How to update WordPress safely on WordPress
Quick Answer
Updating WordPress safely involves creating a full backup, checking plugin compatibility, and using the built-in update feature in the WordPress dashboard. Always test updates on a staging site first if possible.
Prerequisites
- Admin access to WordPress dashboard
- Basic understanding of WordPress interface
- Access to hosting control panel or FTP
- Website backup capability
Step-by-Step Instructions
1
Create a Complete Website Backup
Before updating, create a full backup of your website. Go to your hosting control panel or use a backup plugin like UpdraftPlus or BackWPup. Navigate to Plugins → Installed Plugins and activate your backup plugin, then click Backup Now to create a complete backup of files and database.
Store backups in multiple locations like cloud storage for extra security
2
Check Plugin and Theme Compatibility
Review your active plugins and themes for compatibility with the new WordPress version. Go to Plugins → Installed Plugins and check if any plugins show compatibility warnings. Visit Appearance → Themes to verify your active theme supports the latest WordPress version. Deactivate any plugins that aren't compatible.
Check plugin changelogs and support forums for compatibility information
3
Enable Maintenance Mode
Activate maintenance mode to prevent visitors from seeing errors during the update. Install a maintenance mode plugin like WP Maintenance Mode or add this code to your theme's
functions.php:function wp_maintenance_mode() {
if (!current_user_can('edit_themes') || !is_user_logged_in()) {
wp_die('Maintenance mode is on.');
}
} Maintenance mode protects your site's reputation during updates
4
Update WordPress Core
In your WordPress dashboard, go to Dashboard → Updates. You'll see available WordPress updates at the top. Click Update Now to begin the automatic update process. The system will download and install the latest WordPress version. Wait for the confirmation message saying WordPress updated successfully.
Don't close your browser or navigate away during the update process
5
Update Plugins and Themes
After core update completion, go to Plugins → Installed Plugins and select plugins with available updates. Choose Update for each plugin individually or use Bulk Actions → Update to update multiple plugins. Then navigate to Appearance → Themes and update any themes showing available updates.
Update plugins one at a time to identify any that cause issues
6
Test Website Functionality
Thoroughly test your website's key functions. Check the frontend by visiting your homepage and navigating through important pages. Test contact forms, e-commerce functionality, and user registration if applicable. In the admin area, verify that Posts, Pages, Media, and Settings are working correctly.
Test on multiple devices and browsers to ensure complete compatibility
7
Disable Maintenance Mode
Once testing is complete and everything works properly, disable maintenance mode. If using a plugin, go to the plugin settings and turn off maintenance mode. If you added code to
functions.php, remove or comment out the maintenance mode function. Verify your site is accessible to visitors. Clear any caching plugins after disabling maintenance mode
8
Monitor Site Performance
Monitor your website for the next 24-48 hours to ensure stability. Check Tools → Site Health for any new issues. Monitor website speed using tools like GTmetrix or Google PageSpeed Insights. Keep an eye on error logs in your hosting control panel's Error Logs section for any PHP errors or warnings.
Set up uptime monitoring to get alerts if your site goes down
Common Issues & Troubleshooting
White Screen of Death after update
Access your site via FTP and rename the active theme folder to force WordPress to use a default theme. Then reactivate plugins one by one to identify the problematic one.
Database connection error
Check your wp-config.php file for correct database credentials. Contact your hosting provider if database server is down, or restore from backup if database is corrupted.
Plugin conflicts causing errors
Deactivate all plugins by renaming the /wp-content/plugins/ folder to /wp-content/plugins-off/ via FTP. If site works, reactivate plugins individually to find the problematic one.
Update failed or stuck
Delete the .maintenance file from your WordPress root directory via FTP. Clear any caching, then retry the update process or perform a manual update by uploading WordPress files via FTP.
Prices mentioned in this guide are pulled from current plan data and may change. Always verify on the official WordPress website before purchasing.