---
title: Automatic update unavailable for the HomeRunner plugin
description: "WordPress shows that a new version of HomeRunner is available, but the notice says \"Automatic update is unavailable for this plugin.\" **Why this…"
url: "https://homerunner.io/docs/wordpress-shows-a-homerunner-update-is-available-but-says-automatic-update-is-un/"
updated: "2026-10-26"
category: Setup and plugins
---

# Automatic update unavailable for the HomeRunner plugin

WordPress shows that a new version of HomeRunner is available, but the notice says "Automatic update is unavailable for this plugin."

**Why this happens.** Your site can see that a new version exists but is not authorized to download the update package. This almost always means the HomeRunner license key is missing or not registered on your site.

**How to fix it.**

1. In WordPress admin, open the HomeRunner settings and find the **License** screen.
2. Enter or re-save your license key. If you do not have your key, contact HomeRunner support and they can provide it.
3. Once the license is active, the update notice offers a normal one-click update on the **Plugins** screen. It can take a little while for WordPress to re-check.

**Manual update as a workaround.** As a one-time workaround while the license is being sorted out, you can also update the plugin manually. Download the official homerunner.v<version>.zip, go to **Plugins → Add New Plugin → Upload Plugin**, and choose **Replace current with uploaded** when prompted. Your settings are stored in the database and are preserved.

Still stuck? [Contact the HomeRunner team](https://homerunner.io/contact/) with your site address and what you tried, and we take it from there.