Sharing iLok USB key to multiple Macs (one at a time)

Submitted by matt.daley@the… on #1

I would like to use Virtualhere to share an iLok USB key for Avid Protools between multiple Macs with only one at any given time using the license.

The issue I get is that the first Mac can use the key successfully but when it releases the USB key and the next Mac connects to it, the license manager on the second Mac issues an error about a key only being allowed to be used by one operating system. I know that by physically removing the iLok key and plugging it back in on the server makes it then usable by another Mac until I need to move the license again. I have found instructions about using power reset on the USB port of the key which would have the same effect as removing and plugging the key in but I have had no success in automating this on a Mac as the server. 

Has anyone successfully done this?

Submitted by matt.daley@the… on Thu, 2026/09/24 - 13:40

#3

I bought a hub that was listed as PPP compatible with uhubctl, the Amazon Basics U3-10HUB-R.
I can use the Mac CLI to turn ports off and on using uhubctl and the light on the key goes out and then turns on. 
The key itself does not forget that it was attached to the previous Mac even though it appears to have been power cycled. It's as if the key is getting power from the other wires on USB and not just the power ones. 
I setup the config file on the Mac server with a line:
ClientDeauthorization=/Users/myaccount/Virtualhere_Scripts/script.sh $PRODUCT_SERIAL$
and the script file has:
USB_ID=$1 
uhubct! -s USB_ID -a 2
It appears to work as desired with the LED on the key going off then on but, alas, no. It is as if iLok have worked hard to prevent people doing what I am trying to do.

I'd like to get it working and if it's as easy as buying another USB hub that would be great. 
Is there something about your hub that is different to the one I have? 
Are people that have this working using a different server, like Windows or Linux, to me?


EDIT

I followed the link to the USB hub and there are extra menu options in the client that are not visible on my server with the hub I have. 
Is this really as easy as buying the compatible hub and the menu options for power cycling simply appear?


 

Submitted by Michael on Thu, 2026/09/24 - 13:48

#4

Plug in your phone into your hub and see if it stops charging with the uhubctl off command 

Submitted by Michael on Thu, 2026/09/24 - 17:07

#5

Yes