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To activate McAfee with a product key or activation code, go to Mcafee.com/activate, enter your 25-digit activation code, and follow the on-screen instructions. You may need to sign in to your McAfee account or create one before completing the activation. Once the key is successfully redeemed, you can download, install, and start using your McAfee security product on your device. If you have purchased a McAfee subscription from a retailer, your activation code is usually included with the purchase or provided on the product card. Entering the correct code at Mcafee.com/activate links your subscription to your McAfee account and helps you access the software and subscription details.

Activate McAfee

Start your McAfee antivirus activation at mcafee.com/activate by entering your 25-digit product key and linking it to your McAfee account in minutes.

Download & Install

Once you’ve completed McAfee activation, download and install your protection software on Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, or ChromeOS devices.

Features & Protection

Explore the full McAfee security suite — AI-powered antivirus, Secure VPN, Identity Theft Coverage, Scam Detector, Deepfake Detector, and more.

Help & Troubleshooting

Fix common McAfee activation issues, product key errors, download problems, and account access questions with our step-by-step troubleshooting guides.

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Get McAfee Up and Running in 3 Steps

Activating your McAfee subscription is quick and straightforward. Follow these three steps to go from unboxed (or newly purchased) to fully protected — all starting at mcafee.com/activate.
1

Go to mcafee.com/activate

Open a web browser on any supported device and navigate to mcafee.com/activate. This is the official McAfee activation portal where your McAfee subscription activation begins. Sign in with your existing McAfee account, or create a free account if you’re a new user — it only takes a moment and secures all your product keys in one place.
2

Enter Your 25-Digit Product Key

Locate the 25-digit McAfee product key included in your retail box, confirmation email, or digital receipt. Carefully type or paste the key into the activation field at mcafee.com/activate, then click Submit. McAfee will instantly verify your key and attach the subscription to your account, unlocking the plan and device allowance you purchased.
3

Download and Install on Your Devices

After your McAfee product key is confirmed, you’ll be directed to download the McAfee installer for your platform. Run the installer, follow the on-screen prompts, and McAfee Total Protection will be active within minutes. Repeat the download step from your McAfee account dashboard to cover every device included in your plan — up to unlimited devices on McAfee+ Premium, Advanced, and Ultimate plans.

Compare Plans

Compare McAfee Essential, McAfee+ Premium, McAfee+ Advanced, and McAfee+ Ultimate plans side by side to find the right level of protection for your household.

Activation on Windows

Step-by-step instructions to activate and install McAfee antivirus on Windows 10 and Windows 11 devices using your product key at mcafee.com/activate.

Activation on Mac

Learn how to complete McAfee activation on macOS 13 and later — from entering your product key at mcafee.com/activate to running your first scan.

McAfee Blog

Stay ahead of the latest cyber threats with tips on spotting online scams, protecting your identity, and getting the most from your McAfee subscription.
Already redeemed your product key? Log in to your McAfee account at home.mcafee.com to download McAfee on any device and manage your active subscriptions, billing, and security settings.