Downloading and Updating Benecaster Plugins
Benecaster Core and all add-ons are distributed through your benecaster.com account — not through WordPress.org. This page explains how automatic updates work and how to download plugin files directly.
Automatic Updates
Once your license is activated, Benecaster checks for updates automatically — no extra setup required. Updates appear in WP Admin → Plugins the same way WordPress.org plugin updates do.
How it works:
- Your WordPress site checks for Benecaster updates once per day (alongside the standard WordPress update check)
- When a new version is available, the update appears in WP Admin → Plugins with an “Update Now” link
- Clicking “Update Now” downloads and installs the update directly — the same one-click process as any other plugin
Add-on updates: If you have add-ons installed, each add-on receives updates through the same process. You only receive updates for add-ons your license entitles you to.
Downloading Plugin Files Directly
You can also download plugin zip files from your account — useful when installing on a new site or re-installing after an issue.
Go to benecaster.com → My Account → Downloads. The page lists:
- Benecaster Core — always available with any active license
- Your add-ons — any add-ons included with your plan or purchased separately
- Included with Studio — if you have a Studio license, all add-ons appear here
Each row shows the latest version, release date, and WordPress/PHP requirements. Click Download to get the zip file, then install it via WP Admin → Plugins → Add New → Upload Plugin.
A Previous Versions panel is available on each row if you need to roll back — it shows the last three prior releases.
The downloads page is coming soon. In the meantime, update via WP Admin → Plugins for the latest version, or contact support if you need a zip file for a specific version.
Troubleshooting Update Errors
If an update fails or the update check returns an error, here is what the error messages mean:
| Message | What it means |
|---|---|
| “Update unavailable” | This add-on exists but has not been released yet. It will be available in a future update. |
| “Not entitled” | Your license does not include this add-on. Check your plan or purchase the add-on separately from your account. |
| Update not appearing | Try deactivating and reactivating your license key on this site. If the issue persists, check that your license status is active in Benecaster → Settings → License. |
If automatic updates stop working after a site migration or URL change, re-enter your license key on the new URL first — the update check validates your license key against the site URL where Benecaster is installed.