We release new versions of our plugins as we fix, improve and test them with new versions of WordPress and WooCommerce. Install updates as they arrive, so your store stays secure and compatible. How an update reaches your site depends on where you bought the plugin.
When you’d use this
- You want to know how updates reach your store.
- WordPress hasn’t offered an update you expected.
- WordPress says an update is available but won’t install it.
How updates reach your site
- Bought on kestrelwp.com: once the plugin’s license key is activated under Settings » <Plugin name> activation and your subscription is active, WordPress shows our updates alongside everyone else’s, and you can install them with one click or turn on auto-updates for the plugin. Activate your license key explains the activation screen.
- Bought on WooCommerce.com: updates come through your store’s connection to WooCommerce.com, with no license key to enter.
- Plugins with no activation screen under Settings: download the newer version from the Licensed downloads tab of your kestrelwp.com account and upload it.
To install an update, by one click or by uploading a newer .zip, follow Update the plugin. Use Replace current with uploaded rather than deleting the old version: deleting a plugin from the Plugins screen runs its uninstall routine, and some plugins remove their settings when that happens.
Update plugins on a multisite network
On a multisite network, WordPress installs plugin updates from Network Admin. Use KestrelWP plugins on a multisite network covers activating plugins and license keys on a network: each sub-site that uses a plugin needs its own license, and plugins are never network activated.
Common issues
No update appears
If the update is listed with "Automatic update is unavailable for this plugin.", see the next section. Otherwise, work through these in order:
- Does the plugin have an activation screen under Settings? If it doesn’t, WordPress won’t show its updates: download the newer version from the Licensed downloads tab of your kestrelwp.com account and upload it.
- Has WordPress checked since the release? WordPress checks for updates on a schedule. Go to Dashboard » Updates and click Check again.
- Can your server reach kestrelwp.com? If your site blocks outgoing requests, the plugin shows "Warning! You’re blocking external requests which means you won’t be able to get <Plugin name> updates." Add
kestrelwp.comtoWP_ACCESSIBLE_HOSTSinwp-config.php, as the notice says, or ask your host to allow it.
"Automatic update is unavailable for this plugin."
WordPress knows a newer version exists but can’t download it to this site. For a plugin bought on kestrelwp.com, that means the license key isn’t activated on this site, or the subscription behind it has ended. Activate the key, or renew the subscription, then click Check again on Dashboard » Updates. While your subscription is active, you can also download the newer version from the Licensed downloads tab and upload it.
"Auto-updates unavailable."
This shows in the Automatic Updates column on Plugins » Installed Plugins while the plugin’s license key isn’t activated. Activate the key to turn on auto-updates for the plugin.
The update failed partway through
Upload the newer version by hand with Replace current with uploaded, as described in Upload a newer version. If WordPress shows a different error, contact our support team with the message and the plugin’s name and version.