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Knowledge Base

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.



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.

Update WordPress Plugins from the WP Admin 

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

Note: Always check plugin compatibility with your current WordPress version before updating.

Troubleshooting Plugin Update Issues

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

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.
    Installed Plugins button
  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.
    Bulk Action dropdown menu

Important: Some updates may cause conflicts, so manual updates with backups are often safer.

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.
    Account Manager Websites
  3. On the Websites page, find the website you are trying to modify and click Settings.
    Websites Settings
  4. Under the Settings page, click on the Plugins tab. You will have a toggle button to enable or disable the Automatic Updates.
    Website Settings Plugins Tab

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.

If you need further assistance, feel free to contact us via Chat or Phone:

  • Chat Support - While on our website, you should see a CHAT bubble in the bottom right-hand corner of the page. Click anywhere on the bubble to begin a chat session.
  • Phone Support -
    • US: 888-401-4678
    • International: +1 801-765-9400

You may also refer to our Knowledge Base articles to help answer common questions and guide you through various setup, configuration, and troubleshooting steps.

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