One of the best things about WordPress is how easy it is to extend. Plugins add powerful features. Themes control the look and feel. But there’s a catch: both plugins and themes need updates to stay secure and compatible with WordPress core.
Updating sounds simple. Click “Update,” and you’re done, right? Not always. Updates sometimes cause unexpected problems. Your website might break, lose functionality, or show error messages. That’s why safe updating is one of the most important parts of managing a WordPress website.
In this article, we’ll explore why updates matter, what can go wrong, and how you can safely update plugins and themes without risking your site.
Why Keeping Plugins and Themes Updated Matters
Updates are more than new features. They’re critical for:
- Security: Vulnerabilities in outdated plugins and themes are a common way hackers get into WordPress sites.
- Compatibility: WordPress core updates can break older plugins or themes if they’re not maintained.
- Performance: Updates often include speed improvements and bug fixes.
- New Features: Developers regularly add helpful new options.
“A single outdated plugin can open the door for hackers or take down your entire website. Updates aren’t optional. They’re essential.” — Michael Rivera, WordPress Security Specialist
Ignoring updates leaves your website vulnerable and unreliable.
What Can Go Wrong During Updates?
Most updates go smoothly, but sometimes things go sideways. Here’s what can happen:
- The update breaks your site’s layout or styling.
- Plugins conflict with each other after updating.
- A plugin becomes incompatible with your theme.
- Your website shows a “white screen of death.”
- Custom code you added gets overwritten.
Even if you’ve updated hundreds of times without trouble, there’s always a risk. That’s why having a safe process is so important.
How to Prepare for Updates
Safe updating starts with preparation. Here’s how to get ready.
Back Up Your Website
This is rule number one. Always create a full backup before updating anything.
A good backup should include:
- WordPress database
- All files in your wp-content folder
- Media uploads
- Theme and plugin files
Popular backup plugins:
- UpdraftPlus
- BackupBuddy
- BlogVault
Store your backups off your web server in case your hosting account has problems.
Check Changelogs
Before hitting update, check the plugin or theme changelog. Look for:
- Major changes in functionality
- Notices about compatibility with your version of WordPress
- Known issues with other plugins
If the update looks significant, proceed with caution.
Test Updates on a Staging Site
A staging site is a private copy of your website where you can test changes safely.
Benefits of using a staging site:
- You see what will happen without risking your live site.
- You can check layout and functionality after updating.
- You can fix problems in private.
Many hosts offer one-click staging environments. Plugins like WP Staging can also help.
Update One Thing at a Time
If you have ten plugins that need updates, don’t update them all at once. Update:
- One plugin
- Then check your website
Repeat until everything is updated. This makes it easier to identify which update caused an issue if something breaks.
Check for Plugin or Theme Conflicts
Keep an eye out for:
- Layout changes
- Broken sliders or forms
- Missing images
- Error messages
If you see new issues, deactivate the last plugin you updated to see if the problem goes away.
How to Update Plugins Safely
Let’s look at a step-by-step process for safe plugin updates.
Step 1: Back Up Your Site
Never skip this step.
Step 2: Read the Changelog
See what’s changing. A minor bug fix update might be safe to run immediately. Major updates deserve testing first.
Step 3: Test on Staging
If the plugin affects critical functions (like e-commerce or membership systems), test the update on a staging site.
Step 4: Update on Live Site
In your WordPress dashboard:
- Go to Plugins > Installed Plugins.
- Click “Update Now” next to the plugin.
Step 5: Check Your Website
Look at key areas:
- Homepage
- Contact forms
- Checkout pages
- Sliders or image galleries
Test both desktop and mobile views.
Step 6: Clear Cache
If you use a caching plugin, clear your cache after updating. Otherwise, you might be seeing an old version of your website.
How to Update Themes Safely
Themes often control:
- Layout
- Colors
- Fonts
- Site-specific functionality
Updating them can be riskier because your website’s look might change.
Use a Child Theme
If you’ve customized your theme files directly, updates can overwrite your changes. Avoid this by using a child theme.
A child theme lets you:
- Keep custom CSS and template edits separate from the parent theme.
- Update the parent theme safely without losing customizations.
If you’re not sure if you’re using a child theme, check your Appearance > Themes page.
Backup First
Always back up your site before updating a theme. A broken theme update can bring down your entire site.
Review the Changelog
Check the theme changelog for:
- Major styling changes
- New features that might affect layouts
- Deprecated functions
Test in Staging
Especially for premium themes, test updates on a staging site. Look for:
- Layout shifts
- Broken menus
- Missing images or widgets
Update on Live Site
In your WordPress dashboard:
- Go to Appearance > Themes.
- Click “Update Now” under your theme.
Then review your site thoroughly.
What to Do if an Update Breaks Your Site
Even careful updates sometimes cause trouble. Don’t panic. Here’s how to recover.
Restore Your Backup
This is why backups exist. Restore your website to the version before the update.
Roll Back the Plugin or Theme
Some plugins let you roll back to a previous version. For example, WP Rollback helps you downgrade plugins or themes safely.
Contact Support
If a premium plugin or theme broke your site, contact the developer’s support team. Good developers usually help resolve compatibility issues.
Debug in Safe Mode
Some security or troubleshooting plugins like Health Check allow you to enable safe mode, which:
- Deactivates all plugins temporarily for your user session only
- Lets you test plugins one by one without affecting live visitors
This helps identify conflicts without disrupting your visitors.
Consider Managed WordPress Hosting
Managed WordPress hosts like WP Engine, Kinsta, and SiteGround offer:
- Automatic backups
- Staging environments
- WordPress experts ready to help if updates go wrong
Managed hosting costs more but can save you headaches, especially if your website is crucial for your business.
Tips for Updating Large Websites
If you manage a complex website, such as an e-commerce store or membership site:
- Schedule updates during low-traffic times.
- Notify your team or clients about planned maintenance.
- Test checkout and login processes carefully.
- Consider hiring a WordPress professional for major updates.
Automatic Updates: Yes or No?
WordPress allows automatic updates for:
- Minor core updates
- Plugins
- Themes
Pros of automatic updates:
- Keeps your site secure.
- Saves time.
Cons of automatic updates:
- Updates could break your site without you knowing.
- Conflicts might not show up immediately.
For low-risk plugins, automatic updates are usually safe. For critical plugins or themes, it’s better to update manually.
Best Practices Recap
To stay safe:
- Always back up your website.
- Check changelogs for big changes.
- Test updates on a staging site.
- Update one plugin or theme at a time.
- Check your site after updating.
- Roll back if needed.
“Updates keep your WordPress website secure and running smoothly, but only if you treat them with respect. Don’t skip backups. Don’t update blindly. A little caution goes a long way.” — Jasmine Lee, WordPress Consultant
Conclusion
Updating plugins and themes in WordPress is critical for security, performance, and new features. But updates are not risk-free. A smart update process protects your website from surprises.
Think of updates as regular maintenance for your digital property. By following the steps in this guide, you’ll keep your WordPress website secure, fast, and working as it should.
Further Reading:
#Website Maintenance