BookingPress Isn’t on WordPress: What Happened and What to Do Next

If you searched for BookingPress on WordPress.org and could not find it, you are not alone. Many WordPress users are asking the same question and trying to understand what happened.

The good news is simple. Your website is not broken, and there is no reason to panic. In this article, we will explain why BookingPress is no longer on WordPress.org, what this means for your site, and what you can do next with confidence.

What Happened with BookingPress?

BookingPress was once available on WordPress.org, but it is no longer listed there. This is why many users are confused and searching for answers.

The exact reason has not been clearly shared in public. In general, plugins can be removed from WordPress.org for different reasons. This may include guideline issues, security reviews, or a choice made by the plugin team.

BookingPress is still available on its official website. Existing users can still download the plugin and get updates directly from the developer. However, being outside WordPress.org means users no longer get automatic updates from the WordPress dashboard or the added trust that comes with the official plugin directory.

This is not a rare case. Plugins are removed from the repository from time to time. What matters most is understanding how this change affects your website and what steps you should take next.

Problems Users Might Face Without BookingPress

If you are using BookingPress or were planning to install it, these are some common concerns you may face:

• No Automatic Updates in WordPress: Since BookingPress is no longer on WordPress.org, updates do not appear in your dashboard. You must download and install updates manually, which is easy to miss over time.
• Unclear Long-Term Support: It is not clear how often the plugin will be updated or how it will stay compatible with future WordPress versions. This can be worrying for sites that rely on bookings every day.
• Trust and Security Questions: Plugins on WordPress.org go through a review process. Without that listing, users may feel unsure about security and long-term safety.
• Harder to Recommend to Clients: For agencies and freelancers, it is harder to suggest a plugin that clients cannot find on WordPress.org. Most clients trust plugins listed in the official directory.

Meet FluentBooking

If the situation around BookingPress feels uncertain, it is a good time to look at other options. One solution many WordPress users are choosing is FluentBooking.

FluentBooking is a WordPress-native appointment booking plugin built by WPManageNinja, the team behind FluentCRM and FluentForms. It is made for WordPress users who want a reliable booking system that works smoothly inside their website.

So, what makes FluentBooking worth considering?

• Built for WordPress: FluentBooking is made specifically for WordPress. It works well with your theme, plugins, and dashboard without extra setup or workarounds.
• Calendar Sync: Bookings sync with Google Calendar, Outlook, Apple, and Nextcloud Calendar so your schedule stays updated automatically.
• Automated Notifications: Confirmation emails, reminders, and follow-ups are sent automatically. You do not need to message clients manually.
• Easy Payments: You can accept payments with Stripe and PayPal during booking, so everything is handled in one step.
• Team Scheduling: Manage availability for multiple team members without confusion or manual tracking.
• Useful Integrations: FluentBooking connects with FluentCRM, Fluent Forms, FluentCart, and other tools using built-in integrations and webhooks.

FluentBooking vs BookingPress: Side-by-Side Comparison

Let’s compare the two plugins across the features that matter most:

Feature	FluentBooking	BookingPress
Available on WordPress.org	Yes	No
Active Development	Yes	Uncertain
Google Calendar Sync	Yes	Yes
Outlook/Apple Calendar	Yes	Limited
Stripe Payments	Yes	Yes
PayPal Payments	Yes	Yes
Email Notifications	Yes	Yes
SMS Notifications	Yes	Add-on
Team/Staff Management	Yes	Yes
Group Bookings	Yes	Yes
Recurring Appointments	Yes	Yes
Buffer Time Between Bookings	Yes	Yes
Timezone Detection	Yes	Yes
Native WordPress Integration	Yes	Yes
FluentCRM Integration	Yes	No
Free Version Available	Yes	Yes

Both plugins are capable, but the key difference right now is certainty. FluentBooking is actively developed, available on WordPress.org, and backed by a team with a strong track record in the WordPress ecosystem.

N.B. You can also check the free vs pro comparison to understand what’s available at each tier.

Why You Don’t Need to Panic

If you are already using BookingPress and it is working fine, there is no need to rush. Your bookings will not disappear, and your site will not break overnight.

Still, it is wise to think about the long term. Ask yourself a few simple questions:

• Am I okay with manual updates from now on?
• Do I trust it to stay compatible with future WordPress updates?
• If something goes wrong, will support be there when I need it?

If any of these feel uncertain, it is better to look at other options now while things are stable. Making a switch during a calm period is much easier than doing it under pressure.

Practical Next Steps

Here is a simple plan based on your situation.

If you are currently using BookingPress

• Back up your booking data
• Check if you are getting updates from the BookingPress website
• Look at alternatives like FluentBooking so you have a backup option
• If you plan to switch, do it during a slow period

If you were planning to install BookingPress

• Start with a plugin that is available on WordPress.org
• Try the free version of FluentBooking to see if it fits your needs
• Review real use cases related to your business

If you build sites for clients

• Update your plugin list to include stable options from the WordPress repository
• Talk to clients who are using BookingPress about future plans
• Clearly explain why you are recommending a change

Final Thoughts

WordPress is always changing. Plugins come and go, and sometimes tools we trust become uncertain. That can be frustrating, but it also gives you a chance to choose something more stable and better suited for the long run.

BookingPress being removed from WordPress.org is not the end of the road. If it is working for you and you are comfortable with manual updates, you can continue using it. But if you want more peace of mind, it makes sense to look at options that are actively maintained and available in the official plugin directory.

That is where FluentBooking stands out. It is built for WordPress, backed by a trusted team, and designed to grow with your business. You can try the free version, see how it fits your workflow, and decide from there without any pressure.

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