🚨 Important Changes to Paid Memberships Pro: How to Keep Your Plugin Updated

If you’re using Paid Memberships Pro (PMPro) on your WordPress site, you might have noticed it’s no longer available on the WordPress.org plugin directory. Don’t worry — the original developers are still in charge, and the plugin is still being maintained. But there are a few things you need to know to keep it up to date and secure.

🔄 What Changed?

In October 2024, PMPro’s creators at Stranger Studios decided to remove the plugin from WordPress.org and manage updates themselves. Why? To avoid a potential takeover from WordPress.org, as happened with other popular plugins like Advanced Custom Fields (ACF).

Instead, they now distribute all updates — for both the free core plugin and premium add-ons — from their own update server via a plugin called the PMPro Update Manager.

✅ What Is the PMPro Update Manager?

The Update Manager is a free add-on you install on your site. Once active, it:

  • Keeps the core PMPro plugin up to date
  • Updates all your PMPro add-ons
  • Pulls updates securely from PMPro’s own servers

It works just like a standard WordPress plugin update — you’ll still see update notifications in your dashboard and can update with one click.

💡 Do I Need a License?

If you’re using premium add-ons, yes — you’ll need to enter your license key in the WordPress dashboard under Memberships → License. If you’re only using the free version, no license is required.

🧩 How Do I Get Version 3.3 or Higher?

You’ll need to be running PMPro version 3.3 or later to benefit from this new update system.

If you’re on version 3.3 or higher:

  • Install the PMPro Update Manager add-on from the PMPro site or the “Add-ons” tab in your WordPress dashboard.
  • Updates will start appearing as normal under Dashboard → Updates.

If you’re on version 3.2 or lower:

  1. Download the latest version of PMPro directly from paidmembershipspro.com
  2. In WordPress, go to Plugins → Add New → Upload Plugin
  3. Upload the zip file and click Replace current version
  4. Activate the plugin
  5. Install and activate the Update Manager add-on

🔐 Why This Matters

By using the PMPro Update Manager and upgrading to version 3.3+, you:

  • Keep your membership site secure and running smoothly
  • Avoid missing important new features or bug fixes
  • Stay in control — no third-party disruptions

🧭 Final Checklist

  • Are you running version 3.3 or above?
  • Have you installed the PMPro Update Manager add-on?
  • If using premium features — have you entered your license key?

If you answered “yes” to all three, you’re good to go!

Need help updating or checking your setup? Get in touch — We’ll be happy to walk you through it