Managing WordPress Plugin Updates

This article explains how to update WordPress plugins on your Web60 website safely.

Before You Start

Plugin updates can sometimes break your website if they conflict with your theme or other plugins. Always create a manual backup before updating any plugins.

Web60 creates automatic backups daily, but a fresh backup before updates gives you an immediate restore point if something goes wrong.

How to Check for Plugin Updates

1. Log into your WordPress admin dashboard
2. Look for a red notification number next to "Plugins" in the left menu
3. Click "Plugins" then "Installed Plugins"
4. You'll see plugins that need updates highlighted in yellow with "Update available" messages
5. The notification will show which version you have and which version is available

Updating Individual Plugins

1. In your Plugins list, find the plugin you want to update
2. Click "Update now" under the plugin name
3. WordPress will download and install the new version automatically
4. You'll see a "Plugin updated successfully" message when finished
5. Test the updated plugin's features to make sure everything works

Updating Multiple Plugins at Once

1. From your Plugins page, tick the checkbox next to each plugin you want to update
2. Or click the checkbox at the very top to select all plugins
3. From the "Bulk actions" dropdown menu, choose "Update"
4. Click "Apply"
5. WordPress will update all selected plugins in sequence
6. Check your website afterwards to ensure everything still works properly

What to Do If an Update Breaks Something

If your website stops working correctly after a plugin update:

1. Don't panic - your backup can fix this
2. Go to your Web60 control panel
3. Restore your website from the backup you created before updating
4. This will roll back the plugin to its previous version
5. Contact the plugin developer to report the issue before trying the update again

Setting Up Automatic Updates

WordPress can update some plugins automatically:

1. Go to "Plugins" then "Installed Plugins"
2. Find the plugin you want to auto-update
3. Click "Enable auto-updates" if you see this option
4. Only enable this for plugins from trusted developers that you use regularly

Automatic updates happen in the background, but Web60's daily backups will protect you if something goes wrong.

When NOT to Update Plugins

Avoid updating plugins:

• Before important business events or busy periods
• If the plugin hasn't been tested with your current WordPress version
• If you're using a heavily customized theme that might conflict
• If other users report problems with the new version in plugin reviews

Read the plugin's changelog before updating to understand what's changing.

If you're still stuck with plugin updates, contact Web60 support and we'll help you resolve any issues.

FAQ

Q: How often should I update my plugins?

A: Check for plugin updates monthly and install security updates immediately. Most updates include bug fixes and security improvements that protect your website.

Q: Will updating plugins break my website design?

A: Usually no, but some updates change how plugins work or look. Always backup first so you can restore quickly if needed.

Q: Can I skip plugin updates?

A: You can, but outdated plugins create security risks and may stop working with newer WordPress versions. It's safer to update regularly.

Q: What happens if I don't have a backup before updating?

A: Web60 creates daily automatic backups, but they might not be from immediately before your update. Manual backups give you the exact restore point you need.

Q: Why do some plugins update automatically and others don't?

A: WordPress only auto-updates plugins that specifically support this feature and that you've enabled it for. Most plugins require manual updates.

Q: Should I update all plugins at the same time?

A: It's often safer to update plugins one at a time, especially major updates. This way you can identify which plugin caused a problem if something breaks.

Q: How do I know if a plugin update is safe?

A: Read recent reviews, check the plugin's support forum for reported issues, and look at the changelog to see what's changing before you update.