Troubleshooting Common Newsletter Advanced Import and Addon Manager Issues
Content
Many users of the 'Newsletter – Send awesome emails from WordPress' plugin rely on the Advanced Import addon and the Addon Manager to manage their subscribers. However, the setup and update process can sometimes be confusing or encounter technical hurdles. This guide compiles the most common issues and their solutions, based on community reports and resolutions.
Common Problems and Solutions
1. "Error while installing" or Download Issues with Addons
When clicking "Install Now" or a download link for an addon like Advanced Import, you may encounter a generic error or see a page of garbled code instead of a file download.
Why it happens: This is often caused by a server configuration that prevents your WordPress site from automatically downloading the addon package from the external server. Occasionally, it can be a temporary caching issue on the provider's end.
Solution:
- Manually download the addon from your account on the Newsletter Plugin website (www.thenewsletterplugin.com). You will need to create a free account if you haven't already.
- Once downloaded, install the addon manually by uploading the ZIP file through your WordPress admin dashboard under Plugins > Add New > Upload Plugin.
2. "Sorry, you are not allowed to access this page" or Addon Activation Fails
After installation, you might find you cannot access the addon's page or that clicking "Activate" does nothing.
Why it happens: This can be due to a plugin conflict, a temporary glitch, or an outdated core Newsletter plugin.
Solution:
- First, ensure your main Newsletter plugin is updated to the latest version. Sometimes an update is required for addons to function correctly.
- Deactivate and then reactivate the problematic addon from your WordPress Plugins list.
- If the problem persists, try a conflict test by temporarily disabling other plugins to see if one is interfering.
3. "Newsletter Advanced Import requires the PHP mbstring extension"
This error message appears even if your hosting provider confirms the PHP extension is enabled.
Why it happens: The error check within the addon might not be detecting the enabled extension correctly, potentially due to a server configuration.
Solution: Users have reported that this issue can sometimes resolve itself after a hosting-level change is fully processed. Ensure you have deleted and reinstalled the addon after the mbstring extension was enabled. If it persists, contacting your hosting provider again for a deeper server check may be necessary.
4. Import/Export Menu Missing or "Features Consolidated" Message Loop
You have the Import/Export addon installed, but the menu is missing, or you see a message about features being moved to the Advanced Import addon, creating a confusing loop.
Why it happens: The 'Newsletter – Send awesome emails from WordPress' team has been consolidating import features into the newer Advanced Import addon. During this transition, some menu locations may have changed.
Solution:
- Look for a new "Import/Export" or "Advanced Import" menu item directly in the Newsletter left-hand sidebar in your WordPress admin area. The functionality is often moved there instead of being under the Subscribers tab.
- Deactivating and reactivating the addon can often refresh the menu and make it appear correctly.
5. "Get a free license" Button Does Nothing
Clicking the button to retrieve a free license key in the Addon Manager generates no response.
Why it happens: This is typically caused by a JavaScript conflict with another plugin or your theme.
Solution:
- You can bypass the Addon Manager interface entirely. Simply visit www.thenewsletterplugin.com, create or log into your account, and you will find your free license key and direct download links for all free addons in your account area.
General Best Practices
- Keep Everything Updated: Always ensure your core Newsletter plugin, Addon Manager, and all addons are running the latest versions. Many bugs are fixed in subsequent updates.
- Manual Installation is Always an Option: If the Addon Manager is causing issues, remember you can always download addons directly from your account on the official website and install them manually.
- Check Your PHP Extensions: Some addons require specific PHP extensions (like mbstring). It's good practice to confirm with your host that all standard PHP extensions are enabled.
By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the most frequently encountered problems with the Advanced Import addon and the Addon Manager.
Related Support Threads Support
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Difference Between “Advanced Import” and “Import/Export” Addonshttps://wordpress.org/support/topic/difference-between-advanced-import-and-import-export-addons/
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Newsletter Advanced Importhttps://wordpress.org/support/topic/newsletter-advanced-import/
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Addon Manager update?https://wordpress.org/support/topic/addon-manager-update/
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“free” addonshttps://wordpress.org/support/topic/free-addons-2/
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Newsletter Advanced Import requires the PHP mbstring extensionhttps://wordpress.org/support/topic/newsletter-advanced-import-requires-the-php-mbstring-extension/
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Problem activation BUGhttps://wordpress.org/support/topic/problem-activation-bug/
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no vathttps://wordpress.org/support/topic/no-vat/
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Advanced Import Addon activationhttps://wordpress.org/support/topic/advanced-import-addon-activation/
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Cannot get the events manager addon although I have a paid newsletter versionhttps://wordpress.org/support/topic/cannot-get-the-events-manager-addon-although-i-have-a-paid-newsletter-version/
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Cannot log in to use advanced import addonhttps://wordpress.org/support/topic/cannot-log-in-to-use-advanced-import-addon/
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ADDONS MANAGER AND SUPPORT LICENSE CHECK FAILEDhttps://wordpress.org/support/topic/addons-manager-and-support-license-check-failed/
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Addons Manager – “Get a free license”-button doesn’t workhttps://wordpress.org/support/topic/addons-manager-get-a-free-license-button-doesnt-work/
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Addon Manager can’t be downloaded or directly installedhttps://wordpress.org/support/topic/addon-manager-cant-be-downloaded-or-directly-installed/
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Advanced Import Add-on Errorhttps://wordpress.org/support/topic/advanced-import-add-on-error/
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I Need The Automated Addonhttps://wordpress.org/support/topic/need-the-automated-addon/
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Import/Export addon stopped workinghttps://wordpress.org/support/topic/import-export-addon-stopped-working/
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[Announce] Import Addon with Bounced Quick Importhttps://wordpress.org/support/topic/announce-import-addon-with-bounced-quick-import/
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Newslettershttps://wordpress.org/support/topic/newsletters-9/
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import/export addon not working…https://wordpress.org/support/topic/import-export-addon-not-working/
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Addon Manager or manual upload of free addon (import/export) not workinghttps://wordpress.org/support/topic/addon-manager-or-manual-upload-of-free-addon-import-export-not-working/
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import plugin does not workhttps://wordpress.org/support/topic/import-plugin-does-not-work/
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Installing any addon gives “Error while installing”https://wordpress.org/support/topic/installing-any-addon-gives-error-while-installing/