> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.mainwp.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Premium Plugin Updates Not Detected

> Fix premium plugin update detection issues in MainWP Dashboard using custom filters for plugins with non-standard update APIs.

MainWP supports premium plugins that use the standard WordPress Update API. When plugins use custom update systems, you may need additional configuration for MainWP to detect their updates.

## What You'll Learn

* How to troubleshoot premium plugin update detection
* How to add compatibility filters for non-standard update APIs
* When to contact the plugin author

***

## Troubleshooting

<Steps>
  <Step title="Check the child site">
    Go to the child site's WP Admin and check if WordPress detects updates for the plugins in question.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Evaluate the result">
    | Child Site Shows Updates         | Action                                                                              |
    | -------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
    | Yes                              | Resync your sites. If still not detected in MainWP, see Enhance Compatibility below |
    | No                               | Force a recheck by refreshing WP Admin > Updates on the child site                  |
    | Updates appear after force check | Resync MainWP. If still missing, see Enhance Compatibility                          |
    | Updates never appear             | Report the issue to the plugin author                                               |
  </Step>
</Steps>

If WordPress on the child site detects updates but MainWP Dashboard doesn't, the plugin may use a custom Update API that requires enhanced compatibility.

***

## Enhance Compatibility

MainWP provides two filters for improving premium plugin compatibility:

| Filter                                  | Purpose                                 |
| --------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------- |
| `mainwp_detect_premium_plugins_update`  | Improves detection of available updates |
| `mainwp_request_update_premium_plugins` | Improves the update process             |

### Add the Filters

<Steps>
  <Step title="Install Custom Dashboard Extension">
    If not already installed, install the [MainWP Custom Dashboard Extension](https://mainwp.com/extension/mainwp-custom-dashboard-extension/).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add the filter code">
    Copy this code to the **PHP Section** of the Custom Dashboard extension:

    ```php theme={null}
    // Improves detection of available updates for premium plugins
    add_filter( 'mainwp_detect_premium_plugins_update', 'hook_mainwp_detect_premium_plugins_update' );
    function hook_mainwp_detect_premium_plugins_update( $premiums = array() ){
        $premiums[] = 'plugin-slug';
        return $premiums;
    }

    // Improves the update process of premium plugins
    add_filter( 'mainwp_request_update_premium_plugins', 'hook_mainwp_request_update_premium_plugins' );
    function hook_mainwp_request_update_premium_plugins( $premiums = array() ){
        $premiums[] = 'plugin-slug';
        return $premiums;
    }
    ```
  </Step>

  <Step title="Replace the plugin slug">
    Replace `plugin-slug` with the actual slug of the plugin having detection issues. Contact the plugin author if you're unsure of the slug.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Save and resync">
    Save the code and resync your sites.
  </Step>
</Steps>

### Multiple Plugins

For multiple plugins with detection issues:

```php theme={null}
// Improves detection of available updates for premium plugins
add_filter( 'mainwp_detect_premium_plugins_update', 'hook_mainwp_detect_premium_plugins_update' );
function hook_mainwp_detect_premium_plugins_update( $premiums = array() ){
    $premiums[] = 'plugin-slug-1';
    $premiums[] = 'plugin-slug-2';
    $premiums[] = 'plugin-slug-3';
    return $premiums;
}

// Improves the update process of premium plugins
add_filter( 'mainwp_request_update_premium_plugins', 'hook_mainwp_request_update_premium_plugins' );
function hook_mainwp_request_update_premium_plugins( $premiums = array() ){
    $premiums[] = 'plugin-slug-1';
    $premiums[] = 'plugin-slug-2';
    $premiums[] = 'plugin-slug-3';
    return $premiums;
}
```

### Alternative Method

If you don't want to use the Custom Dashboard extension, add the code to the `functions.php` file of your MainWP Dashboard site's active theme.

***

## When to Contact Plugin Author

Contact the premium plugin author if:

* Updates don't appear on the child site itself
* The filter approach doesn't resolve detection
* You need the correct plugin slug for the filters

Some plugins use proprietary update systems that may have limited MainWP compatibility.

***

## Self-Check Checklist

* [ ] Checked if WordPress detects updates on child site
* [ ] Synced MainWP Dashboard
* [ ] Added compatibility filters (if needed)
* [ ] Used correct plugin slug in filters
* [ ] Resynced after adding filters

***

## Related Resources

* [Premium Theme Updates Not Detected](/troubleshooting/premium-theme-updates-not-detected) - Similar issue for themes
* [Install Plugin on Sites](/advanced/miscellaneous/how-to-install-a-plugin-on-sites-that-already-have-a-certain-plugin-installed) - Manual update alternative
* [Custom Dashboard Extension](/add-ons/development/mainwp-custom-dashboard-extension) - Extension documentation