How to Update WordPress Plugins Safely

Update your WordPress plugins frequently to keep your website safe, running well, and functional. This article provides steps on how to update WordPress plugins so you can benefit from security patches, the latest features, and bug fixes. With regular updates, you avoid potential vulnerabilities in your WordPress site.

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• Backup Your Website Before Updating
• Update WordPress Plugins from the WP Admin 
• Troubleshooting Plugin Update Issues
• Enable Automatic Plugin Updates (Optional)
• Summary

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Backup Your Website Before Updating

Before updating plugins, creating a backup is important to prevent data loss or site crashes.

Why? Backups help restore your site if an update causes issues.

• Use plugins to create a full site backup.
• Use Jetpack Backup and Restore or CodeGuard: How to Protect Your Website

Update WordPress Plugins from the WP Admin 

1. Log into your WordPress Admin Dashboard.
2. Navigate to Plugins.
   
3. Locate plugins with available updates (highlighted with an update notice).
4. Click Update Now next to each plugin that needs updating.
   
5. To update multiple plugins at once, select them, choose Bulk Actions, and then click Apply.
   

Troubleshooting Plugin Update Issues

If a plugin update fails or causes issues, try the following:

• Clear your cache and refresh the page.
• Roll back the update.
• Disable conflicting plugins and try updating again.
• Check your PHP version in your hosting settings to ensure compatibility.

If the issue persists, consider restoring your backup and contacting the plugin developer for support.

Enable Automatic Plugin Updates (Optional)

To automate plugin updates, follow these steps:

1. Go to Installed Plugins.
   
2. Choose the plugin or plugins you want to enable auto-updates by clicking the checkbox.
3. Click the Bulk actions dropdown, Enable Auto-updates, and click the Apply button.
   

Alternatively, we made it easier for you to enable automatic updates within your Account Manager.

Enable Automatic Updates in Account Manager

We made it easier for you to enable automatic updates within your Account Manager.

1. Log into your Bluehost Account Manager.
2. In the left navigation menu, choose Websites.
   
3. On the Websites page, find the website you are trying to modify and click Settings.
   
4. Under the Settings page, click on the Plugins tab. You will have a toggle button to enable or disable the Automatic Updates.
   

Summary

Updating your WordPress plugins is simple but important because it ensures your site is secure and functional. This article explains how to easily update WordPress plugins directly from your WordPress dashboard, protect the site from various security attacks, run at maximum speed, and exploit its new functionalities.