License & Updates

Open Auctions → Settings → License as an administrator. The License tab requires the manage_options capability.

Account activation

1. Sign in with the wpgenie account associated with your license.
2. Register the current domain using the production or staging option offered by the form.
3. Confirm that License Status is active and that the displayed environment is correct.

Account authentication and domain registration are separate steps. Signing in alone does not register the site. Available activations and expiry details come from your account.

Site Key activation

If your provider supplied a Site Key / Domain Token, select the Site Key activation method, enter the key, and activate it for the intended environment.

For managed installations, a developer can define SIMPLE_AUCTIONS_SITE_KEY in wp-config.php before WordPress loads. WPGENIE_SITE_KEY is also supported and takes precedence when both are set. Keep real keys out of source control, screenshots, logs, and support requests.

A configured constant controls the key instead of the editable field. Change or remove that constant when changing the key. The plugin attempts activation for a configured constant and delays retries after a failure.

Envato Purchase Code activation

For a CodeCanyon purchase, select Envato Purchase Code, enter your purchase code, choose Production (Live) or Staging (Development), and select Activate Envato License. This method does not require a wpgenie account login. The form describes one production site and one staging site per purchase; the licensing service validates eligibility.

Successful activation stores a domain-bound credential. The status panel displays the Envato support expiry. Expired or missing support does not deactivate the license; automatic updates require renewed support, as indicated by the panel. Update availability is determined by the licensing service.

Deactivate the Envato license before moving to another domain. Deactivation contacts the licensing service; if that request fails, the local activation remains in place. Envato activation alone does not provide the account credentials required by the integrated support desk. Keep purchase codes private.

Domain changes and staging

Activation is tied to the current WordPress home URL. After cloning the database, moving the site, or changing its URL, register or activate the destination site separately. Check the environment before registering a staging copy.

Deactivate License disconnects the local account and license state. It does not delete auctions or bids. If the key is configured in wp-config.php, manage it there.

Plugin updates

The updater integrates with WordPress plugin updates for this exact installation path:

wp-content/plugins/woocommerce-simple-auctions/woocommerce-simple-auctions.php

Update availability requires an active license for the current URL and a newer matching release returned by the licensing service. Keep the original plugin folder and main filename. A version number in this guide does not mean that a newer downloadable release exists.

Back up files and the database and test updates on staging. Check existing installation upgrades and compare any child-theme overrides before updating production.

Activation or update problems

Check the exact error, current home URL, license entitlement, selected environment, and outbound HTTPS access to the licensing service. Transport failures retain the stored license state for a later check. An authoritative rejection can invalidate it.

License failures do not disable the auction engine. They can prevent licensed updates and access to the integrated Support page.