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To activate Kaspersky, either sign in to the My Kaspersky account that holds your subscription or enter the activation code supplied with your purchase. The exact labels and steps vary by app and version; the Android instructions below are for the version covered by Kaspersky’s activation guide. For a boxed purchase, follow the instructions for that product and check its terms before relying on a start date or renewal feature.
Choose your activation method
| What you have | Use this route |
|---|---|
| You can sign in to the My Kaspersky account holding the subscription | Choose the option to use an existing subscription and sign in. The app can offer an eligible subscription for activation. |
| You have a valid activation code | Enter the code in the app, or add it to My Kaspersky if the product’s instructions support that route. |
| You have a box or activation card | Find the code on the box, in its documentation, or on the back of the card, then follow the instructions for the product and version. |
These routes are documented for particular Kaspersky products and versions, not as a universal set of current screen labels. Confirm that the installed app supports the subscription you purchased.
Activate the subscription from My Kaspersky on Android
- Connect the device to the internet. The Android instructions require an internet connection to buy and activate a subscription.
- Open the Kaspersky app and go to Profile.
- Choose Buy or restore subscription, then select I have a subscription.
- Sign in to the My Kaspersky account associated with the subscription.
- If the app offers an eligible subscription, select it and follow the prompts. After activation, check the subscription information shown in the app.
Labels may differ in other app versions. If no subscription appears, first check that you signed in to the account that holds it.
Enter an activation code in the app
- Open the Kaspersky app and go to Profile.
- Select Buy or restore subscription, then I have a subscription.
- Choose Enter the activation code.
- Enter the code and continue. The cited Android instructions describe a code of 20 letters and numerals in this format:
xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx. - Confirm that the app reports successful activation and displays subscription information.
For a physical purchase, look for the code on the box, in its documentation, or on the back of the activation card. The location and activation process can depend on the product.
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- ADVANCED THREAT DEFENSE: Your software is always up-to-date to defend against the latest attacks, and includes: complete real-time data protection, multi-layer malware, ransomware, cryptomining, phishing, fraud, and spam protection, and more.
- SUPERIOR PRIVACY PROTECTION: including a dedicated safe online banking browser, microphone monitor, webcam protection, anti-tracker, file shredder, parental controls, privacy firewall, anti-theft protection, social network protection, and more.
- TOP-TIER PERFORMANCE: Bitdefender technology provides near-zero impact on your computer’s hardware, including: Autopilot security advisor, auto-adaptive performance technology, game/movie/work modes, OneClick Optimizer, battery mode, and more
Use a boxed-product code through My Kaspersky
Kaspersky’s instructions for a Windows boxed product describe adding the activation code to My Kaspersky, opening the subscription panel, and downloading and installing the application. If the code is already associated with your account, signing in on another device can retrieve the subscription, subject to its terms.
Follow the instructions packaged with your product, since the account-based flow and available app may differ by version. Do not assume the subscription covers a particular number of devices; check the purchase terms.
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- SPEED-OPTIMIZED, CROSS-PLATFORM PROTECTION: World-class antivirus security and cyber protection for Windows, Mac OS, iOS, and Android. Organize and keep your digital life safe from hackers.
- ADVANCED THREAT DEFENSE: Your software is always up-to-date to defend against the latest attacks, and includes: complete real-time data protection, multi-layer malware, ransomware, cryptomining, phishing, fraud, and spam protection, and more.
- SUPERIOR PRIVACY PROTECTION: including a dedicated safe online banking browser, microphone monitor, webcam protection, anti-tracker, file shredder, parental controls, privacy firewall, anti-theft protection, social network protection, and more.
- TOP-TIER PERFORMANCE: Bitdefender technology provides near-zero impact on your computer’s hardware, including: Autopilot security advisor, auto-adaptive performance technology, game/movie/work modes, OneClick Optimizer, battery mode, and more
When does the subscription period begin?
In the cited boxed-product instructions, the expiration countdown begins when the application is first activated on a device. The cited Android instructions likewise say the period starts when the code is first used on a device. Treat these as rules for those documented products, and check the terms for your specific purchase before activating if timing matters.
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Kaspersky documents a reserve-code option for some Windows versions: an eligible code can be stored and used when the current subscription expires. It is not available for every subscription or account. The instructions list restrictions including certain auto-renewing subscriptions, trial subscriptions, an already assigned reserve code, a subscription that has already expired, and regional unavailability.
Rank #3
- SPEED-OPTIMIZED, CROSS-PLATFORM PROTECTION: World-class antivirus security and cyber protection for Windows, Mac OS, iOS, and Android. Organize and keep your digital life safe from hackers.
- ADVANCED THREAT DEFENSE: Your software is always up-to-date to defend against the latest attacks, and includes: complete real-time data protection, multi-layer malware, ransomware, cryptomining, phishing, fraud, and spam protection, and more.
- SUPERIOR PRIVACY PROTECTION: including a dedicated safe online banking browser, microphone monitor, webcam protection, anti-tracker, file shredder, parental controls, privacy firewall, anti-theft protection, social network protection, and more.
- TOP-TIER PERFORMANCE: Bitdefender technology provides near-zero impact on your computer’s hardware, including: Autopilot security advisor, auto-adaptive performance technology, game/movie/work modes, OneClick Optimizer, battery mode, and more
Check the subscription screen in your app and the documentation for your product before depending on a reserve code. Kaspersky’s verification process checks matters such as expiration, device limits, and compatibility with the installed application.
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- SPEED-OPTIMIZED PROTECTION FOR WINDOWS: World-class antivirus security and cyber protection for Windows PCs (Windows 7 with Service Pack 1, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, and Windows 11), Organize and keep your digital life safe from hackers
- ADVANCED THREAT DEFENSE: Your software is always up-to-date to defend against the latest attacks, and includes: complete real-time data protection, multi-layer malware, ransomware, cryptomining, phishing, fraud, and spam protection, and more.
- SUPERIOR PRIVACY PROTECTION: including a dedicated safe online banking browser, microphone monitor, webcam protection, anti-tracker, file shredder, parental controls, privacy firewall, anti-theft protection, social network protection, and more.
- TOP-TIER PERFORMANCE: Bitdefender technology provides near-zero impact on your computer’s hardware, including: Autopilot security advisor, auto-adaptive performance technology, game/movie/work modes, OneClick Optimizer, battery mode, and more
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- Also includes: Online Shopping Protection, Time Machine Protection, Cross-Platform Malware Detection, Proactive Link Scanning, Anti-Phishing, Autopilot, Bitdefender VPN (200 MB/day), and much more
If activation does not work
- The subscription is not detected: Sign in to the My Kaspersky account that holds it, then check whether the app offers it for activation.
- The code is rejected: Check that you entered the complete code and are using the correct Kaspersky app and a version compatible with the subscription.
- Activation cannot complete: Confirm the device is online. The cited Android flow requires internet access for activation.
- You cannot find the code: Check the box, included documentation, or the back of the activation card.
- You expected a different screen: The documented steps cover particular app versions; labels and options can vary. Consult the instructions for your installed product rather than assuming another version has the same menu.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
