How can I convert my Product Activation Key (PAK) License to a Smart License, in License Central(LC)?

Introduction

This document explains the steps to convert a Product Activation Key (PAK) license into a Smart License within License Central (LC), enabling easier management and tracking of licenses. 

Video

The purpose of this content is to share information for educational and/or informational use. You may choose to watch the video or read the content below-both provide the same material, so feel free to engage with whichever format you prefer.

Prerequisites

Before you start, ensure that you have the following: 

• Active Cisco.com account 

• The user accessing the License Central must have at least one of the following: 
  • Smart Account User/Admin/Viewer 
  • Virtual Account User/Admin/Viewer 

Steps

Step 1: Go to Cisco Software Central and log in with your Cisco.com credentials.   

Step 2: Click on Access Cisco License Central under the Cisco License Central section.   

Step 3: Enter your Smart Account or use the Search function to search for a Smart Account. 

Step 4: Navigate to the Left Menu bar and click on "Licensing". 

Step 5: In the License Inventory dashboard, Select the licenses and click the “Get licenses” Tab.

Note: The Licensing Method must be Smart to perform conversion.

Step 6: Select the Target Virtual Account. 

Step 7: Click on the desired License Name and enter the required quantity.

Note:

• If Desired Quantity = Available Quantity → proceed to the next step.
• OR If Desired Quantity < Available Quantity → click the pencil icon in the Configure Sources column, select the source type, and click Save.

Click Next, Review the details and Click on Submit.

Note:

• To perform PAK Conversion in CSSM, please go to: How can I convert my Product Activation Key (PAK) license to a Smart License?
• Internal users should open a case with the Licensing support team to resolve the customer view issue with the orders in License Central. There are no checks in place for internal users with a Cisco support role to restrict any unauthorized transactions from the Orders tab.
• Before conversion, licenses must be associated with the Smart Account, and the user must have access to that Smart Account.

Troubleshooting

If you experience an issue during the process explained in this document, open a case in Support Case Manager (SCM). 

For feedback on the content of this document, please submit here . 

For External Customer / Partner Use Only: These instructions are provided to help customers / partners perform the following action themselves to resolve the issue. If the customer / partner runs into issues following the instructions, please have them open a case with licensing support (https://www.cisco.com/go/scm) to help resolve.