Overview
This guide covers upgrading WordPress Download Manager to newer versions, including major version upgrades, breaking changes to be aware of, and best practices for a smooth transition.
Prerequisites
- Current WordPress Download Manager installation
- Administrator access
- Recent backup of database and files
- Basic understanding of WordPress plugin management
Quick Start
- Create a full backup
- Update via WordPress dashboard or manual upload
- Check for any deprecation notices
- Test core functionality
- Update add-ons to compatible versions
Before Upgrading
Create Backups
Always backup before upgrading:
Database Backup:
- Use a plugin like UpdraftPlus or BackupBuddy
- Or export via phpMyAdmin
- Or use WP-CLI:
wp db export
Files Backup:
/wp-content/plugins/download-manager//wp-content/uploads/download-manager-files/- Custom templates in your theme
Check Compatibility
Before upgrading:
- Review the changelog at wpdownloadmanager.com
- Check PHP and WordPress version requirements
- Verify add-on compatibility
- Test on staging if possible
Review Custom Code
If you have customizations:
- Custom templates in theme
- Functions.php hooks/filters
- Custom CSS overrides
- API integrations
Note these for testing after upgrade.
Upgrade Methods
Method 1: WordPress Dashboard (Recommended)
- Go to Dashboard > Updates
- Find WordPress Download Manager in the list
- Click Update Now
- Wait for completion message
- Verify site functionality
Method 2: Manual Upload
Use when dashboard update fails:
- Download the latest version
- Deactivate current WPDM via Plugins
- Delete
/wp-content/plugins/download-manager/via FTP - Upload new version via FTP or Plugin uploader
- Activate the plugin
> Important: Never delete via WordPress if you haven’t downloaded the new version first.
Method 3: WP-CLI
For command-line updates:
# Update Download Manager wp plugin update download-manager # Update specific add-on wp plugin update wpdm-premium-packages # Update all WPDM add-ons wp plugin update --all | grep wpdm
Major Version Upgrades
6.x to 7.x Upgrade
Breaking Changes
| Change | Impact | Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum PHP 7.4 | Older PHP not supported | Upgrade PHP first |
| Template syntax | Some tags changed | Update custom templates |
| Database schema | New tables added | Automatic migration runs |
| REST API changes | Endpoint updates | Update API integrations |
New Features in 7.x
- AI-powered features
- Enhanced activity reports
- Improved dark mode
- New template tags
- Performance optimizations
Migration Steps
- Backup everything
- Update PHP if below 7.4
- Update WordPress to 6.0+
- Deactivate add-ons temporarily
- Update core WPDM to 7.x
- Run database update if prompted
- Update add-ons one by one
- Test functionality
5.x to 6.x Upgrade
Key Changes
- New shortcode parameters
- Updated access control system
- Enhanced Premium Packages integration
- Template system improvements
4.x to 5.x Upgrade
Major Restructuring
- Complete codebase reorganization
- New admin interface
- Updated database structure
- Improved performance
Add-on Compatibility
Checking Compatibility
Before upgrading WPDM core:
- Visit wpdownloadmanager.com/add-ons/
- Check each add-on’s compatibility note
- Ensure you have compatible versions available
Upgrade Order
For best results, upgrade in this order:
- WordPress core (if needed)
- WPDM core plugin
- Premium Packages (if installed)
- Other add-ons
Handling Incompatible Add-ons
If an add-on isn’t compatible:
- Deactivate the add-on before upgrading
- Wait for compatible version release
- Contact support if urgent
Database Migrations
Automatic Migrations
WPDM handles most migrations automatically:
- New tables created
- Schema updates applied
- Data migrated as needed
Manual Migration
If automatic migration fails:
- Go to Downloads > Settings > Tools
- Click Run Database Update
- Wait for completion
Rollback
If migration causes issues:
- Restore database backup
- Reinstall previous WPDM version
- Contact support with error details
Template Updates
Checking Template Compatibility
After upgrading, test your templates:
- View a package with each template
- Check all template tags render
- Verify download button works
- Test on mobile devices
Updating Custom Templates
If templates break:
- Compare with new default templates
- Update deprecated tags
- Test each modification
- Clear caching
Template Tag Changes
Review changelog for:
- Deprecated tags
- New tags available
- Changed tag parameters
Post-Upgrade Checklist
Immediate Testing
- [ ] Plugin activated without errors
- [ ] Admin menu loads properly
- [ ] Packages list displays
- [ ] Single package page works
- [ ] Download button functional
- [ ] File downloads successfully
Extended Testing
- [ ] All shortcodes render
- [ ] Templates display correctly
- [ ] Access control works
- [ ] Locks function properly
- [ ] Statistics recording
- [ ] Email notifications (if used)
Add-on Testing
- [ ] Premium Packages (checkout, orders)
- [ ] Cloud storage connections
- [ ] Email integrations
- [ ] Payment gateways
- [ ] All other installed add-ons
Troubleshooting Upgrades
White Screen After Upgrade
Cause: PHP error, usually compatibility
Solutions:
- Enable debug mode in wp-config.php
- Check error logs
- Deactivate via FTP if needed
- Restore backup if necessary
Database Error Messages
Cause: Migration didn’t complete
Solutions:
- Try running migration again
- Check MySQL error logs
- Verify database user permissions
- Contact support with error details
Missing Packages
Cause: Post type not registered or query issue
Solutions:
- Flush permalinks (Settings > Permalinks > Save)
- Deactivate/reactivate plugin
- Check for database corruption
Templates Not Working
Cause: Deprecated tags or syntax
Solutions:
- Switch to default template temporarily
- Compare with updated template files
- Update custom template code
Add-ons Not Loading
Cause: Version mismatch
Solutions:
- Check add-on version requirements
- Update add-ons to latest versions
- Deactivate incompatible add-ons
Rollback Procedure
If upgrade causes critical issues:
Database Rollback
- Access phpMyAdmin or database tool
- Drop current WPDM tables
- Import backup database
- Verify data restored
File Rollback
- Delete current plugin folder via FTP
- Upload previous version
- Activate plugin
- Verify functionality
Complete Rollback
- Restore full site backup
- Verify all functionality
- Document what went wrong
- Contact support before retrying
Version Support
Active Support
| Version | Support Status |
|---|---|
| 7.x | Full support |
| 6.x | Security fixes only |
| 5.x | End of life |
| 4.x and below | No support |
Upgrade Path
Always upgrade to the latest version within your major version first, then upgrade to the next major version.
Example: 5.8 → 5.9 → 6.0 → 6.5 → 7.0
Getting Help
Documentation
- Changelog: wpdownloadmanager.com/changelog/
- Knowledge base: wpdownloadmanager.com/doc/
Support
- Support tickets: wpdownloadmanager.com/support/
- Include: current version, PHP version, error messages
Community
- WordPress forums: wordpress.org/support/plugin/download-manager/
Related Documentation
Last updated: January 2026
Applies to: WordPress Download Manager 6.x – 7.x