The popular Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) plugin, widely used by WordPress developers, has recently undergone significant changes. Due to WP Engine’s restricted access to WordPress.org, the free version of ACF has been renamed to SCF, impacting users who rely on automatic updates. In this blog, we’ll cover everything WordPress users need to know about these changes.
WP Engine’s Access to WordPress.org Blocked
Due to recent events in the WordPress ecosystem, WP Engine employees have been blocked from accessing WordPress.org. This means the ACF team is unable to deploy updates to the free version of ACF hosted on WordPress.org and users running this plugin on their sites were removed from the ability to automatically update to newer versions.
ACF Plugin Renamed to SCF
On October 12, WordPress.org took control of the original ACF plugin and renamed it to SCF (Secure Custom Fields). This change affects users whose sites depended on the authentic ACF plugin.
How Free ACF Plugin Users Are Impacted:
- No More Automatic Updates for ACF: Since WP Engine can no longer access WordPress.org, users of the free version of ACF will no longer receive automatic updates through the platform. This includes any new features, bug fixes, or security updates.
- ACF Rebranded as SCF: If your site’s ACF plugin was updated through WordPress.org, it may now appear as SCF instead of the original ACF.
New Solution for Free ACF Users:
- Manual Update Needed: Users will need to manually download the latest version of the ACF plugin from WP Engine’s website and install it on their WordPress site to continue receiving updates.
- Future Updates: After completing the manual update, future updates will once again be available directly through your WordPress dashboard, just like before.
- For Users of Multiple WP Engine Plugins: WP Engine has developed the WP Engine Secure Updater, a new tool that will handle updates for several WP Engine plugins, including ACF. This will simplify the process for users with multiple WP Engine plugins installed on their sites.
Important Information for ACF PRO Users:
- No Impact on ACF PRO: These changes only affect the free version of ACF. If you’re using ACF PRO, there’s no impact. Updates will continue to be provided through advancedcustomfields.com, and no additional action is required on your part.
WP Engine and Flywheel Customers:
- If you’re a WP Engine or Flywheel customer, your sites will automatically receive updates for the free version of ACF and other WP Engine plugins. There’s no need to manually update your plugins for future updates.
For further guidance and professional assistance with any ACF-related issues, We provide dedicated services to help you resolve these plugin concerns and keep your WordPress site running smoothly. Reach out to us for tailored support!
