Using Sonnox Plug-ins Offline

If your studio doesn’t have a stable internet connection, you can still use your Sonnox plug-ins, you just need to make sure your licences are activated to a local machine or an iLok USB.

This guide explains the best setup for working offline and what to avoid.

iLok Cloud Cannot Be Used Offline

Important: iLok Cloud requires an active internet connection at all times.

If you lose internet access while using iLok Cloud:

• Your plug-ins will stop working.

• The iLok Cloud session will close automatically.

• You won’t be able to reopen it until you reconnect to the internet.

If your studio has unreliable internet, avoid using iLok Cloud and choose a Machine or USB activation instead.

Using Machine Activations Offline

A Machine activation stores your licence directly on your computer. Once activated, you can use your Sonnox plug-ins completely offline.

How to set up:

1. Open iLok License Manager.

2. Sign in with your iLok User ID (internet connection required only for this step).

3. Locate your Sonnox licence, right-click, and choose Activate.

4. Select your computer name as the activation location.

Once activated, you can disconnect from the internet — your Sonnox plug-ins will continue to work normally.

Tip:

If you ever reinstall your operating system or change hardware, you’ll need to deactivate the licence first (while online) to avoid losing it.

Using iLok USB Activations Offline

An iLok USB is ideal for studios or mobile setups with no or patchy internet access.

Once the licence is on the USB key, it travels with you — no online connection required.

How to set up:

1. Connect your iLok USB to your computer.

2. Open iLok License Manager and sign in.

3. Right-click your Sonnox licence - Activate - choose your iLok USB.

After activation, your plug-ins will work on any computer where that USB is connected — even completely offline.

Best Practices for Offline Studios

• Use iLok USB activations if you regularly switch between computers.

• Use Machine activations if your system is fixed and rarely changes.

• Always perform activations, deactivations, or licence moves while online.

• Keep iLok License Manager up to date at all times - you’ll need internet access for updates.

• Avoid iLok Cloud in studios with unreliable or no internet connection.