The WooCommerce API Manager PHP Library makes it easy to add license key authentication and software updates to your WordPress plugin or theme. Drop it into your code and connect instantly to the API Manager.
You can use the SDK for free via GitHub or purchase it from Kestrel if you want a support plan.
Contact us if you have questions, or check out the official Kestrel API Manager product page for more information.
Using the WordPress plugin licensing and theme library
↑ Back to topOnce you’ve added the WooCommerce API Manager PHP Library to your plugin or theme, you can connect it to the API Manager with a single code snippet.
In the example below, the second argument is the product_id. If you leave it blank, customers will enter it manually. If you hard-code the product_id, they’ll only need to enter their API Key upon activation, which is recommended.
What your WordPress plugin customer sees
↑ Back to topOnce the plugin or theme is installed on the customer’s WordPress site, they will see a notice prompting them to activate with their license key. This promotes license enforcement and enables software updates.
On the activation screen, if you’ve entered the product_id as hard-coded, the customer only needs to enter their API Key.
For variable products, hard-code either the parent product ID or the specific variation ID. Using the parent ID allows customers to switch between variations as needed, which is useful for subscription switching. If you use the specific variation ID, the customer will have to download a new file or enter the Product ID on activation.
If the product_id is not hard-coded, the customer must enter both their API Key and the product ID. While this adds friction to activation and is not recommended, it may be necessary for more complex or custom licensing setups.
After activation, the number of remaining activations is displayed in a notice. Customers can easily see how many devices are in use and how many are still available.
When an update is available, a standard WordPress update notice appears.
Customers can view version details and install the update with one click, just like any plugin from WordPress.org.
Clicking “View version details” shows the changelog, version info, and any other metadata you’ve configured. This data is pulled directly from the associated WooCommerce product.
After deactivation, the dashboard updates to show the number of remaining activations, helping both you and your customers track license usage accurately.
What your site manager sees
↑ Back to topOrders with API Key activations include the license key right in the WooCommerce order list.
This makes it easy to identify which key was issued, match it to a customer, and check activation history.
It also helps your plugin support teams quickly troubleshoot issues, confirm billing, and manage the customer relationship from one place.
On the individual order screen, you’ll see all license activations tied to that order.
View:
- when and where the license was activated,
- how many activations are in use,
- and whether the key is still valid.
Need to help a customer? You can deactivate keys or reset activations directly from this view.
Get the PHP Library for selling your WordPress plugin
↑ Back to topThe Kestrel API Manager PHP Library is open source and available on GitHub. We encourage developers to use it directly, contribute improvements, or open issues if you run into bugs.
Please note that the GitHub version is provided as-is and is not officially supported. If your team wants peace of mind, implementation help, or priority support, purchase a support plan via the Kestrel website.
Build better plugin businesses with licensing that works.
