Fix issues while activating or reinstalling legacy Adobe apps

Learn what to do if you encounter sign-in issues while activating or reinstalling certain versions of your non-subscription Adobe apps (such as Acrobat, Photoshop Elements, Premiere Elements, and Creative Suite 6).

Unable to activate or reinstall legacy Adobe apps?

Note that the following Adobe apps no longer support the old sign-in method. You can reactivate or reinstall them using the new sign-in method.

  • Photoshop Elements (versions 2018 and earlier)
  • Premiere Elements (versions 2018 and earlier)
  • Captivate (versions 5.5 and 2017)
  • Creative Suite 6
  • Acrobat 11
  • eLearning Suite 2.5
  • Technical Communications Suite (versions 3.0 and 3.5)

Sign in to activate or reinstall legacy Adobe apps

Follow the steps to sign in quickly and start using your non-subscription apps:

  1. Try to launch your app.

  2. Use your mobile or tablet device to scan the QR code on the sign-in screen.

    Use the QR code to sign in on your mobile device to reinstall or activate your non-subscription apps

    Note:

    If you're unable to scan the QR code, ensure it fits your screen, your camera lens is clean, and you have proper lighting and distance.

  3. Enter your email address on your mobile or browser, then select Continue.

    Select sign in to reinstall or activate older Adobe apps

  4. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the sign in.

Once you're signed in from your mobile, tablet, or browser, you are automatically signed in to your app on the desktop.

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Adobe MAX 2024

Adobe MAX
The Creativity Conference

Oct 14–16 Miami Beach and online

Adobe MAX

The Creativity Conference

Oct 14–16 Miami Beach and online

Adobe MAX 2024

Adobe MAX
The Creativity Conference

Oct 14–16 Miami Beach and online

Adobe MAX

The Creativity Conference

Oct 14–16 Miami Beach and online