> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.inspiredtheme.com/articles/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.inspiredtheme.com/articles/general-information/updating-to-v9.0.md).

# Updating to V9.0

How to update your Inspired Theme to V9.0 safely, what carries over, and what to check before you publish.

***

V9.0 is the current version of Inspired Theme, released on September 28, 2026. Shopify never updates a theme you uploaded from a zip file automatically. To update, you upload V9.0 as a new theme, set it up, and then publish it. Your current theme stays in your theme library as a backup.

### 1. Why update

* Get the new features and improvements in V9.0. See [About v9.0 release](https://help.inspiredtheme.com/articles/updates/about-v9.0-release) for the full list.
* Get the latest fixes.

All plans include lifetime updates, so V9.0 is included in your purchase.

### 2. Before you start

{% hint style="info" %}
**Steps:**

* Read [About v9.0 release](https://help.inspiredtheme.com/articles/updates/about-v9.0-release) so you know what's new.
* Have your **License key** ready. You'll need to enter it again in the new theme. See [License key and plans](/articles/general-information/license-key-and-plans.md).
* Keep your current theme. Don't delete it. It's your backup.
* Before you edit your current theme, duplicate it: in **Online Store → Themes**, click **⋯** next to the theme, then **Duplicate**.
* Write down any custom code changes and app embeds you use. You'll need to add them again.
  {% endhint %}

### 3. Download V9.0

{% hint style="info" %}
**Steps:**

* Download the V9.0 file from your purchase email. **Pro and Max customers** can also download it from the [customer portal](https://customer-portal.inspiredtheme.com) (**Latest theme version → Download .zip**). Both links give you the same file.
* The file is named **Unzip Me – Theme name – V9.0.zip**. Unzip it on your computer.
* Open the **Theme File** folder inside. It contains **Theme File - Theme name.zip** plus PDF guides.
* **Theme File - Theme name.zip** is the file you upload to Shopify. Do not unzip this inner file.
  {% endhint %}

<figure><img src="https://1670075522-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F6M5ltDUBhmgWKXclaWBK%2Fuploads%2FfwVWOaKsjFJy69t8YkCU%2FScreenshot%202026-04-16%20at%202.26.05%E2%80%AFPM.png?alt=media&#x26;token=30bf75a3-d392-44ca-9afe-30dacc62f243" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### 4. Upload V9.0 to Shopify

{% hint style="info" %}
**Steps:**

* In your Shopify admin, go to **Online Store → Themes**.
* Click **Add theme → Upload zip file**.
* Select **Theme File - Theme name.zip** and upload it.
* The new theme appears in your theme library. It is **not** published yet, so your live store doesn't change.
  {% endhint %}

<figure><img src="https://1670075522-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F6M5ltDUBhmgWKXclaWBK%2Fuploads%2FyXhV2IIECA5CopqOU3hi%2Fimage%20(1).png?alt=media&#x26;token=3178cc8f-cacd-435a-9d77-a1cf343ea05f" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### 5. Enter your License key in the new theme

{% hint style="info" %}
**Steps:**

* Click **Customize** on the new V9.0 theme.
* Click the **Theme settings** gear icon and open **License key**.
* Paste your key into the **License key** field.
* Click **Save**.
  {% endhint %}

Without your key, Pro sections and Pro blocks show a **🔒 Pro** notice in the editor and are hidden on your live store.

### 6. What doesn't carry over

Shopify stores theme settings and section content separately for each theme. When you upload V9.0, it starts with default settings. Nothing is copied from your old theme automatically.

**You need to set these up again in V9.0:**

* **Theme settings** (colors, typography, logo, layout, and so on)
* **Sections and blocks** on every page and template, including their text, images, and links
* **License key**
* **App embeds** (the **App embeds** panel in the theme editor) and any app blocks you added to sections
* **Custom code** you or a developer added to the old theme's files

**These stay the same**, because they live in Shopify, not in the theme:

* Products, collections, pages, and blog posts
* Navigation menus
* Store settings, apps, and orders

{% hint style="info" %}
**Tip:** Open your old theme's editor in one browser tab and the V9.0 editor in another. Work through each page and copy your settings and content across.
{% endhint %}

### 7. Checklist before publishing

{% hint style="info" %}
**Check:**

* [ ] **License key** entered and saved in the V9.0 theme
* [ ] Home page, product, collection, cart, blog, and page templates match your old theme
* [ ] Header, footer, and navigation menus look right
* [ ] Colors, fonts, and logo are set
* [ ] Pro sections and Pro blocks show without the 🔒 Pro notice
* [ ] App embeds are turned on and app blocks are added back
* [ ] Custom code is added back and works
* [ ] You previewed the theme on desktop and mobile (**⋯ → Preview**)
* [ ] Cart features you use (bundles, cart upsells, cart rewards bar) work in preview
  {% endhint %}

### 8. Publish V9.0

{% hint style="info" %}
**Steps:**

* In **Online Store → Themes**, find the V9.0 theme.
* Click **⋯ → Publish**, then confirm.
* Your old theme moves to the theme library, unpublished. Keep it as a backup until you're sure everything works.
  {% endhint %}

If something looks wrong after publishing, you can publish your old theme again from the theme library while you fix it.

### 9. Need help?

* Read [About v9.0 release](https://help.inspiredtheme.com/articles/updates/about-v9.0-release) for what's new in this version.
* [Contact support](https://inspiredtheme.com/pages/contact) if you get stuck.