Upgrade Guide

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Updating to a new version

SubscriptionFlow updates like any WordPress plugin — see Automatic Updates. The safe routine:

1. Back up your site (files + database), especially on a live store.
2. If possible, test the update on staging first.
3. Update from Plugins → Installed Plugins (or Dashboard → Updates).
4. Verify afterward: open the SubscriptionFlow Dashboard, place a test order, and confirm subscriptions/licenses still behave as expected.

Your subscriptions, licenses, plans, and settings are preserved across updates.

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Upgrading from Free to Pro

1. Purchase a Pro license.
2. Go to SubscriptionFlow → License, enter your key and email, and click Activate.
3. Pro features unlock immediately — set up automatic renewals, gateways, security, and Elementor widgets as needed.

Nothing is lost in the process. See License Activation and Starter Free vs Pro.

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Downgrading or letting a license lapse

• Pro features lock, but all your data (subscriptions, licenses, plans, settings) is kept.
• Pages using Pro‑only Elementor widgets will stop rendering those widgets — switch them to the shortcodes so customers keep access to their dashboard.
• Automatic renewals stop; customers can renew manually. Consider notifying customers if you rely on automatic billing.

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Moving your license to another site

1. On the old site: SubscriptionFlow → License → Deactivate.
2. On the new site: enter your key and email and Activate.

This keeps you within your allowed‑sites limit — see License Status & Allowed Sites.

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Migrating your store (new domain/host)

• Deactivate the license before you migrate, then reactivate on the new domain.
• Keep WooCommerce and PHP at supported versions (WooCommerce 7.0+, PHP 7.4+).
• After migrating, re‑test a purchase and a renewal (in sandbox if using gateways).

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Version‑specific notes

(None yet. A note is added here for any release that needs special upgrade steps.)

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Tips & Best Practices

• Always back up before updating a live store.

• Keep your license active so updates and Pro features continue seamlessly.

• Test payments after any update if you rely on automatic renewals.

• Read the Release Notes before major updates to know what changed.