Updating your WordPress plugins is essential for maintaining your website's security, performance, and access to new features. Here, we've created a step-by-step guide to help you update your plugins safely.
Back Up Your Website
Before making any updates, you must back up your site. This ensures you can restore your website to its previous state if something goes wrong during the update process. Your site is backed up nightly on our servers, so it is best to perform updates earlier in the day. You can also reach out to us if you'd like us to perform a backup before you begin updating your plugins.
Check for Plugin Updates
To see if any plugins have updates available:
- Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
- Navigate to Dashboard > Updates or Plugins > Installed Plugins.
Here, you'll find a list of plugins with available updates.
Review Plugin Changelogs
Before updating, it's wise to review the changelog for each plugin to understand what's changed. Pay attention to notes on security fixes, new features, or potential compatibility issues. This information can usually be found by clicking on the 'View version details' link under the plugin's name.
Update Plugins Individually
Updating plugins one at a time allows you to identify any issues that may arise from a specific update. To do this:
- Go to Plugins > Installed Plugins section, locate the plugin you want to update.
- Click the 'Update Now' link under the plugin's name.
- Wait for the update to complete.
- Check the site in another browser tab for any visual or functionality issues before proceeding to the next plugin.
Test Your Website
Thoroughly test your website to ensure everything is functioning correctly. Check key features, forms, and the overall layout to confirm that the updates haven't caused any issues.
Consider Bulk Updates (With Caution)
If you have multiple plugins to update, WordPress allows for bulk updates:
- Go to Plugins > Installed Plugins.
- Click on the 'Update Available' link to filter plugins that need updating.
- Select the plugins you wish to update by checking their boxes.
- Choose 'Update' from the Bulk Actions dropdown menu and click 'Apply.'
However, be aware that updating multiple plugins at once can make it harder to identify which one caused an issue if something goes wrong. It’s usually safer to update plugins individually.
Manually Update Plugins (If Necessary)
If a plugin doesn't support automatic updates or you are experiencing issues:
- Download the Latest Version: Obtain the updated plugin file from the WordPress Plugin Directory or the developer's website.
- Deactivate and Delete the Old Plugin: In your dashboard, deactivate the outdated plugin and delete it.
- Upload the New Version: Go to Plugins > Add New > Upload Plugin, select the new plugin file, and install it.
- Activate the Plugin: Once installed, activate the plugin.
This method ensures a clean installation of the updated plugin.
Monitor Your Website
After all updates, keep an eye on your website's performance and functionality. If you notice any issues, you can restore your site from the backup created earlier.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your WordPress plugins are updated safely, keeping your website secure and running as smooth as possible.
Please note that additional charges may apply if Foremost Media needs to assist with disaster recovery or other support services during the plugin update process.