How-To
← All guidesWebsites & Domains

How to Update a WordPress Plugin Safely

Reduce the risk of breaking a site during a plugin update.

Quick Answer

Back up the site, review compatibility, update, then test important pages and functions.

Step by Step

  1. Make a current site/database backup.
  2. Review the plugin update information and compatibility.
  3. If the site is business-critical, test on staging when available.
  4. Run the plugin update.
  5. Clear relevant caches.
  6. Test the homepage, forms, login, checkout, and other important features.
  7. Review errors/logs if anything changed unexpectedly.

If That Doesn't Work

  • Do not update a critical production site without a recovery path.
  • Plugin, theme, PHP, and WordPress-version compatibility can interact.