License key activation should support instance ID for idempotency

[RobertWi]

Problem:
Pangolin EE introduces recently features beyond the CE version that I want to use in my personal setup. However, when obtaining a Pangolin EE license via app.pangolin.net, each activation generates a unique instance ID. This makes the license non-transferable between server recreations, breaking infrastructure-as-code workflows where servers are routinely destroyed and recreated as in my personal use setup (e.g., Terraform destroy/apply).

Current Behaviour:

• License activation binds to a generated instance ID
• When server is recreated, new instance ID is generated
• Error: "License key has already been activated with a different instance name"
• Manual intervention required to request a license

Desired Behaviour

• Instance ID parameter - Allow specifying a fixed instance ID during activation
• Instance ID override - Environment variable or config to set instance ID

For example
Instance ID parameter

POST /api/v1/license/activate
{
  "licenseKey": "xxx",
  "instanceId": "pangolin-prod-001"  # Optional fixed ID
}

Instance ID override
PANGOLIN_INSTANCE_ID=pangolin-prod-001

Environment

• OS Type & Version: (e.g., Ubuntu 24.04)
• Pangolin version: ee-postgresql-1.14.1
• Gerbil version: gerbil:1.3.0
• Traefik version: 3.6.5
• Newt version: 1.8.0

To Reproduce

POST /api/v1/license/activate
Activated license key, instance ID: {"instanceId":"46c66b9e-5ecd-46c3-9825-f4c3062c9459"}
Checking license status...
POST /api/v1/license/recheck
Checking license status...

Expected Behavior

POST /api/v1/license/activate
Activated license key, instance ID: {"instanceId":"46c66b9e-5ecd-46c3-9825-f4c3062c9459","user-Instanceid¨:¨pangolin-prod-001¨}
POST /api/v1/license/recheck
Checking license status...

[oschwartz10612]

Making this a discussion as its a feature request right now I think but I see the value!

[kmanwar89]

Throwing my hat into the ring on this one - I had to wipe/recreate my VPS, so the EE license I requested previously is now invalid.

Is the workaround as "simple" as requesting a net-new license, or are there additional other steps?

An idempotent ID that can survive instance re-builds would be ideal, but happy to follow steps in the interim to restore access to Enterprise features - thanks!

[oschwartz10612]

Yes, agree. For now yes you can recreate as many personal keys as you need.