---
title: Update the theme and Companion
summary: How to update LanternWP until it is in the WordPress.org theme directory and after, and how LanternWP Companion updates.
url: https://lanternwp.com/docs/updates
updated: 2026-10-18
---

# Update the theme and Companion

## The theme, until it is in the directory

LanternWP is on its way to the WordPress.org theme directory. Until it is listed there, **Dashboard → Updates** does not offer its new versions: you upload each one yourself, as you did the first time.

1. Download the latest version from [lanternwp.com](https://lanternwp.com/download).
2. Go to **Appearance → Themes → Add Theme → Upload Theme**, choose the file, then select **Install Now**.
3. WordPress says "This theme is already installed." and shows the version you have beside the one you uploaded. Select **Replace installed with uploaded**.

WordPress replaces only the theme's files: your products, pages and the changes you made in the Site Editor stay as they are.

## The theme, once it is in the directory

Once LanternWP is listed, **Dashboard → Updates** offers its new versions as it does for any theme from the directory, also on a store that uploaded it from lanternwp.com. The first version in the directory is numbered above the last one on lanternwp.com, so it arrives as an update.

## Companion

LanternWP Companion's updates come from lanternwp.com: **Dashboard → Updates** offers a new version as it does for plugins from the directory. It needs no upload.

## Which version you have

- The theme: in **Appearance → Themes**, select **Theme Details** on LanternWP.
- Companion: **Plugins** shows its version under its description.