introduction
The process of updating WordPress plugins is just as simple as hitting an icon but do you realize that if not vigilant you could end up breaking your entire website? Its true.
Through the years weve come to realize (sometimes through trial and error) that even small update to plugins can trigger unexpected problems.
Weve witnessed various issues ranging from broken layouts to the absence of block editor functions that affect our workflow for content.
This is why in this guide well outline our triedandtested method of securely updating WordPress plugins. So you dont have the same problems we encountered.
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Why Update WordPress Plugins?
Consider WordPress plugins as apps that you can install on your smartphone. You dont want to use obsolete versions of your social media or banking apps wouldnt you?
The same applies to plugins. These software programs that provide features such as Contact questionnaires SEO tools memberships and much more to your website are continuously being developed by their creators.
Weve seen how old plugins can make websites vulnerable to security problems or miss out on crucial new features.
Think of plugins as a set of apps to you WordPress website.
For instance our partners companies such as AIOSEO regularly release new updates that address our users SEO requirements. However weve seen numerous instances when outdated plugins turned into WordPress safety risks.
However although updates are important but they shouldnt be a hassle. Lets take an indepth look at the best ways to upgrade WordPress plugins. Use the short links below to jump to a particular topic:
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Our GoTo Checklist Before Updating a WordPress Plugin
Weve learned it from experience: never update your plugin without taking important precautions prior to doing so. We at WPBeginner We follow an easy preupdate checklist that has helped us avoid many headaches.
We recommend making backups before you start. Weve witnessed too many instances in which a minor update failed with it was discovered that the WordPress blog owner did not have a backup from which to restore. Like having an insurance policy on your site.
We recommend making use of our Duplicator plugin because it makes the process of backup very simple.
You should then navigate to Dashboard > Updates within your WordPress administrator. Click on the View version details link that appears on your list of WordPress plugins in need of updating.
You can find out what modifications the plugin developers have implemented.
Sometimes what seems like an update of minor magnitude could be a major update that could alter the way your website functions.
This is a general rule Look for the words that spell outsecurity update. If you find these in the log of changes then youll be prompted to update the plugin as soon as possible. Security fixes arent something that you should put off.
For updates that are regular We wait for one week. This may seem a bit naive but weve seen that the majority of bugs are discovered and corrected in the initial week after an update.
If your website is generating significant lead or traffic (like that of our site) This waiting period could prevent you from becoming the guineapig for updates to your website.
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How to Update a WordPress Plugin
WordPress has an builtin automated update mechanism. It checks for updates automatically and sends you alerts whenever there are updates available for your WordPress themes plugins and WordPress the core software.
To to update to the latest version of your WordPress plugins visit your Dashboard > Updates page located in the admin section.
Then you will see the list of plugins that need to be updated.
You can install the updates by clicking on Update Plugins. Visit your Plugins >installed plugins page. Under each plugin you will find an alert with updates that are that are available for installation.
Click on the Update Now button to download every update. Be sure to install each one at a and make sure to wait until the plugin has finished updating before clicking on the following link.
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How to Update WordPress Plugins in Bulk
Although WordPress offers the ability to update in bulk but we must mention something important: occasionally updating multiple plugins at the same time isnt always the most secure option. Heres why.
If you update multiple plugins at once it is impossible to pinpoint the update that caused the issue when something goes wrong.
The site could break following an extensive update or a major update and the administrator has to figure out for hours which plugin was responsible.
However if youre still looking to utilize our bulk updates feature (we know that there are times when youre just in the middle of a deadline) Heres how you can accomplish it.
To begin go to your Plugins > installed plugins page and then click the update available link. This will display the list of plugins that are updated.
You can select all by selecting the checkbox Plugin on the upper right of the list and then select Update in the Bulk Actions dropdown menu.
Then you have to hit the Apply button to update the chosen plugins.
How to Undo a WordPress Plugin Update
Sometimes an update to a plugin can result in unexpected outcomes. For instance you might notice that some features of the plugin dont work as intended.
In that situation the first thing to do is disable the plugin.
If you are able to gain access to the Plugins page within the WordPress administrator area you can click on the Deactivate button below the misbehaving plugin.
Then youll be able to start installing then the WordPress Rollback plugin. For more information refer to our stepbystep instructions to the steps to installing the WordPress plugin.
Once the plugin is activated after activation return on the Plugins page and youll be able see an option to roll back every plugin. When you click on it it will allow you to restore the plugin to a previous version.
For more detailed instructions read this guide to how to restore WordPress plugins.
What if the issue caused by the update to your plugin has resulted in you being inaccessible to admin access to the WordPress administration area?
In this scenario you must adhere to the steps of our tutorial to how to disable all plugins that are not able to log into admin access to the WordPress administrator area.
How to Manage WordPress Plugin Updates
When you have several WordPress websites If you manage multiple WordPress sites youll soon find that you have to frequently update plugins. That means manual updates can be timeconsuming. Here are some suggestions to help you update WordPress more effectively.
If youre satisfied with the plugins youre using then automate updates for all of your WordPress plugins.
A better option is to automate updating just a few plugins that you have confidence in. We provide guidelines on how to accomplish this in our article about how to more effectively control WordPress update notifications.
If you do not manage multiple WordPress websites you can create emails to notify you of WordPress software updates. This will inform you whenever you have an update that is available without needing to sign in to your WordPress website.
Always ensure that youve set up an automated backup software on your website. This will enable you to restore your WordPress site in the event that there is a problem.
Additionally certain WordPress hosting providers also offer the option of staging websites. It allows you to try out the latest plugins updates in a staging environment prior to going live.
Bluehost is an example. It comes with a oneclick staging feature that allows you to create a replica of your website to test.
If you are interested in using controlled WordPress hosting for your website we suggest the use of the WP Engine and also checking out the staging tools they offer.
You can also employ experts to manage updates for your plugin for your. We at WPBeginner Pro Services we provide affordable WordPress maintenance plans that will take away the stress of managing your website.
About the Author
Rohan your friendly tech enthusiast is here to spill the beans. Based at A45 Green Park Extension New Delhi 110016 Rohan lives and breathes the digital world. Hes always digging into the latest tech trends and wants to share his insights so you can become a Google search master. Trust karo this is solid stuff..
resource
https://www.wpbeginner.com/beginners-guide/how-to-properly-update-wordpress-plugins-step-by-step
featured image used in this article was owned by wpbeginner.com and respective creators..
Im Rohan a tech fanatic primarily based totally in New Delhi and Im proper proper right here to manual you thru the method. Located at A45 Green Park Extension New Delhi 110016 Im constantly searching out the modernday tech tendencies and pointers.
