How to Update Your WordPress Plugins Manually?
Table of Contents
- Why is it Important to keep WordPress plugins updated?
- Preparing for Manually Updating WordPress Plugins
- Step-by-Step Guide to Manually Update WordPress Plugins
- Verifying the Update
- Conclusion
Over the last decade at WP Creative, I’ve worked with many clients who hire us to keep their websites updated.
A common issue we face is that most of them don’t have auto-update features in place, so they rely on us for ongoing WordPress maintenance—updating plugins, monitoring performance, and ensuring everything runs smoothly.
Recently, this problem has escalated.
One of the top WordPress hosting platforms, WP Engine, has stopped providing automatic plugin updates, leaving many website owners wondering how to keep their sites secure and up to date.
This article on how to update your WordPress plugins manually is for you.
If you’ve no longer access to automated updates and you’re not sure how to move forward, we’ve got a simple guide for you. By the end, you’ll know how to manually update your plugins and keep your WordPress site running smoothly.
Also, in most cases, we don’t recommend automatic updates. Yes, they can save some time, but if your website is mission-critical, the last thing you want is for your customers to find issues on the site.
So, we always recommend following a diligent process with manual testing to ensure the updates don’t create any issues on the site.
Before we move forward, it is important to discuss the importance of keeping WordPress plugins updated.
Why is it Important to keep WordPress plugins updated?
The reason for keeping your website plugins updated is simple: it boosts your overall performance. Regular updates help reduce the chances of security issues cropping up on your site, keeping it safer for you and your visitors.
Plus, updates often come with new features that you might not have had access to before, giving you the opportunity to enhance your website’s functionality and user experience.
Risks of outdated plugins (security vulnerabilities, compatibility issues)
Outdated plugins can lead to serious security issues. Hackers can easily exploit them to gain access to your website, steal information, or even alter your site’s content. Moreover, older plugins can introduce a variety of vulnerabilities, such as keylogging attacks, viruses, and malicious software.
You’ll also face compatibility issues, as many outdated plugins aren’t designed to work with the latest WordPress updates. This means you might miss out on essential features and improvements, making it even more critical to keep your plugins up to date.
Preparing for Manually Updating WordPress Plugins
Before we dive into manually updating your WordPress plugins, there are a few important checks you need to perform. These steps will help ensure that your website runs smoothly and that you won’t encounter any issues down the line.
By taking these precautions, you’ll have access to everything you need without any hiccups.
Backup your WordPress site (Full Backup: Database & Files)
The first step is to back up your entire website. You can use a plugin like BackupBuddy, or you can do it directly from your database or FTP server. Regardless of the method, it’s crucial to have that backup readily available. This way, if anything goes wrong during the update process, you can easily restore your site to its previous state.
Deactivate caching plugins (if any)
The reason for deactivating your cache plugins on a WordPress website is that they often won’t recognise when a new update is happening. This can lead to interference during the update process, potentially causing issues with your website or within the plugins themselves. To avoid these complications, it’s best to deactivate any unnecessary cache plugins when manually updating your WordPress plugins.
Step-by-Step Guide to Manually Update WordPress Plugins
Step 1: Download the Latest Plugin Version
To manually update a plugin for WordPress, start by visiting the WordPress Plugin Directory or the developer’s website. From there, download the latest version of the plugin in a .zip format.
Step 2: Access Your WordPress Site via FTP or File Manager
Next, you’ll need to access your website using an FTP server or a file manager. You can use an FTP client like FileZilla or the file manager available in your cPanel.
Navigate to your WordPress plugin folder, which is typically located in the wp-content/plugins directory.
Step 3: Deactivate the Plugin (Optional but Recommended)
It’s important to deactivate the plugin you want to update on your WordPress website. Uploading the new version while it’s still active can cause interference with the old plugin and may even delete your previous data. To avoid this, deactivate it first so it’s delinked from the WordPress version, allowing for a smoother update.
To deactivate the plugin, go to your WordPress dashboard, click on “Plugins,” search for the plugin you want to deactivate, and then click the deactivate button.
Step 4: Delete the Old Plugin Folder
Now, navigate to the old plugin folder in the wp-content/plugins directory, either through FileZilla or cPanel. Delete the folder of the outdated plugin that you just deactivated. Make sure you only delete the folder for the plugin that requires updating, so you don’t accidentally remove any other important files.
It is not always necessary to delete the plugin folder, but it is a common practice when ensuring a clean update.
Step 5: Upload the New Plugin Files
Now, upload the new plugin folder that you downloaded from the WordPress Plugin Directory directly to the wp-content/plugins directory. You can do this using FTP, cPanel’s file manager, or FileZilla. Once the upload is complete, double-check that you’ve updated the correct plugin directory.
Step 6: Activate the Plugin
The next step is to activate the plugin you just uploaded. Open your WordPress dashboard, hover over to the Plugins section, and find the newly uploaded plugin. Click on it, then hit the “Activate” button. The new plugin you uploaded via FTP or FileZilla will now appear in the plugin dashboard, and by clicking “Activate,” you’ll have it up and running on your site.
Read More: How Often Should You Update Your WordPress Plugins?
Verifying the Update
Once you’ve activated the plugin, it’s essential to ensure that it’s functioning properly. Open the plugin menu and check everything is working as expected. Look out for any errors; if you’ve done everything correctly, there should be no issues, and the plugin should operate smoothly.
Conclusion
This is a quite simple process for manually updating plugins if the automatic update function on your WordPress website isn’t working properly.
However, keep in mind that this process can be quite technical and complex and may require some expertise from technical developers.
More importantly, not everyone will feel comfortable updating plugins directly through the file manager or using cPanel or FTP with FileZilla since that requires a basic understanding of server-side management. If you’re unsure, we recommend hiring an agency or a freelance developer who has the skills to handle it for you.
In the end, regularly updating your plugins is essential. It boosts performance, keeps your site secure, and ensures that no vulnerabilities arise, allowing your plugins to function as expected.
By following the steps in this guide, you can take charge of your plugin management. Staying on top of your website maintenance is crucial, and if it ever feels overwhelming, don’t hesitate to reach out for professional help. We’re here to ensure your site remains in excellent shape!
Hire WP Creative For Your WordPress Maintenance
If you’re overwhelmed with WordPress management and need an expert in Australia to handle it for you, look no further than WP Creative. We’ve successfully partnered with some of the top Australian WordPress sites, ensuring they run smoothly and efficiently. Let us do the same for you!