How to Update WordPress Automatically and Manually: A Complete Guide

Keeping your WordPress website up to date is like keeping your car in top shape—you wouldn’t drive around with old, worn-out parts, right? Similarly, running an outdated WordPress site leaves you vulnerable to security risks, bugs, and performance slowdowns.

WordPress frequently releases updates for a reason—they bring essential security patches, performance enhancements, and new features that can improve your site’s functionality and user experience. Whether you’re a business owner, blogger, or WordPress developer, updating your site should be part of your regular maintenance routine. But here’s the big question: how do you do it? Should you rely on automatic updates, or go the manual route to have more control?

In this guide, we’ll break down both approaches—showing you step-by-step how to update WordPress automatically and manually, along with the pros, cons, and everything you need to know before hitting that “Update” button.

Enabling Maintenance Mode During Updates

Activating WordPress maintenance mode ensures that visitors don’t experience a broken site or see unformatted pages while updates are in progress.

Steps to Enable Maintenance Mode:

1. Use a Plugin: Install WP Maintenance Mode or SeedProd to display a custom maintenance message to visitors during updates.
2. Manual Maintenance Mode: For more control, add a .maintenance file in your root WordPress directory with a message that explains your site is temporarily offline for updates.

Enabling maintenance mode keeps your site professional and user-friendly, even when updates are underway.

What to Do Before Updating WordPress

Before diving into the WordPress update process, it’s crucial to ensure everything is prepped and ready to avoid any hiccups along the way. Here’s a checklist of essential steps to follow before hitting the update button:

Check Your Current WordPress Version

Before updating, you should always know the version of WordPress you’re currently running. This allows you to understand what changes the new version will bring and ensures you’re not missing any critical updates.
To check, simply head over to your WordPress Dashboard > Updates, where you’ll see the version you’re using. Alternatively, you can view the version by inspecting the source code of your site using the “generator” tag.

Read: Best WordPress Speed Optimization Plugins

Ensure Plugin and Theme Compatibility

Not all plugins and themes are immediately compatible with new WordPress updates. Updating without checking could result in broken functionality or worse, your site going offline!
Before updating WordPress, head over to your plugin and theme libraries. Look at the latest changelogs or developer notes to verify they are compatible with the new version of WordPress. If in doubt, wait until the plugin or theme developers release updates that support the new WordPress version.

Read: Plugin And Themes Auto-Updates

Check PHP Version

WordPress runs on PHP, and each new WordPress version often comes with updated minimum PHP requirements. Using an outdated PHP version can lead to issues when updating WordPress.
Check your PHP version through your hosting control panel (usually under the “PHP settings” or similar). Ensure your PHP version meets the new WordPress requirements—ideally, you should be running PHP 7.4 or higher for better security and performance.

How to: Safely Update WordPress from Version PHP 7 Without Breaking the Site

Backup Your Website

Backing up your website is an absolute must before any update! Think of it as your safety net—if anything goes wrong, you can restore your site to its previous state.
Make sure to back up not only the database but also your WordPress core files, plugins, themes, and media. You can do this manually via FTP or use plugins like BlogVault or All-in-One WP Migration to automate the process. Having a reliable backup in place will save you from unnecessary stress and downtime if the update causes issues.

Check: Best WordPress Backup Plugins

Use a Staging Environment

Want to play it extra safe? Test the update in a WordPress staging environment before applying it to your live site. A staging environment is a replica of your website where you can test changes without affecting the actual site visitors see.
Most hosting providers offer staging environments, or you can use plugins like WP Staging to create a test version of your site. This allows you to see how your website performs after the update and spot any potential issues before they hit your live site.

How to Update WordPress Automatically

For many WordPress users, automatic updates are a lifesaver. They eliminate the hassle of manually checking for updates and applying them, which can be especially helpful for maintaining security and keeping your site running smoothly. Let’s explore three simple ways to set up automatic updates for your WordPress website.

Using the WP-Admin Dashboard

The easiest and most user-friendly way to enable automatic updates is through your WordPress dashboard. Here’s how you can do it in just a few clicks:

1. Log into WP-Admin: Start by logging into your WordPress admin panel.
2. Go to Dashboard > Updates: Navigate to the Dashboard and click on Updates.
3. Enable Automatic Updates:

•  You’ll see an option to enable automatic updates for all new WordPress versions. Depending on your preference, you can enable updates for all major releases or limit it to minor updates and security patches.
• If you prefer more control, you can opt to automatically update only minor updates and handle major releases manually.
• Once enabled, WordPress will automatically update whenever a new version is released. However, it’s still a good idea to keep an eye on updates in case of unexpected issues.

Read: How to Delete Invisible WordPress Admin Users?

Using wp-config.php

If you’re comfortable with a little coding, you can enable automatic updates by tweaking the wp-config.php file. This method gives you more control over what’s automatically updated (core, plugins, or themes). Here’s how to do it:

1. Access wp-config.php: Connect to your website via an FTP client (like FileZilla) or through your hosting provider’s file manager.
2. Locate the wp-config.php File: In the root directory of your WordPress installation, find and open the wp-config.php file.

Add the Update Code: Add the following line of code just before the comment line /* That’s all, stop editing! Happy blogging. */:
define( ‘WP_AUTO_UPDATE_CORE’, true );

3. Save and Upload: Save the changes and upload the modified wp-config.php file back to your server.

This will enable automatic updates for all core WordPress updates, including major and minor releases. If you only want automatic updates for minor security releases, use:

define( ‘WP_AUTO_UPDATE_CORE’, ‘minor’ );

Be cautious when making changes to the wp-config.php file, as errors here can affect your entire site.

Related: Malware Removal Services Vs. Website Security Services

Using Plugins

Not a fan of code? No worries! There are plenty of WordPress plugins that can handle automatic updates for you with just a few clicks. One of the most popular options is Easy Updates Manager. Here’s how you can use it:

1. Install the Plugin: From your WordPress dashboard, go to Plugins > Add New and search for Easy Updates Manager. Install and activate the plugin.
2. Access the Update Options: Once activated, navigate to Dashboard > Update Options.
3. Configure Automatic Updates: In the Easy Updates Manager settings, you can enable automatic updates for WordPress core, themes, plugins, and even translation files. You also have the option to exclude certain plugins or themes from being automatically updated. 

The plugin provides detailed controls, letting you choose exactly what should update automatically and sending email notifications when updates are performed. Plugins like Easy Updates Manager make the process simple and allow you to customize which parts of your website are automatically updated, all while offering a user-friendly interface.

By setting up automatic updates through any of these methods, you can save time and ensure your site remains secure and up-to-date without the need for constant manual intervention. However, remember that automatic updates do carry some risks, such as compatibility issues, so always have a backup solution in place.

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How to Update WordPress Manually

If you prefer to have more control over your WordPress updates or if automatic updates are not working, you can manually update WordPress. Manual updates are often recommended for advanced users or sites with custom configurations. Here are three methods to update WordPress manually:

Method 1: Updating via WP-Admin Dashboard

This is the easiest and most straightforward way to manually update WordPress. Here’s how to do it:

1. Log into WP-Admin: Start by logging into your WordPress admin dashboard.
2. Navigate to Updates: Once in the dashboard, go to Dashboard > Updates.
3. Check for Updates: If a new WordPress version is available, you’ll see a message stating, “An updated version of WordPress is available.” Click on Update Now.
4. Wait for the Update to Complete: WordPress will automatically download, install, and update itself. Don’t close your browser or navigate away while the update is in progress.
5. Verify the Update: After the update is complete, log out and log back into your dashboard to make sure everything is running smoothly. You should see a message confirming that you’re running the latest version of WordPress.

Pro Tip: Always ensure you’ve backed up your site before starting any updates.

Check out: Ultimate WordPress Security Guide

Method 2: Updating via FTP

If you’re unable to update via the dashboard, you can use FTP (File Transfer Protocol) to manually update WordPress. This method is a bit more technical but gives you more control over the update process. Here’s how:

1. Download the Latest Version of WordPress: Go to the official WordPress.org website and download the latest version of WordPress as a ZIP file.
2. Extract the ZIP File: Unzip the file on your computer, and you’ll have a folder named “wordpress” containing all the updated files.
3. Connect to Your Website via FTP: Use an FTP client like FileZilla to connect to your website’s server. You’ll need your FTP credentials, which can be found in your hosting control panel.
4. Upload the New WordPress Files:
   • Navigate to the wp-content folder on your server and don’t overwrite it. This ensures that your themes and plugins remain intact.
   • Similarly, don’t overwrite the wp-config.php file, as this contains your site’s critical configurations.
   • Overwrite the wp-includes and wp-admin folders and files from the new WordPress version.
5. Complete the Update: Once the upload is complete, log in to your WordPress dashboard. If required, WordPress will prompt you to update the database to match the new version.
6. Verify the Update: After the update, check that your website is functioning correctly, and everything looks fine.

Pro Tip: Be very careful not to overwrite any custom configurations or content in your wp-content folder or wp-config.php file.

Method 3: Updating via WP-CLI

For those who prefer command-line interfaces or are managing multiple WordPress sites, WP-CLI (WordPress Command Line Interface) can be an efficient way to update WordPress. Here’s how to do it:

1. Install WP-CLI: Ensure you have WP-CLI installed on your server. You can download it from WP-CLI’s official site, and make sure you meet the system requirements, such as PHP 5.6 or higher and WordPress 3.7 or later.
2. Backup Your Site: Just like with any update, make sure to back up your database and files before starting.
3. Access Your Website via Command Line: Open your terminal or SSH into your server, then navigate to the directory where WordPress is installed.
4. Run the Update Command: Use the following command to update WordPress to the latest version: wp core update
5. Verify the Update: WP-CLI will automatically download the latest WordPress version, unpack it, and replace the old core files. Once completed, you should see a success message.You can check your WordPress version using the command: wp core version
6. Update the Database (if needed): Sometimes, WordPress updates require a database update. Run the following command to update the database: wp core update-db

WP-CLI is especially useful for developers managing multiple sites, as it allows batch updates and other advanced management tasks.

What to Do After Updating WordPress

After any update—whether automatic or manual—it’s crucial to double-check your website to ensure everything is running smoothly. Here’s a post-update checklist to follow:

• Clear Cache: Prevent conflicts with old cached data.
• Verify Version: Check the WP version in the dashboard.
• Check Functionality: Navigate the site to check if all elements work as expected.
• Plugin & Theme Functionality: Reactivate plugins and ensure compatibility with the new WordPress version.
• Test Forms, E-commerce, and Transactions: Verify interactive elements function correctly.
• Check error logs, monitor site performance, and run security scans to ensure everything is functioning correctly.

How to Roll Back a WordPress Update

Sometimes updates cause unexpected issues, like plugin conflicts or theme incompatibilities. Rolling back to a previous WordPress version can be a lifesaver in these situations.

How to Roll Back WordPress:

1. Using a Plugin: Install a plugin like WP Downgrade or WP Rollback to revert to a previous version with just a few clicks.
2. Restore from Backup: If you’ve taken a backup before the update (as recommended), use it to restore your site to its previous state through your backup plugin or hosting dashboard.
3. Manually Downgrade (Advanced): Download the earlier version from WordPress.org, then upload it via FTP, replacing files except for the wp-content and wp-config.php folders. This method is more technical but provides full control.

Common Issues With WordPress Updates

While updating WordPress is crucial for security, performance, and new features, it’s not always a smooth process. Both automatic and manual updates come with their own set of challenges that, if not handled properly, can cause issues ranging from minor inconveniences to complete website breakdowns. Here are some common problems you might encounter and how to avoid them.

Automatic Updates Risks

Automatic updates can save you time and effort, but they also carry risks, especially if they’re set to install major releases without your supervision. Here are some potential pitfalls:

• Incompatibility with Plugins or Theme
• Site Crashes
• Broken Customizations

How to Minimize the Risks: Consider limiting automatic updates to minor releases (security and maintenance) rather than major versions. Regularly check your plugins and themes to ensure they’re compatible with upcoming updates.

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Manual Update Challenges

While manual updates give you more control, they come with their own set of challenges, especially for less technical users. Common issues include:

• Update Failures
• Broken Site Features
• Technical Complexity

How to Minimize the Challenges: Make sure you’re comfortable with the technical steps involved or consider hiring a professional to handle the updates for you. Always ensure you have a backup in place before starting a manual update.

Read: Where to Find Reliable WordPress Help Online

How to Avoid Problems

To ensure a smooth WordPress update—whether automatic or manual—here are some best practices to follow:

• Always Back Up the Website
• Test Updates in a Staging Environment
• Keep Plugins/Themes Up-to-Date Before Updating WordPress

Related: Best WordPress Security Checklist

Common Update Pitfalls and How to Address Them

WordPress updates, though essential, may sometimes lead to certain pitfalls. Here’s a list of common issues and quick fixes:

1. Database Errors: These may occur if the update fails midway. Use wp-config.php to enable debug mode and identify errors, then restore from a backup if needed.
2. Server Timeouts: Large updates might lead to server timeout errors, especially on shared hosting. Use FTP to manually update files or try updating at off-peak hours.
3. Plugin Conflicts: If a plugin conflicts with the update, try deactivating all plugins, then reactivating them one by one to identify the issue.
4. Theme Compatibility Issues: Switch temporarily to a default theme (e.g., Twenty Twenty-One) to see if the theme is causing the problem.

Knowing these pitfalls and how to handle them helps you troubleshoot updates more confidently and minimize downtime.

Troubleshooting WordPress Update Issues

Even with precautions, sometimes things go wrong during or after an update. Here are some common problems and how to resolve them:

White Screen of Death

The infamous White Screen of Death usually occurs when WordPress runs out of memory or encounters a PHP error. It can render your site completely inaccessible.

How to Fix It:

• Increase the Memory Limit

• Disable Plugins/Themes
• Check Error Logs

Login Problems

If you can’t log in after an update, there are a few possible causes. It could be a cookie issue or something more complex like a URL mismatch.

How to Fix It:

• Clear Browser Cache and Cookies
• Check wp-config.php for Site URL

Missing Buttons or Widgets

If buttons or widgets disappear after an update, it’s often related to JavaScript issues or missing files during the update.

How to Fix It:

• Check for JavaScript Errors
• Re-upload Core Files

Best Practices for Long-Term WordPress Maintenance

To keep your WordPress site running smoothly in the long term, follow these essential maintenance practices:

1. Regularly Check for Updates: Stay proactive by checking for updates frequently or setting up alerts.
2. Run Security Scans: Use plugins like Wordfence or Sucuri to run routine security scans and ensure there are no vulnerabilities.
3. Optimize Database and Performance: Clean up your database and optimize performance using plugins like WP-Optimize or WP Rocket.
4. Regular Backups: Schedule backups at least weekly and before any major updates to safeguard your data.
5. Monitor Site Health: Periodically review your site’s overall health, including performance, uptime, and user experience.

By following these best practices, you’ll ensure your WordPress site stays secure, performs optimally, and remains a positive experience for your users.

Conclusion

WordPress updates are essential for maintaining the security, performance, and functionality of your website, but they can sometimes lead to issues. Whether you need to revert to a previous version or troubleshoot a problem, it’s important to stay calm, follow best practices, and take advantage of backups. And remember, if things get too complex, there’s no shame in calling in the pros to help get your site back on track!