5 Easy Methods to Update WordPress

Keeping your WordPress site up-to-date is essential for security, performance, and ensuring access to the latest features. Luckily, WordPress makes it easy to stay current with updates. Here are five straightforward methods you can use to update your WordPress site.

Backup Your Site Before Updating

Before you make any updates to your WordPress site, it’s crucial to perform a backup. This step ensures that you have a copy of your site in case anything goes wrong during the update process. A backup will allow you to restore your site to its previous state if you encounter any issues.

How to Backup Your WordPress Site:

1. Using a Backup Plugin
   Install a plugin like UpdraftPlus or BackupBuddy, configure it, and create a backup of your site files and database.
2. Through Your Hosting Provider
   Many hosting providers offer backup tools within the hosting dashboard. Check with your host for specific instructions.
3. Manual Backup via cPanel or FTP
   If you’re comfortable with FTP or cPanel, you can manually download your site files and export your database.

Taking this precaution will give you peace of mind and help you avoid potential headaches if any issues arise during the update process.

Automatic Updates

WordPress offers automatic updates for minor releases by default. This means security updates and bug fixes are applied automatically without you lifting a finger. However, you can enable automatic updates for major releases, plugins, and themes too. This method is particularly useful for those who prefer a hands-off approach.

How to Enable Automatic Updates:

Add this line to your wp-config.php file for core updates:
define( ‘WP_AUTO_UPDATE_CORE’, true );

For plugin and theme updates, you can install the Easy Updates Manager plugin to control what gets updated automatically.

Pros:

• Saves time and effort.
• Ensures timely updates, especially for security patches.

Cons:

• May cause compatibility issues with themes or plugins if not monitored.

One-Click Update in WordPress Dashboard

WordPress includes a built-in one-click update feature that’s user-friendly and efficient. This method allows you to manually trigger updates whenever it’s convenient for you.

Steps:

1. Go to your WordPress dashboard.
2. Click on Dashboard > Updates.
3. If an update is available, you’ll see a message indicating the latest version. Click Update Now to start the process.

Pros:

• Allows you to control the timing of updates.
• You can update WordPress core, plugins, and themes all from one place.

Cons:

• Manual process, so it requires you to check for updates regularly.

Using FTP for Manual Updates

For those who prefer a more hands-on approach or if you encounter issues with the standard update process, updating via FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is a reliable method.

Steps:

1. Download the latest version of WordPress from wordpress.org.
2. Use an FTP client like FileZilla to connect to your site’s server.
3. Replace the wp-admin and wp-includes folders with the new ones from the downloaded WordPress folder.
4. Upload and replace files in the root directory, excluding wp-content to preserve themes and plugins.

Pros:

• Full control over the update process.
• Useful for troubleshooting issues with automated updates.

Cons:

• Requires some technical knowledge.
• Takes more time than other methods.

Updating via cPanel

If your hosting provider uses cPanel, you can update WordPress directly through this interface. Many cPanel setups include tools like Softaculous, which make it easy to manage WordPress installations.

Steps:

1. Log in to your cPanel account.
2. Open Softaculous or WordPress Manager.
3. Find your WordPress installation and select the update option.

Pros:

• Convenient if you manage your site from cPanel.
• Typically includes backup and rollback options.

Cons:

• Limited to hosts with cPanel and Softaculous access.

Using a WordPress Maintenance Plugin

Plugins like ManageWP or Jetpack can help you manage multiple sites and automate the update process. These plugins provide a dashboard for updates and often include backup, security, and performance monitoring features.

Steps:

1. Install a plugin like ManageWP or Jetpack.
2. Configure the settings to automate updates and receive notifications.