Is your WordPress site feeling a bit outdated or sluggish? Keeping your website up to date isn’t just about new features—it’s crucial for security, performance, and making a great impression on visitors. Many website owners wonder if updating is tricky or risky, but with the right guidance, it’s straightforward.
This article breaks down everything you need to know, from simple steps to expert tips, ensuring your WordPress site stays fresh, safe, and running smoothly.
How to Update Your WordPress Website: A Step-by-Step Guide
Keeping your WordPress website updated is essential for security, performance, and access to the latest features. Updates can include core WordPress files, themes, and plugins—each playing a crucial role in your site’s health. If you’re wondering how to safely update your WordPress site, this comprehensive guide breaks down every step in clear, simple terms.
Why Updating WordPress Matters
WordPress updates aren’t just about staying trendy—they keep your website secure and running smoothly. Here’s why you shouldn’t ignore those update notifications:
- Enhanced Security: Updates patch vulnerabilities, protecting against hackers and malware.
- Bug Fixes: They resolve known issues, making your site more stable.
- New Features: Updates can introduce new options to customize your website.
- Improved Performance: Updates ensure your site runs faster and more efficiently.
- Compatibility: New versions help avoid problems with plugins, themes, or browsers.
Preparing to Update Your WordPress Website
Before you click the “Update Now” button, a little preparation goes a long way to ensure your site stays safe and your data remains intact.
1. Back Up Your Website
Never update without a complete backup! If anything goes wrong, you’ll be able to restore your website easily.
- Use backup plugins (like UpdraftPlus or BackupBuddy).
- Backup your files and your database.
- Save the backup on a separate location (cloud storage or your computer).
2. Check Plugin and Theme Compatibility
- Visit your dashboard and review which plugins and themes will be updated.
- Check if your essential plugins and theme versions are compatible with the upcoming WordPress release.
- Review the changelogs for plugins and themes (usually available on their details page in your dashboard).
3. Create a Staging Site (Optional but Recommended)
A staging site is a safe copy of your website where you can test updates before applying them live.
- Many hosting providers offer easy staging environments.
- Test updates on staging first to catch any issues early.
How to Update WordPress: 4 Main Methods
You have several options when it comes to updating WordPress—pick the one that fits your comfort level!
1. Automatic Updates (Easiest)
Recent versions of WordPress allow for automatic updates of the core software.
- Major and minor updates can be enabled automatically.
- Plugins and themes can also be set to update automatically.
- Check your settings under Dashboard > Updates.
Pros:
– Little effort required.
– Important security fixes get applied right away.
Cons:
– Less control—you may not notice if something breaks.
2. One-Click Update via WordPress Dashboard
The most common and user-friendly way:
- Log in to your WordPress admin dashboard.
- Navigate to Dashboard > Updates.
- You’ll see if there’s a new version of WordPress available.
- Click Update Now.
- Wait for the process to finish. Your site will enter maintenance mode briefly and then return to normal.
Updating Plugins & Themes:
- Visit Plugins > Installed Plugins or Appearance > Themes.
- Select the items you want to update.
- Click Update.
3. Manual Update via FTP
If the dashboard update fails or you need a more hands-on approach:
- Download the latest WordPress package from wordpress.org.
- Unzip the package on your computer.
- Connect to your website using an FTP client (like FileZilla).
- Upload all files except the
wp-contentfolder and thewp-config.phpfile to your website directory. - Overwrite existing files when prompted.
- Visit your dashboard—WordPress may prompt you to update your database.
Why manual updates?
– When other update methods don’t work.
– To fix corrupted core files.
4. Command Line Updates (for Advanced Users)
If you are comfortable with the command line and have SSH access:
- Use WP-CLI, WordPress’s command line tool.
- Run commands like
wp core update,wp plugin update --all, andwp theme update --all.
Benefits:
– Fast and efficient for multiple websites.
Best Practices for Safe WordPress Updates
- Always Back Up First: Even if you’ve never had a failed update, make backups a ritual.
- Update Regularly: Set a reminder—staying current is key to security and site health.
- Update Plugins/Themes Before Core: Sometimes plugin updates are released to support new core versions.
- Deactivate Caching Plugins Temporarily: Plugins like WP Super Cache or W3 Total Cache can interfere with updates—deactivate them first, then reactivate after.
- Test on Staging: Any major update should be tested in a staging environment.
- Check Your Site After Updating: Open your site in a private/incognito browser window. Test key pages and forms.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Update Fails or Gets Stuck
- Clear your browser cache or try another browser.
- Delete the
.maintenancefile in your site’s root directory via FTP. - Restore your backup if needed.
Plugin Conflicts
- Deactivate all plugins, then reactivate them one by one to identify the culprit.
- Check plugin support forums for known issues.
Broken Layout or Functionality
- Switch to a default WordPress theme. If the issue resolves, your main theme may need updating.
- Contact your theme or plugin developer for guidance.
Benefits of Keeping Your WordPress Site Updated
- Peace of Mind: Your website is safer against emerging threats.
- Professional Appearance: Up-to-date designs and features keep your site looking modern.
- Visitor Experience: Fewer bugs mean happier visitors and better conversion rates.
- SEO Optimization: Google favors well-maintained, secure websites.
Tips for a Hassle-Free WordPress Update
- Schedule Regular Maintenance: Set clear times to check for and apply updates.
- Use Reputable Plugins/Themes: Choose those with good support that keep up with the latest WordPress versions.
- Monitor Your Site: Use uptime monitoring services in case something goes wrong after an update.
- Document Customizations: If you tweak core theme files, keep records. Better yet, use child themes for customizations.
- Automate Where Possible: Consider trusted tools and managed hosting that can manage updates for you.
How Much Will It Cost to Update WordPress?
Generally, updating WordPress itself is free—WordPress is open-source. Most plugins and themes also offer free updates. However:
- Premium plugins or themes may require a yearly license to access updates and support.
- Backup tools or staging environments can be free or paid.
- Hiring a professional (if you’re not comfortable) may cost $50–$200 per update session.
There are no physical shipping costs involved, as updates are all digital.
Conclusion
Updating your WordPress website may seem intimidating, but it’s a task every site owner can master. With regular updates, solid backup practices, and a bit of caution, you’ll keep your site secure, fast, and user-friendly. Remember, an updated site is a healthy site—give your website the attention it deserves!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How often should I update WordPress?
Ideally, check for updates at least once a month. If a security release is announced, update as soon as possible to keep your site safe.
2. What happens if I skip updates?
Skipping updates leaves your site vulnerable to security threats and can cause plugin or theme incompatibilities. Over time, your site may break or become infected with malware.
3. Will updating WordPress break my website?
While updates are generally safe, there’s always a small risk of conflicts with themes or plugins. That’s why backing up your site and testing updates on a staging site are crucial steps.
4. Do I need to update plugins and themes, too?
Absolutely. Plugins and themes can have security flaws or bugs that updates fix. Keeping everything updated ensures your website remains secure and works correctly.
5. Can I automate WordPress updates?
Yes! WordPress supports automatic updates for core files, plugins, and themes. You can enable this feature in your dashboard or use a plugin to manage it. However, always back up your site regularly, even if updates run automatically.
With this guide, you’re equipped to keep your WordPress website up-to-date, secure, and running smoothly—no matter your skill level.