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

> ## Agent Instructions
> OwnPay is licensed under AGPL-3.0 and is completely free - no licensing fees.
> Production docs URL: https://ownpay.org/docs - append .md to any page URL for clean markdown.
> OwnPay requires PHP 8.3+, MySQL/MariaDB, and Redis.
> MCP server available at https://ownpay.org/docs/mcp for programmatic documentation queries.
> Use root-relative links (e.g. /quickstart) for internal navigation - do NOT include /docs prefix.
> Plugin development: consult /developer/plugin-types/ pages for correct interfaces and manifests.

# Addons - Activate Utility Plugins and Integrations

> Activate and manage secondary non-gateway utility plugins that add reporting, integrations, or automation features to your OwnPay instance.

The Addons page lists auxiliary plugins installed on the OwnPay system. Unlike payment gateways that handle cash checkout interfaces, addons provide backend utility services like forwarding system emails, sending checkout SMS links, or sending instant alert notifications to Telegram channels.

## Getting here

1. Log in to the OwnPay admin dashboard as the super-administrator
2. Under the **SYSTEM** section in the left sidebar, click **Addons**

## Page sections

### 1. Header actions

* **Install Addon Link:** Opens the plugin file uploader panel

### 2. Addon cards list

Lists all functional helper modules:

* **Mail Gateway:** Integrates with SMTP, Mailgun, or SendGrid to send transaction receipts and system notifications
* **SMS Gateway:** Integrates with Twilio, Vonage, or custom HTTP SMS APIs
* **Telegram Bot:** Configures outbound bots to deliver instant payment notifications to Telegram channels

## Step-by-step: activating an addon

1. Navigate to the **Addons** manager
2. Choose the addon you want to use (e.g., **Mail Gateway**)
3. Click the **Activate** button on the card
4. The system settings menu will append a new configuration tab to let you enter API credentials

## Best practices

* Keep the **Mail Gateway** addon active to ensure clients automatically receive transaction invoices
* Deactivate unused addons to save server processing memory resources
* Do not run duplicate notification handlers if you want to optimize webhook speed

## Common mistakes and troubleshooting

| Symptom                          | Cause                                      | Fix                                                          |
| -------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------ |
| Addon not showing after upload   | Plugin type not set to `addon` in manifest | Verify `manifest.json` has the correct type declaration      |
| Addon features not appearing     | Addon not activated after upload           | Click **Activate** on the addon card in **System > Addons**  |
| Addon causing performance issues | Addon running heavy tasks synchronously    | Check if the addon uses queue workers; disable if not needed |

## Related pages

* [Plugins](/user-guide/system/plugins) - View and manage all platform extensions
* [System Settings](/user-guide/system/settings) - Configure general localization settings
* [System Update](/user-guide/system/system-update) - Perform core system code updates


## Related topics

- [Developer Quickstart - Build Your First Payment Integration](/docs/developer/quickstart.md)
- [System Update - Check Versions and Run Core Updates](/docs/user-guide/system/system-update.md)
- [Plugins - Install and Manage Platform Extensions](/docs/user-guide/system/plugins.md)
- [Addon Plugin AI Prompt - Generate Addon Extensions with AI](/docs/developer/plugin-types/addon-prompt.md)
- [Addon Plugin Development - Build General-Purpose Extensions](/docs/developer/plugin-types/addon-development.md)