Why to keep CRM-NG SMTP up to date, where to read what changed, how to update safely, and what an update never touches.

This article explains how updates to CRM-NG SMTP work, where to find the list of changes, and what stays the same when you update. It is for site owners and administrators who maintain the plugin.

Why update

Each update can bring:

• Fixes for mail services. Providers change their APIs, error messages and sign-in rules. Updates keep the mailers working.
• Security fixes. The plugin handles keys and passwords, so security updates matter.
• Compatibility with new versions of WordPress and PHP.
• New features and clearer help.

Running an old version is a common cause of errors that have already been fixed.

Where to find the changelog

• In the plugin folder. Every release is listed, newest first, in CHANGELOG.md inside the crm-ng-smtp plugin folder. The plugin's readme.txt has a short summary for each version.
• On the Plugins page. Go to Plugins → Installed Plugins. The CRM-NG SMTP Email row shows the installed version. When an update is offered, a View version details link shows the summary of changes.
• In the plugin. CRM-NG SMTP → About shows the version you are running.

Read the entries between your version and the new one before you update. They say whether anything needs your attention.

What an update never changes

Updating replaces the plugin's code. It does not change your data:

• Your settings stay. Sender, mailer, keys, passwords and all tab settings are stored in your database, not in the plugin folder.
• Your email log, debug events and reports stay.
• Constants in wp-config.php stay, because that file is not part of the plugin.
• The hand-over choice stays. If CRM-NG SMTP was sending before the update, it keeps sending. If it was in standby, it stays in standby.
• Your encryption key stays, so saved passwords keep working.

If an update needs to change how something is stored, it does so automatically the first time it runs, without removing anything.

Data is only removed when you delete the plugin and you have ticked Remove ALL CRM-NG SMTP data upon plugin deletion on CRM-NG SMTP → Settings → Misc. Deactivating or updating never removes data. See What the plugin stores and sends.

How to update safely

1. Back up

   Take a backup of your files and database. Most hosts offer one-click backups.

2. Read the changelog

   Check the entries for anything you need to do.

3. Update

   On Plugins → Installed Plugins, click update now under CRM-NG SMTP Email. If you received a new .zip file instead, go to Plugins → Add New Plugin → Upload Plugin, choose the file, and confirm Replace current with uploaded when WordPress asks.

4. Send a test email

   Go to CRM-NG SMTP → Tools → Email Test and send one to confirm everything still works. See Sending a test email.

5. Check Site Health

   Glance at Tools → Site Health for any new CRM-NG SMTP warnings. See Site Health checks.

With WP-CLI you can update from the command line:

wp plugin update crm-ng-smtp

or install a new file over the old one:

wp plugin install /path/to/crm-ng-smtp.zip --force

On a multisite network

Plugins are updated once for the whole network, from Network Admin → Plugins or Network Admin → Updates. Each site's settings stay as they were. See Using CRM-NG SMTP on a WordPress multisite.

If something goes wrong after an update

• Check the failed-send banner and CRM-NG SMTP → Tools → Debug Events for the exact error.
• Make sure your server still meets the requirements: Supported PHP and WordPress versions.
• Work through Troubleshooting email delivery.
• If you need to roll back, restore the plugin folder from your backup. Your settings are untouched either way.
• Tell our support which version you updated from and to, at catalystgroup.gg/support.

Related

• Supported PHP and WordPress versions
• Sending a test email
• What the plugin stores and sends
• Troubleshooting email delivery