How to Update WordPress: Core, Plugins, Themes, and PHP

Why updating WordPress matters

If you’re wondering how do i update wordpress, start here: updates keep your site safer and faster. WordPress core updates patch security issues and fix bugs that can cause slow pages or broken features.

Updates also improve compatibility with newer tools. For example, browsers and hosting platforms keep changing, so staying current reduces “works on my machine” problems. Many performance improvements also come from better caching and faster database queries.

Finally, theme and plugin authors often support new WordPress features only after releases. If your WordPress core is behind, you may see errors, missing blocks, or admin screens that do not load correctly.

• Security: core releases address known security vulnerabilities.
• Performance: fixes can reduce page load time and admin lag.
• Compatibility: themes and plugins work better with newer core.

How to update WordPress automatically from the admin dashboard

The easiest how to update wordpress path is using the WordPress admin dashboard. When updates are available, WordPress usually shows a notice in the top area of your dashboard.

To update, log in as an admin and look for the update banner. You may see buttons for “Update Now” for core, plugins, or themes. Click the relevant button and wait until WordPress finishes the process.

For many sites, this is enough. Your host can also enable background updates, depending on your setup. Even so, you should still verify the site afterwards.

1. Log in to your WordPress admin dashboard.
2. Open the updates screen from the notifications or the Dashboard menu.
3. Start the core update and confirm on the next screen.
4. Check the front end after the update completes.
5. Repeat for plugins and themes if they also have pending updates.

How to update WordPress manually (including more control)

Sometimes you may need how to update wordpress manually for more control. That can happen if automatic updates are disabled by your host, or if you need to handle a complex migration window.

Manual core updates can be done via FTP or with WP-CLI. FTP means uploading the new WordPress files to your server. WP-CLI is faster and more precise when you have SSH access.

Before you touch files, make a full backup. WordPress backup procedures usually include a database export plus a file copy. If you have a plugin doing backups, confirm that it completed successfully and that you can restore.

Manual update via FTP

Download the latest WordPress release from the official project page. Then connect to your server with an FTP client and replace the existing WordPress core files with the new ones.

Be careful to keep your content and configuration safe. In most cases, you should not replace your wp-config.php file. Also avoid overwriting the wp-content folder unless you know exactly what you are doing.

Manual update via WP-CLI commands

If you use WP-CLI, how to update WordPress becomes a short command sequence. WP-CLI runs the update through WordPress itself, which reduces mistakes.

Typical steps include checking your WordPress version, then running the core update command. After the update, you should run a quick check to confirm the site loads and that the admin area behaves correctly.

• Use FTP when you do not have SSH.
• Use WP-CLI when you want repeatable, scripted updates.
• Preserve wp-config.php to avoid breaking your database connection.

If you see “can’t update WordPress,” the fix is often permissions. Also check your file ownership and the writable state of the WordPress installation directory.

Updating WordPress plugins and themes without breaking your site

For how to update wordpress plugins and how to update wordpress theme, start in the same admin area. WordPress lists available updates and provides a single-button workflow.

However, updates are not all equal. A plugin update may change admin screens, settings, or database tables. A theme update can modify templates, CSS, or block styles.

That’s why you should check compatibility after updates. Review the release notes and verify that your core features still work. Also check your key pages in a staging window or during a low-traffic period.

Plugin updates: what to verify

After updating plugins, test the flows that matter to your site. If you run forms, test form submissions end to end. If you run caching, confirm that cache clears properly.

Also confirm that your SEO and analytics plugins still track events. Many “silent failures” look like working pages with missing tracking data.

Theme updates: what to verify

For theme updates, pay extra attention to layout and templates. If you use a popular theme like Avada, confirm that the theme settings still match your old configuration. Also verify that header, footer, and typography controls still apply.

If your site has custom footer changes, make sure they remain intact after the update. In some themes, footer elements can be managed in theme options or page builders, so test the actual output, not just the admin panel.

Area	What to check after updates
Forms	Submissions work and email delivery still triggers
Checkout or login	No redirects or broken sessions
Layouts	Homepage, key landing pages, and mobile views
Footer/header	Theme and builder footer blocks render correctly

Checking and updating your PHP version for WordPress compatibility

Many sites also need how to update wordpress php and how to update wordpress php version over time. WordPress core supports a range of PHP versions, and newer releases often require newer PHP for full performance and compatibility.

To find your current PHP version, check your hosting control panel or WordPress site health tools. WordPress Site Health can also flag when your PHP version is out of date.

If your host allows it, update PHP from the server settings page. Then test your site, including admin pages. After the update, confirm that plugins and themes still load without fatal errors.

How do i update WordPress PHP safely?

Do it in a staged window if possible. If you change PHP and the site breaks, you want a quick rollback.

Then update your staging environment first. Once everything looks good, apply the same PHP version to production.

• Check PHP version before updating WordPress core.
• Update PHP first when your site health warns you.
• Test both front end and admin area after changing PHP.

Preparing for a WordPress update and avoiding common “can’t update” issues

Proper prep makes how to update wordpress go smoothly. The biggest rule is simple: always back up your site before performing updates. Use a backup that includes both files and the database so you can restore quickly.

Next, check your maintenance window. Schedule updates for a time when you can watch the site for errors. If your site serves critical traffic, communicate briefly with your team before changes.

Finally, reduce risk by updating in the right order. A common approach is core update first, then plugins, then themes. That order helps you spot which component introduced an issue.

Common issues and troubleshooting steps

If you get the dreaded “can’t update WordPress” message, start with permissions. WordPress needs writable folders to place update files, and misconfigured ownership can block the process.

Another frequent issue is plugin incompatibility. After the core update, some older plugins cannot run on the new version. Disable the problematic plugin via file rename or the plugins folder, then check logs to confirm.

Finally, watch for PHP fatal errors. These usually appear after PHP version changes or when a plugin requires a higher PHP level. When that happens, roll back the PHP change or contact the plugin author for an updated version.

1. Back up your site (files and database).
2. Update WordPress core first.
3. Update plugins, then themes.
4. Test admin pages and key front-end pages.
5. Review site logs if you see white screens or errors.

When you plan the next update cycle, keep a short “update checklist” in your notes. It does not need to be complicated, just consistent enough to catch problems early.