Fix Adobe Error: ‘We Can’t Verify Your Subscription Status’ [Step-by-Step Guide]

[brandonv19004086]

We have a single user that is having issues using Adobe Pro DC. He may be able to work for a while but eventually gets a message that says 

We can't verify your subscription status. We can't reach the Adobe servers

We were able to temporarily get the user working again by removing all adobe credentials within Windows Credential Manager, but within 30 minutes the issue returned. 

We have tried using the Adobe CC Removal Tool to wipe the computer clean of Adobe and reinstall, but still no luck. The user's computer is a wired desktop and has no unusual network settings that would set it apart from anything else on our network. This is the only computer in the company behaving like this. This issue started approximately 1 week ago. 

[michaelb85734298]

I agree this is garbage. It was working 30 minutes ago now I can't open Photoshop.

[Nancy OShea]

Close Photoshop.

1. Open CC Desktop App.
2. Click your Avatar (top right image) > Preferences > General tab > Settings. Select "Always keep Creative Cloud up to date."
3. Click on your Avatar again.
4. Sign-out of Creative Cloud.
5. Close all apps.
6. Restart your computer.
7. Open CC Desktop app.
8. Click your Avatar.
9. Sign-in with your paid ID and password.

[michaelb85734298]

This was already enabled. A reboot fixed it in my case, which is pretty stupid. None of the other fixes could address the issue without a reboot. So I downgraded my subscription, no sense paying you guys extra for these kinds of problems.

[kglad]

@michaelb85734298 

do you have a team or enterprise subscription?

[mtpitts@gmail.com]

Same issue here.  The uptime link shows everything with a green check. Which I assume means that the authentication servers are working. Yet somehow....they are not.

Very frustrating.  I'm so glad my job does not depend on Adobe products.

1/10 would not recommend.

[Krzysztof31366298rd6f]

In my case there was a problem with router setting. 

I am using a custom firewall setting so not all coonections via specified ports are allowed. Thats why adobe subscription verification failed. Two solutions. First is to change simple firewall setting to allow for a while all connections (or disable the firewall at all) or in advanced firewall settings add connection port to the list with allowed ports. I have no idea which port number is used by Adobe for verifaction, so i change only the siumple firewall protection setting from "custom" to "low". Verification passed. After that i once again change my setting to "custom" but there was no problem with ceryfication anymore.

[kglad]

@Krzysztof31366298rd6f 

adobe.com endpoints, https://helpx.adobe.com/in/enterprise/kb/network-endpoints.html

[Anshul_Nautiyal · Accepted solution]

Are you seeing “We can’t verify your subscription status” while trying to access Adobe apps? Here’s how to fix it.

If you encounter this error, follow these troubleshooting steps. If you are using an office-provided device or network, involve your IT team—some actions may require admin access or elevated permissions.

Step 1: Check Internet Connectivity
Make sure you have a stable internet connection.
Adobe apps need an active connection to download, install, and validate licenses.
If prompted, click Try again.  

Sign out of the Creative Cloud Desktop app and sign back in. 

Step 2: Try a Different Network
Switch to another internet network to rule out firewall or network restrictions.

Step 3: Configure Your Software Firewall
Temporarily disable your firewall to check if it’s causing the problem:
Windows: Firewall and Network Protection in the Windows Security App - Microsoft Support
macOS: https://support.apple.com/en-in/guide/mac-help/mh11783/mac

Step 4: Update Your Operating System
Install any pending updates.
Outdated systems can block internet access for security reasons.

Step 5: Restart Credential Manager
Follow this guide to restart the credential manager:
https://helpx.adobe.com/download-install/apps/troubleshoot/licensing-activation-issues/user-license-...

Step 6: Fix Clock/Certificate Issues
Ensure your system clock is correct.
If network sync causes time jumps, temporarily disable “Synchronize with an Internet time server,” open an Adobe app while online, then re-enable syncing.
Clear Adobe Intermediate CA/Adobe Content certs if invalid:
https://helpx.adobe.com/download-install/apps/troubleshoot/login-issues/cannot-verify-subscription-s...

Step 7: Allow Adobe Apps Access Through Firewall
Allow Creative Cloud apps through the firewall.
If you weren’t prompted, temporarily disable the firewall to test.

Step 8: Reset Hosts/Proxy and Repair Endpoint Access
Use the Limited Access Repair tool, verify firewall settings, and ensure CC/Acrobat executables are allowed:
https://helpx.adobe.com/in/download-install/kb/common-network-connectivity-issues.html

Step 9: Troubleshoot Common Network Issues
Follow Adobe’s guide: Unable to install Adobe apps due to connectivity issues

Step 10: Verify TLS 1.2 Browser Support
Make sure your browser supports TLS 1.2:
https://helpx.adobe.com/x-productkb/multi/eol-tls-support.html

Step 11: Test Secure Server Connectivity
Ensure you can connect to Adobe servers:
http://helpx.adobe.com/x-productkb/policy-pricing/activation-network-issues.html

Step 12: Reset Hosts File
Follow this guide to reset the hosts file:

https://helpx.adobe.com/download-install/apps/troubleshoot/licensing-activation-issues/reset-hosts-f...

Step 13: Update Adobe Certificates
Outdated certificates may block activation:

https://helpx.adobe.com/download-install/apps/troubleshoot/licensing-activation-issues/user-license-...
Step 14: Reset Internet Options (Windows Only)
Go to Internet Options from the Start menu.
Select the Advanced tab.
Click Restore advanced settings and then Apply.

Step 15: Allow Required Adobe Domains (If you are a part of a teams and enterprise contract please check with your admin)
Verify that all required Adobe domains are allowed:
https://helpx.adobe.com/enterprise/kb/network-endpoints.html

Step 16: Create a New Administrator Account (If you are a part of a teams and enterprise contract please check with your admin)
Try installing under a new admin account:
Windows: https://helpx.adobe.com/x-productkb/global/create-local-administrator-account-windows.html
macOS: https://support.apple.com/en-in/guide/mac-help/mtusr001/mac

Step 17: Use Creative Cloud Cleaner Tool
Remove corrupted installations and fix permission issues:
https://helpx.adobe.com/creative-cloud/kb/cc-cleaner-tool-installation-problems.html

Once done, restart your machine and install the creative cloud app again.

If the problem continues after completing these steps, please reach out with details—we’ll be glad to help further.

[nano_3799]

Didn't work F u service 

[Bani Verma]

Hi @nano_3799, 

Sorry to hear that the troubleshooting steps shared above didn't help. Could you please share more details about the specific issue you are experiencing?

Thanks,

^BS

[Kristi329062588ha3]

Step 7 will not happen. Our company doesn't let us disable a firewall.  

[kglad]

then white list adobe endpoints, https://helpx.adobe.com/enterprise/kb/network-endpoints.html

[Anshul_Nautiyal]

Hi @Kristi329062588ha3,

Thanks for reaching out and informing us about the issue. If you are unable to perform any of the steps, please involve someone from your IT team for assistance. Kindly try the remaining steps and let us know if the issue persists. We will review it further and assist you accordingly.

Regards,

^AN

[Timothy269673986amr]

We've had many users with Adobe Acrobat just crashing several seconds after opening a .PDF file.  This is the latest slate of instructions from tier 2 (supposedly) Adobe Support:

Note: Please uninstall all Adobe products on your device before performing manual cleanup

Please use the steps mentioned below to Perform manual cleanup
>>Open the Control Panel and navigate to Programs and Features.
>>Select Acrobat Installation and click uninstall (repeat this step if there is more than one installation) Note: Continue to uninstall even if the app prompts a security alert).

>>Navigate to to Windows folder (C:/ drive)

>>Open Program Files and delete Adobe Folders. Open the 'Common Files' folder. Repeat the same step for Program Files (x86) Folder.

>>While staying in the Windows drive click on 'view' (top left corner) and check mark 'Hidden Files'.

>>Open the 'Program Data' Folder and delete the Adobe folders.

>>Go back to the main Windows Drive and open the 'Users' folder.

>>Open the folder that matches your profile.

>>Delete Adobe folders from within all three folders. (Local, LocalLow, Roaming)

>>Open 'Registry Editor' (search 'regedit' in Windows search at the bottom) (Note: If you do not see a folder named Adobe in the mentioned folders, you may skip them.)

>>Expand HKEY_CURRENT_USER (click on the arrow beside the folder).

>>Further, expand Software and delete Adobe files.

>>Collapse HKEY_CURRENT_USER and expand HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
>>Further, expand Software and delete Adobe files.

>>Open your browser click on the 3 dots in the top right corner click on settings/extensions (depending upon your browser) from settings open extensions and delete/remove any Adobe plugins.

>>Restart your PC.

Locations from where you need to delete Adobe folders

Locations from manual cleanup should be done

C:\Program Files\Adobe
- C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe
- C:\Program Files (x86) \Adobe
- C:\Program Files (x86) \ Common Files\ Adobe
- C:\Program Data\Adobe
- C:\Users\(username)\AppData\Local\Adobe
- C:\Users\(username)\AppData\Roaming\Adobe