Creative Cloud apps ask for serial number

Last updated on Sep 18, 2024

Creative Cloud apps don't require a serial number. Try the solutions below to fix this error.

A connection or set-up issue may be triggering this serial number error. Work through the following solutions one-by-one until you're able to sign in again.

Try to access the Adobe activation servers:

See two Adobe logos?

If you see two Adobe logos, you have access to the activation servers. Now sign in to your Creative Cloud app again.

Don't see the Adobe logos?

Check your internet connection and try to access the Adobe activation servers again. You need a secure connection when signing in to an app. Then try to sign in to your Creative Cloud app again.

For help with signing in, see how to sign in to (or activate) your app.

Follow these steps to verify that you have an active Creative Cloud subscription.

Open the Creative Cloud desktop app. (Select the Creative Cloud icon in your Windows taskbar or macOS menu bar).
Select the Account icon in the upper right, and then select Sign out.

You have successfully signed out of your account.

Does your screen look different?

See instructions for the earlier version of the Creative Cloud desktop app.
Sign in again to your Creative Cloud account.
If you aren’t using the latest version of the Creative Cloud desktop app, a prompt to update appears. Select Update.

Check your payment details

Sign in at https://account.adobe.com/plans.
Select Edit billing and payment.

The window to add new payment details or edit added details opens.
Select either Add new or Edit.

You can add multiple payment details in your account.
Confirm that your payment details, billing address, and phone number are correct. Get help with updating your billing info.

Using a corporate card? Always use the name and billing address of the cardholder, not your own. Check with the cardholder or your accounting department to verify the correct name and billing address.

If you purchased an English-only subscription, make sure that the default language settings in the Creative Cloud desktop app is English (International).

Open the Creative Cloud desktop app. (Select the Creative Cloud icon in your Windows taskbar or macOS menu bar).
Select the Account icon in the upper right, and then select Preferences.

The Preferences window opens.

Does your screen look different?

See instructions for the earlier version of the Creative Cloud desktop app.
Select Apps in the left sidebar.
Under Default install language, ensure that English (International) is selected, and select Done.

You have successfully changed the Default install language of your Creative Cloud apps. You can also change the Install location and Auto-update settings.