Here you will find answers to frequently asked questions about using Smart Update Monitor.
Does Smart Update Monitor install updates automatically?
No. Smart Update Monitor is designed for monitoring and notifications and does not install updates automatically.
Joomla and extension updates are still installed using Joomla's corresponding update functions. This means you remain in control of when updates are performed.
Do I need to set up a Scheduled Task?
No. You can start an update check manually at any time by clicking Check Now on the dashboard.
However, if you want Smart Update Monitor to monitor your website automatically and regularly, you should configure a Joomla Scheduled Task.
For most websites, we recommend running an automatic check once a day.
Why is an available update not displayed?
Smart Update Monitor uses the update information provided by Joomla's update system. If an expected update is not displayed, there may be several reasons.
In particular, check:
- whether the associated Update Site exists and is accessible,
- whether the developer has already published the update through its Joomla Update Site,
- whether a required Download ID or download key has been configured correctly,
- whether a new check has been performed since the update was released.
Then perform a manual check from the dashboard by clicking Check Now.
Why does Smart Update Monitor not show an update even though a newer version is available on the developer's website?
Smart Update Monitor does not search extension developers' websites.
Update detection is based on Joomla's update system and the configured Update Sites. If a developer does not provide a new version through its Update Site, Smart Update Monitor cannot automatically detect it.
Why am I not receiving email notifications?
First, check whether Enable Notifications is enabled in the settings and whether a valid recipient email address has been entered.
Also check whether email sending is working correctly on your Joomla website and whether the message may have been moved to your spam folder.
For automatic checks, you should also verify that the Scheduled Task was actually executed.
Why don't I receive an email after every check?
Smart Update Monitor is designed to notify you about relevant changes without repeatedly sending the same notification after every check.
The Reminder After Days setting allows you to specify after how much time an update that is still available should be reported again.
For example, with a value of 7, Smart Update Monitor can remind you again after seven days if the update is still available.
What does “Reminder After Days” mean?
This setting determines after how many days a previously reported update that is still available should be reported again.
The default value is 7 days.
This allows you to receive regular reminders about pending updates without receiving the same notification after every update check.
What happens when I ignore an update?
An ignored update is no longer considered relevant by Smart Update Monitor during future checks and will no longer trigger notifications.
The installed extension itself is not changed. Smart Update Monitor does not install, remove, or modify any files when you ignore an update.
Can I monitor an ignored update again?
Yes. Simply remove the ignored status from the affected update. Smart Update Monitor will then include it in the monitoring process again.
Why is the last check not being updated?
If you use automatic checks, this may indicate that the Joomla Scheduled Task was not executed.
First, perform a manual check from the dashboard. If this works, check the configured Scheduled Task and make sure the Joomla Scheduler is being executed correctly.
The Smart Update Monitor logs can also help you determine whether automatic checks have been performed.
Does every check have to appear in the logs?
No. By default, Smart Update Monitor mainly logs relevant events such as new, resolved, or failed events.
If you also want successful checks without new events to be recorded, enable Log Every Check in the settings.
What do I need the Download ID for?
The Download ID is required to download and install protected updates for Smart Update Monitor itself through Joomla.
It can be entered under System → Global Configuration → Smart Update Monitor.
Does Smart Update Monitor manage the Download IDs of my other extensions?
No. The Download ID entered in Smart Update Monitor applies exclusively to Smart Update Monitor.
If other commercial Joomla extensions require their own Download IDs, keys, or access credentials, these must be configured according to the instructions provided by the respective developer.
Can I use Smart Update Monitor on multiple websites?
Smart Update Monitor is installed separately on each Joomla website and monitors that particular installation.
If you manage multiple websites, you can configure automatic checks on each website and, for example, use the same email address as the notification recipient.
Can Smart Update Monitor detect whether an update fixes a security vulnerability?
Smart Update Monitor detects available updates based on the information provided by Joomla's update system. The extension does not perform its own security analysis of updates or installed extensions.
You should therefore also follow security advisories provided by Joomla and the respective extension developers.
What should I do if Smart Update Monitor is not working as expected?
First, perform a manual check from the dashboard and then review the Logs.
Also check the Update Sites, the settings and, if you are experiencing problems with automatic checks, the Joomla Scheduled Task.
If the problem persists, you can contact support by email at