root.2. Run:
/usr/local/cpanel/cpkeycltThe banner should disappear instantly.
Scenario 2: You are using the Free Trial
If you did not order a license yet, cPanel automatically activates a 15-day free trial for any new IP address that hasn't used cPanel before.
Trial Limitations
- Features: The trial is fully functional. You have access to all features, can create accounts, and host websites without restrictions.
- Duration: Exactly 15 days.
What happens when the trial ends?
Unlike the trial period, the expiration is abrupt. Once the 15 days are over:
- Access: You will be locked out of the WHM and cPanel interfaces.
- Websites: Your hosted websites and email services will generally continue to run.
- Data: No data is lost. Your configurations remain intact.
Action Required:
To regain access after the trial expires, you must purchase a valid license (either via Tilaa Support or directly from cPanel) and run the refresh command mentioned above.
To regain access after the trial expires, you must purchase a valid license (either via Tilaa Support or directly from cPanel) and run the refresh command mentioned above.