> ## 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.

# System Update - Check Versions and Run Core Updates

> Check the current OwnPay version, view available releases, run in-place core updates, and review a history of previously installed updates.

The System Update panel allows administrators to keep their OwnPay platform up to date. Keeping the platform updated ensures you have the latest features, security patches, and gateway integration fixes.

## Getting here

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

## Page sections

### 1. Current version card

Displays the currently installed and active version of the OwnPay platform (e.g., `v0.1.0`).

### 2. Latest available card

* If up to date: displays `Up to date` badge and **Check for Updates** button
* If newer release found: displays the new version with **Update to v{version}** button

### 3. Update history table

* **Version:** The version migration path
* **Date:** The start timestamp of the update process
* **Status:** Badges indicating the installation outcome: `completed`, `failed`, or `running`
* **Duration:** The time taken in seconds

### 4. Settings card

* **Enable Auto-Update:** Toggle checkbox to allow the system to download and apply updates automatically

## Step-by-step: checking for updates manually

1. Navigate to **SYSTEM > System Update**
2. In the **Latest Available** card, click the **Check for Updates** button
3. The platform will query the master update server

## Step-by-step: installing a core update

1. If an update is available, click the **Update to v{latest_version}** button
2. Confirm the dialog
3. The system will enter maintenance mode, download the package, verify files, back up the existing codebase, run any migrations, and reload the platform
4. Once completed, you will be redirected to the dashboard with a success notification

## Best practices

* Perform a full database and filesystem backup before applying major version updates manually
* Review the release notes or changelog before applying updates
* Do not turn off or reload the server while an update is installing
* Do not modify core files directly in the `src/` or `public/` folder

<Warning>
  Always verify that write permissions are enabled on the `storage/` and root directories before attempting an update.
</Warning>

## Common mistakes and troubleshooting

| Symptom                            | Cause                                         | Fix                                                                 |
| ---------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Update fails with permission error | `storage/` directory not writable             | Set write permissions: `chmod -R 775 storage/`                      |
| White screen after update          | PHP version mismatch or missing extensions    | Verify PHP 8.3+ and required extensions are active                  |
| Database migration error           | Migration script conflict with custom changes | Back up the database before updating; restore from backup if needed |

## Related pages

* [Plugins](/user-guide/system/plugins) - Install and activate modular gateway or addon extensions
* [System Settings](/user-guide/system/settings) - Adjust global runtime settings


## Related topics

- [System Health Check](/docs/api-reference/system-health-check.md)
- [Update SMS Template](/docs/api-reference/update-sms-template.md)
- [Submit Device Heartbeat](/docs/api-reference/submit-device-heartbeat.md)
- [OwnPay API Overview - REST API for Multi-Brand Payments](/docs/api/overview.md)
- [Retrieve SMS Filter Rules](/docs/api-reference/retrieve-sms-filter-rules.md)