Fix SDK autoloader path for Twilio namespace

The SDK files are at twilio/sdk/Twilio/Rest/Client.php but the
autoloader was looking at twilio/sdk/Rest/Client.php. Fixed by
using the full class name in the path instead of stripping the
Twilio\ prefix.

Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.5 <noreply@anthropic.com>

CLAUDE.md

@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@
 - **URL**: `https://phone.cloud-hosting.io/`
 - **Deployment**: rsync to Docker (remote server only, not local)
 - **SDK**: Twilio PHP SDK v8.7.0
+- **External SDK**: `wp-content/twilio-sdk/` (survives plugin updates)
 
 ## Phone Variable Names
 **Use**: `incoming_number`, `agent_number`, `customer_number`, `workflow_number`, `queue_number`, `default_number`  
@@ -47,6 +48,25 @@ $api->update_call($customer_call_sid, ['twiml' => $twiml_xml]);
 - Firefox support added
 - 1-min agent status auto-revert
 
+## SDK Installation
+- **External SDK (Recommended)**: Use `install-twilio-sdk-external.sh` to install SDK to `wp-content/twilio-sdk/`
+  - Survives WordPress plugin updates
+  - SDK location defined by `TWP_EXTERNAL_SDK_DIR` constant
+  - Loading priority: External first, then internal `vendor/` fallback
+- **Internal SDK (Alternative)**: Use `install-twilio-sdk.sh` to install to `vendor/`
+  - Will be deleted when WordPress updates the plugin
+  - Requires reinstallation after each plugin update
+- **SDK Loading**: Plugin checks external location first via autoloader, falls back to internal
+- **Post-Update Detection**: Hook on `upgrader_process_complete` checks SDK status and shows warning
+
+## Browser Phone Configuration
+- **Edge Location Setting**: Configurable via Settings → Twilio Edge Location
+  - Default: `roaming` (auto-select closest edge)
+  - Options: ashburn, umatilla, dublin, frankfurt, singapore, sydney, tokyo, sao-paulo
+  - Stored in: `twp_twilio_edge` option
+  - Used by: Browser phone JavaScript for WebRTC connection
+  - Critical: Wrong edge causes immediate call failures (e.g., US calls with Sydney edge)
+
 ## Development Notes
 - **API**: E.164 format (+1XXXXXXXXXX)
 - **Database**: Use `$wpdb`, prepared statements
@@ -61,5 +81,28 @@ $api->update_call($customer_call_sid, ['twiml' => $twiml_xml]);
 - ElevenLabs TTS with Alice fallback
 - 68 AJAX actions, 26 REST endpoints
 
+## Recent Technical Changes (v2.8.9)
+
+### SDK Persistence Between Plugin Updates
+- **Problem**: WordPress plugin updates delete entire plugin folder including `vendor/` SDK
+- **Solution**: External SDK installation at `wp-content/twilio-sdk/` survives updates
+- **Implementation**:
+  - New constant: `TWP_EXTERNAL_SDK_DIR` points to `wp-content/twilio-sdk/`
+  - Loading priority in `twp_check_sdk_installation()`: External first, internal fallback
+  - Classes updated: `TWP_Twilio_API`, `TWP_Webhooks` constructors check external location first
+  - New script: `install-twilio-sdk-external.sh` automates external installation
+  - Post-update hook: `twp_check_sdk_after_update()` detects missing SDK after updates
+  - Admin notices: `twp_sdk_missing_notice()` shows both installation options
+  - Warning system: `twp_show_sdk_update_warning()` via transient after plugin updates
+
+### US Calls Failing Fix (Browser Phone)
+- **Problem**: Browser phone had hardcoded `edge: 'sydney'`, causing US calls to fail with immediate HANGUP
+- **Solution**: Configurable edge location via WordPress settings
+- **Implementation**:
+  - New setting: `twp_twilio_edge` with default value `roaming`
+  - Settings UI: Dropdown in admin settings with 8 edge options
+  - Browser phone JS: Uses `get_option('twp_twilio_edge', 'roaming')` instead of hardcoded value
+  - Edge options: roaming, ashburn, umatilla, dublin, frankfurt, singapore, sydney, tokyo, sao-paulo
+
 ---
-*Updated: Sept 2025*
+*Updated: Jan 2026*

README.md

@@ -8,11 +8,20 @@ This plugin **requires** the Twilio PHP SDK v8.7.0 to function. The plugin will
 
 ## Quick Installation
 
-1. **Install the Twilio SDK** (Required):
+1. **Install the Twilio SDK** (Required - Recommended Method):
+   ```bash
+   chmod +x install-twilio-sdk-external.sh
+   ./install-twilio-sdk-external.sh
+   ```
+
+   This installs the SDK to `wp-content/twilio-sdk/` which **survives WordPress plugin updates**. The plugin will automatically detect and use this external SDK.
+
+   **Alternative Method** (SDK will be deleted during plugin updates):
    ```bash
    chmod +x install-twilio-sdk.sh
    ./install-twilio-sdk.sh
    ```
+   This installs the SDK inside the plugin folder. You'll need to reinstall the SDK after each plugin update.
 
 2. **Test the SDK installation**:
    ```bash
@@ -23,6 +32,7 @@ This plugin **requires** the Twilio PHP SDK v8.7.0 to function. The plugin will
    - Go to **Twilio** → **Settings**
    - Enter Account SID and Auth Token
    - Configure default phone numbers
+   - Set Twilio Edge Location (for browser phone - see Browser Phone Setup below)
 
 4. **Set up Phone Numbers** in Twilio Console:
    - Configure webhook URLs for voice and SMS
@@ -333,8 +343,20 @@ Comprehensive redesign of hold, transfer, and requeue functionality with profess
 2. **Configure in WordPress**:
    - Go to **Twilio** → **Settings**
    - Enter TwiML App SID
+   - **Set Twilio Edge Location**: Select the edge location closest to your users (IMPORTANT)
+     - **Auto-select closest (Recommended)**: Automatically selects the best edge
+     - **US East (Ashburn)**: For East Coast USA users
+     - **US West (Umatilla)**: For West Coast USA users
+     - **Europe - Ireland (Dublin)**: For European users
+     - **Europe - Germany (Frankfurt)**: For Central European users
+     - **Singapore**: For Southeast Asian users
+     - **Sydney**: For Australian users
+     - **Tokyo**: For Japanese users
+     - **Sao Paulo**: For South American users
    - Save settings
 
+   **Note**: Selecting the wrong edge location can cause calls to fail immediately. If you're experiencing browser phone connection issues, verify your edge location is appropriate for your region.
+
 3. **Access Browser Phone** (Admin Only):
    - Navigate to **WordPress Admin** → **Twilio** → **Browser Phone**
    - Select caller ID from available numbers
@@ -432,14 +454,34 @@ Access the full browser phone interface at: **WordPress Admin → Twilio → Bro
 - **Login Required**: Users must be logged in to access browser phone functionality
 - Check TwiML App SID is configured in WordPress admin settings
 
+#### Browser Phone Calls Failing Immediately
+If browser phone calls disconnect immediately or show HANGUP errors:
+- **Check Edge Location Setting**: Go to **Twilio** → **Settings** → **Twilio Edge Location**
+- **US Users**: Should use "Auto-select closest" (roaming), "US East (Ashburn)", or "US West (Umatilla)"
+- **International Users**: Select the edge location closest to your region
+- **Problem**: Wrong edge location causes gateway to immediately reject calls
+- **Solution**: Change edge location setting and try the call again (no restart needed)
+
 #### "Twilio SDK classes not available"
+
+**Recommended Solution** (SDK survives plugin updates):
 ```bash
-# Reinstall SDK
+# Install SDK to external location
+./install-twilio-sdk-external.sh
+# Test installation
+php test-sdk.php
+```
+
+**Alternative Solution** (will need reinstall after plugin updates):
+```bash
+# Install SDK inside plugin folder
 ./install-twilio-sdk.sh
 # Test installation
 php test-sdk.php
 ```
 
+**After WordPress Plugin Update**: If you get this error after updating the plugin and used the internal SDK method, you'll need to reinstall the SDK. This won't happen if you use the external SDK method.
+
 #### Calls Not Routing to Queues
 - Verify queue exists and is active
 - Check agent group has members
@@ -551,7 +593,19 @@ All webhooks are REST API endpoints under `/wp-json/twilio-webhook/v1/`:
 
 ## Version History
 
-### v2.3.0 (Current - September 2025) - ENTERPRISE READY
+### v2.8.9 (Current - January 2026) - SDK PERSISTENCE & BROWSER PHONE FIXES
+- **SDK PERSISTENCE**: External SDK installation option that survives WordPress plugin updates
+  - New installation script: `install-twilio-sdk-external.sh` installs SDK to `wp-content/twilio-sdk/`
+  - Automatic detection: Plugin checks external SDK location first, falls back to internal
+  - Post-update warnings: Notifies if SDK was deleted during plugin update
+  - Zero downtime: Phone system continues working through plugin updates
+- **BROWSER PHONE FIX**: Resolved US calls failing immediately with HANGUP errors
+  - Made Twilio Edge Location configurable (was hardcoded to Sydney)
+  - New setting: Twilio Edge Location with 8 options (roaming/auto-select, ashburn, umatilla, dublin, frankfurt, singapore, sydney, tokyo, sao-paulo)
+  - Default: "roaming" (auto-select closest edge for optimal performance)
+  - Critical fix: US users can now make calls successfully (were failing with Sydney edge)
+
+### v2.3.0 (September 2025) - ENTERPRISE READY
 - **SECURITY ENHANCEMENT**: Removed frontend browser phone interface, moved to admin-only access for enhanced security
 - **ASSET REDUCTION**: Eliminated 108KB of frontend assets (browser-phone-frontend.js and CSS files)
 - **SHORTCODE SECURITY**: Browser phone shortcode now provides secure redirect with authentication checks
@@ -611,4 +665,4 @@ This plugin integrates with Twilio services and requires a Twilio account.
 
 ---
 
-**Enterprise Ready v2.3.0** - Extension transfers, browser phone compatibility, and automatic agent management now production-ready with comprehensive reliability improvements.
+**Production Ready v2.8.9** - SDK persistence through plugin updates and configurable edge locations ensure zero-downtime phone operations.

admin/class-twp-admin.php

@@ -347,6 +347,25 @@ class TWP_Admin {
                         </td>
                     </tr>
 
+                    <tr>
+                        <th scope="row">Twilio Edge Location</th>
+                        <td>
+                            <?php $current_edge = get_option('twp_twilio_edge', 'roaming'); ?>
+                            <select name="twp_twilio_edge" class="regular-text">
+                                <option value="roaming" <?php selected($current_edge, 'roaming'); ?>>Auto-select closest (Recommended)</option>
+                                <option value="ashburn" <?php selected($current_edge, 'ashburn'); ?>>US East (Ashburn)</option>
+                                <option value="umatilla" <?php selected($current_edge, 'umatilla'); ?>>US West (Umatilla)</option>
+                                <option value="dublin" <?php selected($current_edge, 'dublin'); ?>>Europe - Ireland (Dublin)</option>
+                                <option value="frankfurt" <?php selected($current_edge, 'frankfurt'); ?>>Europe - Germany (Frankfurt)</option>
+                                <option value="singapore" <?php selected($current_edge, 'singapore'); ?>>Asia Pacific (Singapore)</option>
+                                <option value="sydney" <?php selected($current_edge, 'sydney'); ?>>Australia (Sydney)</option>
+                                <option value="tokyo" <?php selected($current_edge, 'tokyo'); ?>>Japan (Tokyo)</option>
+                                <option value="sao-paulo" <?php selected($current_edge, 'sao-paulo'); ?>>South America (Sao Paulo)</option>
+                            </select>
+                            <p class="description">Edge location for browser phone calls. Use "Auto-select closest" for best call quality, or select a specific region.</p>
+                        </td>
+                    </tr>
+
                 </table>
                 
                 <h2>Eleven Labs API Settings</h2>
@@ -3818,6 +3837,7 @@ class TWP_Admin {
         register_setting('twilio-wp-settings-group', 'twp_twilio_account_sid');
         register_setting('twilio-wp-settings-group', 'twp_twilio_auth_token');
         register_setting('twilio-wp-settings-group', 'twp_twiml_app_sid');
+        register_setting('twilio-wp-settings-group', 'twp_twilio_edge');
         register_setting('twilio-wp-settings-group', 'twp_elevenlabs_api_key');
         register_setting('twilio-wp-settings-group', 'twp_elevenlabs_voice_id');
         register_setting('twilio-wp-settings-group', 'twp_elevenlabs_model_id');
@@ -7779,7 +7799,7 @@ class TWP_Admin {
                         device = new Twilio.Device(token, {
                             logLevel: 1, // 0 = TRACE, 1 = DEBUG
                             codecPreferences: ['opus', 'pcmu'],
-                            edge: 'sydney', // Or closest edge location
+                            edge: '<?php echo esc_js(get_option('twp_twilio_edge', 'roaming')); ?>',
                             enableIceRestart: true, // Important for mobile network switching
                             audioConstraints: audioConstraints,
                             maxCallSignalingTimeoutMs: 30000, // 30 seconds timeout for mobile

includes/class-twp-twilio-api.php

@@ -41,11 +41,26 @@ class TWP_Twilio_API {
      * Initialize Twilio SDK client
      */
     private function init_sdk_client() {
-        // Check if autoloader exists
+        // Check for SDK autoloader - external location first (survives plugin updates)
-        $autoloader_path = TWP_PLUGIN_DIR . 'vendor/autoload.php';
+        $autoloader_path = null;
-        if (!file_exists($autoloader_path)) {
+
-            error_log('TWP Plugin: Autoloader not found at: ' . $autoloader_path);
+        // Priority 1: External SDK location (recommended)
-            throw new Exception('Twilio SDK not found. Please run: ./install-twilio-sdk.sh');
+        $external_autoloader = TWP_EXTERNAL_SDK_DIR . 'autoload.php';
+        if (file_exists($external_autoloader)) {
+            $autoloader_path = $external_autoloader;
+        }
+
+        // Priority 2: Internal vendor directory (fallback)
+        if (!$autoloader_path) {
+            $internal_autoloader = TWP_PLUGIN_DIR . 'vendor/autoload.php';
+            if (file_exists($internal_autoloader)) {
+                $autoloader_path = $internal_autoloader;
+            }
+        }
+
+        if (!$autoloader_path) {
+            error_log('TWP Plugin: Autoloader not found. Checked: ' . $external_autoloader . ' and ' . TWP_PLUGIN_DIR . 'vendor/autoload.php');
+            throw new Exception('Twilio SDK not found. Please run: ./install-twilio-sdk-external.sh');
         }
 
         // Load the autoloader

includes/class-twp-webhooks.php

@@ -9,9 +9,25 @@ class TWP_Webhooks {
      */
     public function __construct() {
         // Load Twilio SDK if not already loaded
+        // Check external location first (survives plugin updates), then internal
         if (!class_exists('\Twilio\Rest\Client')) {
-            $autoloader_path = plugin_dir_path(dirname(__FILE__)) . 'vendor/autoload.php';
+            $autoloader_path = null;
-            if (file_exists($autoloader_path)) {
+
+            // Priority 1: External SDK location
+            $external_autoloader = dirname(dirname(plugin_dir_path(dirname(__FILE__)))) . '/twilio-sdk/autoload.php';
+            if (file_exists($external_autoloader)) {
+                $autoloader_path = $external_autoloader;
+            }
+
+            // Priority 2: Internal vendor directory
+            if (!$autoloader_path) {
+                $internal_autoloader = plugin_dir_path(dirname(__FILE__)) . 'vendor/autoload.php';
+                if (file_exists($internal_autoloader)) {
+                    $autoloader_path = $internal_autoloader;
+                }
+            }
+
+            if ($autoloader_path) {
                 require_once $autoloader_path;
             }
         }

install-twilio-sdk-external.sh

@@ -0,0 +1,158 @@
+#!/bin/bash
+
+# Script to install Twilio PHP SDK to an external location
+# This prevents SDK from being deleted when WordPress updates the plugin
+#
+# Location: wp-content/twilio-sdk/ (outside plugin folder)
+
+echo "Installing Twilio PHP SDK v8.7.0 to external location..."
+echo "This will install the SDK outside the plugin folder to survive plugin updates."
+
+# Check if we can download files
+if ! command -v curl &> /dev/null; then
+    echo "ERROR: curl is required to download the SDK"
+    echo "Please install curl and try again"
+    exit 1
+fi
+
+if ! command -v tar &> /dev/null; then
+    echo "ERROR: tar is required to extract the SDK"
+    echo "Please install tar and try again"
+    exit 1
+fi
+
+# Get the script directory (plugin directory)
+SCRIPT_DIR="$(cd "$(dirname "${BASH_SOURCE[0]}")" && pwd)"
+
+# Calculate wp-content directory (two levels up from plugin)
+# Plugin is at: wp-content/plugins/twilio-wp-plugin/
+# We want: wp-content/twilio-sdk/
+WP_CONTENT_DIR="$(dirname "$(dirname "$SCRIPT_DIR")")"
+SDK_DIR="$WP_CONTENT_DIR/twilio-sdk"
+
+echo "Plugin directory: $SCRIPT_DIR"
+echo "SDK will be installed to: $SDK_DIR"
+
+# Create SDK directory
+mkdir -p "$SDK_DIR/twilio/sdk"
+
+# Download the latest release (8.7.0)
+echo "Downloading Twilio SDK from GitHub..."
+TEMP_DIR=$(mktemp -d)
+cd "$TEMP_DIR"
+
+if ! curl -L https://github.com/twilio/twilio-php/archive/refs/tags/8.7.0.tar.gz -o twilio-sdk.tar.gz; then
+    echo "ERROR: Failed to download Twilio SDK"
+    echo "Please check your internet connection and try again"
+    rm -rf "$TEMP_DIR"
+    exit 1
+fi
+
+# Extract the archive
+echo "Extracting SDK files..."
+if ! tar -xzf twilio-sdk.tar.gz; then
+    echo "ERROR: Failed to extract SDK files"
+    rm -rf "$TEMP_DIR"
+    exit 1
+fi
+
+# Check if the extracted directory exists
+if [ ! -d "twilio-php-8.7.0/src" ]; then
+    echo "ERROR: Extracted SDK directory structure is unexpected"
+    rm -rf "$TEMP_DIR"
+    exit 1
+fi
+
+# Remove existing SDK if it exists
+if [ -d "$SDK_DIR/twilio/sdk" ]; then
+    echo "Removing existing SDK installation..."
+    rm -rf "$SDK_DIR/twilio/sdk"
+    mkdir -p "$SDK_DIR/twilio/sdk"
+fi
+
+# Move the entire src directory to be the sdk
+echo "Installing SDK files..."
+if ! mv twilio-php-8.7.0/src/* "$SDK_DIR/twilio/sdk/"; then
+    echo "ERROR: Failed to move SDK files"
+    rm -rf "$TEMP_DIR"
+    exit 1
+fi
+
+# Create a comprehensive autoloader
+cat > "$SDK_DIR/autoload.php" << 'EOF'
+<?php
+/**
+ * Twilio SDK v8.7.0 Autoloader (External Installation)
+ * This file loads the Twilio PHP SDK classes
+ *
+ * Location: wp-content/twilio-sdk/autoload.php
+ * This location survives WordPress plugin updates
+ */
+
+// Prevent multiple registrations
+if (!defined('TWILIO_AUTOLOADER_REGISTERED')) {
+    define('TWILIO_AUTOLOADER_REGISTERED', true);
+
+    // Register the autoloader
+    spl_autoload_register(function ($class) {
+        // Only handle Twilio classes
+        if (strpos($class, 'Twilio\\') !== 0) {
+            return false;
+        }
+
+        // Convert class name to file path
+        // The SDK structure is: twilio/sdk/Twilio/Rest/Client.php for Twilio\Rest\Client
+        $file = __DIR__ . '/twilio/sdk/' . str_replace('\\', '/', $class) . '.php';
+
+        if (file_exists($file)) {
+            require_once $file;
+            return true;
+        }
+
+        return false;
+    });
+
+    // Try to load the SDK's own autoloader if it exists
+    $sdk_autoloader = __DIR__ . '/twilio/sdk/autoload.php';
+    if (file_exists($sdk_autoloader)) {
+        require_once $sdk_autoloader;
+    }
+
+    // Load essential Twilio classes manually to ensure they're available
+    $essential_classes = [
+        __DIR__ . '/twilio/sdk/Twilio/Rest/Client.php',
+        __DIR__ . '/twilio/sdk/Twilio/TwiML/VoiceResponse.php',
+        __DIR__ . '/twilio/sdk/Twilio/Exceptions/TwilioException.php',
+        __DIR__ . '/twilio/sdk/Twilio/Security/RequestValidator.php'
+    ];
+
+    foreach ($essential_classes as $class_file) {
+        if (file_exists($class_file)) {
+            require_once $class_file;
+        }
+    }
+}
+EOF
+
+# Clean up temp directory
+cd "$SCRIPT_DIR"
+rm -rf "$TEMP_DIR"
+
+# Verify installation
+echo ""
+echo "Verifying installation..."
+if [ -f "$SDK_DIR/autoload.php" ] && [ -d "$SDK_DIR/twilio/sdk" ]; then
+    echo "=============================================="
+    echo "Twilio SDK v8.7.0 installed successfully!"
+    echo "=============================================="
+    echo ""
+    echo "Installation location: $SDK_DIR"
+    echo ""
+    echo "This SDK is installed OUTSIDE the plugin folder,"
+    echo "so it will NOT be deleted when WordPress updates the plugin."
+    echo ""
+    echo "The plugin will automatically detect this external SDK."
+else
+    echo "Installation failed - files not found"
+    exit 1
+fi

install-twilio-sdk.sh

@@ -79,8 +79,8 @@ if (!defined('TWILIO_AUTOLOADER_REGISTERED')) {
         }
 
         // Convert class name to file path
-        $relative_class = substr($class, 7); // Remove 'Twilio\'
+        // The SDK structure is: twilio/sdk/Twilio/Rest/Client.php for Twilio\Rest\Client
-        $file = __DIR__ . '/twilio/sdk/' . str_replace('\\', '/', $relative_class) . '.php';
+        $file = __DIR__ . '/twilio/sdk/' . str_replace('\\', '/', $class) . '.php';
 
         if (file_exists($file)) {
             require_once $file;
@@ -98,10 +98,10 @@ if (!defined('TWILIO_AUTOLOADER_REGISTERED')) {
     
     // Load essential Twilio classes manually to ensure they're available
     $essential_classes = [
-        __DIR__ . '/twilio/sdk/Rest/Client.php',
+        __DIR__ . '/twilio/sdk/Twilio/Rest/Client.php',
-        __DIR__ . '/twilio/sdk/TwiML/VoiceResponse.php',
+        __DIR__ . '/twilio/sdk/Twilio/TwiML/VoiceResponse.php',
-        __DIR__ . '/twilio/sdk/Exceptions/TwilioException.php',
+        __DIR__ . '/twilio/sdk/Twilio/Exceptions/TwilioException.php',
-        __DIR__ . '/twilio/sdk/Security/RequestValidator.php'
+        __DIR__ . '/twilio/sdk/Twilio/Security/RequestValidator.php'
     ];
     
     foreach ($essential_classes as $class_file) {

twilio-wp-plugin.php

@@ -20,6 +20,8 @@ define('TWP_DB_VERSION', '1.6.2'); // Track database version separately
 define('TWP_PLUGIN_DIR', plugin_dir_path(__FILE__));
 define('TWP_PLUGIN_URL', plugin_dir_url(__FILE__));
 define('TWP_PLUGIN_BASENAME', plugin_basename(__FILE__));
+// External SDK location - survives plugin updates (wp-content/twilio-sdk/)
+define('TWP_EXTERNAL_SDK_DIR', dirname(dirname(TWP_PLUGIN_DIR)) . '/twilio-sdk/');
 
 /**
  * Plugin activation hook
@@ -31,17 +33,27 @@ function twp_activate() {
 
 /**
  * Check if Twilio SDK is installed and show admin notice if not
+ * Checks external location first (survives plugin updates), then internal fallback
  */
 function twp_check_sdk_installation() {
-    $autoloader_path = TWP_PLUGIN_DIR . 'vendor/autoload.php';
     $sdk_installed = false;
 
-    if (file_exists($autoloader_path)) {
+    // Priority 1: Check external SDK location (survives plugin updates)
-        // Try to load autoloader and check for classes
+    $external_autoloader = TWP_EXTERNAL_SDK_DIR . 'autoload.php';
-        require_once $autoloader_path;
+    if (file_exists($external_autoloader)) {
+        require_once $external_autoloader;
         $sdk_installed = class_exists('Twilio\Rest\Client');
     }
 
+    // Priority 2: Fall back to internal vendor directory
+    if (!$sdk_installed) {
+        $internal_autoloader = TWP_PLUGIN_DIR . 'vendor/autoload.php';
+        if (file_exists($internal_autoloader)) {
+            require_once $internal_autoloader;
+            $sdk_installed = class_exists('Twilio\Rest\Client');
+        }
+    }
+
     if (!$sdk_installed) {
         add_action('admin_notices', 'twp_sdk_missing_notice');
     }
@@ -55,10 +67,12 @@ function twp_sdk_missing_notice() {
     <div class="notice notice-error is-dismissible">
         <h3>Twilio WordPress Plugin - SDK Required</h3>
         <p><strong>The Twilio PHP SDK is required for this plugin to work.</strong></p>
-        <p>To install the SDK, run this command in your plugin directory:</p>
+        <p><strong>Recommended:</strong> Install SDK to external location (survives plugin updates):</p>
+        <code>chmod +x install-twilio-sdk-external.sh && ./install-twilio-sdk-external.sh</code>
+        <p style="margin-top: 10px;"><strong>Alternative:</strong> Install SDK inside plugin folder:</p>
         <code>chmod +x install-twilio-sdk.sh && ./install-twilio-sdk.sh</code>
-        <p>Or install via Composer: <code>composer install</code></p>
+        <p style="margin-top: 10px;"><em>Plugin path: <?php echo esc_html(TWP_PLUGIN_DIR); ?></em></p>
-        <p><em>Plugin path: <?php echo TWP_PLUGIN_DIR; ?></em></p>
+        <p><em>External SDK path: <?php echo esc_html(TWP_EXTERNAL_SDK_DIR); ?></em></p>
     </div>
     <?php
 }
@@ -126,6 +140,52 @@ function twp_deactivate() {
 register_activation_hook(__FILE__, 'twp_activate');
 register_deactivation_hook(__FILE__, 'twp_deactivate');
 
+/**
+ * Check SDK status after plugin updates
+ * Shows warning if SDK was deleted during update and external SDK not available
+ */
+function twp_check_sdk_after_update($upgrader_object, $options) {
+    // Only run for plugin updates
+    if ($options['action'] !== 'update' || $options['type'] !== 'plugin') {
+        return;
+    }
+
+    // Check if this plugin was updated
+    $updated_plugins = isset($options['plugins']) ? $options['plugins'] : array();
+    if (!in_array(TWP_PLUGIN_BASENAME, $updated_plugins)) {
+        return;
+    }
+
+    // Check if SDK is available
+    $external_sdk = file_exists(TWP_EXTERNAL_SDK_DIR . 'autoload.php');
+    $internal_sdk = file_exists(TWP_PLUGIN_DIR . 'vendor/autoload.php');
+
+    if (!$external_sdk && !$internal_sdk) {
+        // Set a transient to show warning on next admin page load
+        set_transient('twp_sdk_update_warning', true, 60 * 5);
+    }
+}
+add_action('upgrader_process_complete', 'twp_check_sdk_after_update', 10, 2);
+
+/**
+ * Show SDK update warning
+ */
+function twp_show_sdk_update_warning() {
+    if (get_transient('twp_sdk_update_warning')) {
+        delete_transient('twp_sdk_update_warning');
+        ?>
+        <div class="notice notice-warning is-dismissible">
+            <h3>Twilio WordPress Plugin - SDK Reinstall Required</h3>
+            <p><strong>The plugin was updated and the Twilio SDK needs to be reinstalled.</strong></p>
+            <p>To prevent this in the future, install the SDK to the external location:</p>
+            <code>cd <?php echo esc_html(TWP_PLUGIN_DIR); ?> && ./install-twilio-sdk-external.sh</code>
+            <p style="margin-top: 10px;">The external SDK at <code><?php echo esc_html(TWP_EXTERNAL_SDK_DIR); ?></code> survives plugin updates.</p>
+        </div>
+        <?php
+    }
+}
+add_action('admin_notices', 'twp_show_sdk_update_warning');
+
 /**
  * Core plugin class
  */