Understanding MikroTik RouterOS Software ID and Licensing The MikroTik Software ID (SID) is a unique seven-character alphanumeric code generated by RouterOS during installation. It binds the operating system license to the specific storage drive (HDD, SSD, or flash memory) of your hardware. Changing this ID directly is impossible without modifying the drive's formatting or structure, which inevitably invalidates your current license.
In the world of MikroTik, the Software ID (SoftID) acts like a digital fingerprint, uniquely identifying your hardware—specifically the storage media like an HDD or NAND. Changing it isn't a simple setting you toggle; rather, it’s a process triggered by hardware changes or intentional re-licensing.
Always keep your MikroTik account credentials safe and secure, as they are the only way to manage your software assets.
/system license renew # This disables the license on this device
Submit the form. The system will process the link change and generate a new key file. Step 4: Apply the New License Key mikrotik change software id link
Once the system processes the request:
If a storage drive (HDD/SSD), NAND chip, or SPI flash chip fails and is replaced, the Software ID will change. RouterOS licensing is bound to the storage medium, so replacing it triggers a new ID.
Here is the proper procedure:
The Software ID (often styled as “SoftID”) is a read-only, alphanumeric string generated by RouterOS during installation. For physical RouterBOARD devices and x86 installations, it is cryptographically bound to the hardware—specifically, the storage media (HDD, NAND, or SSD) and, in some cases, a chip’s unique identifier (UID). In the world of MikroTik, the Software ID
To directly address the search term :
If you have been digging through the depths of WinBox, the WebFig interface, or the RouterOS CLI, you might have stumbled upon a term that feels both critical and cryptic: .
| Goal | Is it possible? | How to do it | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | YES | /system identity set name=... | | Change the License Software ID | NO | It is hard-coded into the hardware. | | Change the IP Address | YES | /ip address menu. |
A physical MikroTik RouterBOARD device comes with a permanent license tied to its embedded NAND/storage chips. However, for custom x86 bare-metal servers or specific storage upgrades, the Software ID can change due to several factors: /system license renew # This disables the license
In all these cases, you don't "change" the ID via a link; you trigger a new ID, and then you must re-link it to your license.
: Changes in drive translation (C/H/S) or LBA settings can also alter the ID. Moving a License to a New ID
If you have a new router and want to move your paid license to it, you must use the MikroTik Account Server. MikroTik allows license transfers only a limited number of times (typically twice per key).
Copy the newly generated license key block from your MikroTik account page.