How to Update WordPress Themes and Plugins

WordPress themes and plugins add design, functionality, and features to your website. Over time, developers release new versions to fix bugs, improve compatibility, add features, and address security issues.

Keeping themes and plugins updated is therefore an important part of WordPress maintenance. However, updating everything without preparation can sometimes cause compatibility problems, especially when a website uses several plugins, a page builder, custom code, or an older theme.

The good news is that updating WordPress themes and plugins is relatively simple when you follow a proper process.

In this guide, you will learn how to update WordPress themes and plugins safely, how to check available updates, what to do before updating, how to handle failed updates, and how to reduce the risk of website problems.

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Why Should You Update WordPress Themes and Plugins?

Themes and plugins are actively developed software. New versions are released for different reasons.

Security Fixes

Updates may address security vulnerabilities discovered in older versions.

Running outdated plugins or themes can leave your website exposed to known security problems.

Bug Fixes

Developers regularly correct problems found in previous versions.

An update may resolve issues involving:

• WordPress Dashboard
• Website layouts
• Forms
• Database operations
• JavaScript
• PHP compatibility
• Mobile displays
• Plugin functionality

New Features

Updates can introduce new options and functionality.

For example, a page-builder plugin may add new blocks, widgets, design controls, or editing features.

Compatibility Improvements

Themes and plugins need to work with the WordPress core, PHP, browsers, and other plugins.

Updates can improve compatibility with newer versions of these components.

Performance Improvements

Some updates may improve code efficiency and reduce unnecessary processing.

Performance improvements vary between products, so an update should not automatically be assumed to make every website faster.

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What Is the Difference Between a WordPress Theme and Plugin?

Before updating them, it is useful to understand what each component does.

WordPress Theme

A theme primarily controls the appearance and presentation of your website.

It can control:

• Layout
• Colors
• Typography
• Header
• Footer
• Navigation
• Page templates
• Blog design

WordPress Plugin

A plugin adds or modifies functionality.

For example, plugins can provide:

• Contact forms
• Caching
• SEO features
• Security tools
• E-commerce
• Backups
• Analytics
• Membership functionality
• Image optimization

A simple way to remember the difference is:

Theme
  ↓
Controls how the website looks

Plugin
  ↓
Adds or modifies website functionality

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Where Can You See Available Updates?

WordPress provides several places where available theme and plugin updates can be viewed.

The main location is:

Dashboard → Updates

You can also manage plugins from:

Plugins → Installed Plugins

Themes can be managed from:

Appearance → Themes

The exact interface can vary slightly depending on your WordPress version and installed software.

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What to Do Before Updating a Theme or Plugin

Before updating important components, take a few precautions.

1. Create a Backup

Create a recent backup of your website before making significant changes.

A complete WordPress backup should generally include:

• WordPress files
• Themes
• Plugins
• Media uploads
• Configuration files
• Database

A useful recovery plan looks like this:

Create Backup
      ↓
Check Compatibility
      ↓
Update
      ↓
Test Website
      ↓
Restore if Required

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2. Verify the Backup

Do not simply assume that a backup is usable.

Know:

• Where the backup is stored
• When it was created
• What it contains
• How it can be restored

For important websites, keeping a backup independently of the live server can provide an additional recovery option.

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3. Check Plugin and Theme Compatibility

Before updating, review the information provided by the theme or plugin developer.

Look for:

• Latest version
• Changelog
• WordPress compatibility
• PHP compatibility
• Known issues
• Required dependencies

This is particularly important for major updates.

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4. Check Your WordPress Version

Make sure your WordPress installation is reasonably current and compatible with the theme or plugin version you plan to install.

You can check available WordPress updates under:

Dashboard → Updates

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5. Use a Staging Website When Possible

A staging website is a separate copy of your website where you can test changes before applying them to the live site.

A typical workflow is:

Live Website
      ↓
Create Staging Copy
      ↓
Update Plugin/Theme
      ↓
Test Website
      ↓
Apply Changes to Live Site

Staging is particularly useful for:

• Business websites
• E-commerce websites
• Membership websites
• High-traffic websites
• Websites with many plugins
• Custom WordPress installations

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How to Update WordPress Plugins

Updating plugins from the WordPress Dashboard is usually straightforward.

Step 1: Log In to WordPress

Go to:

https://yourdomain.com/wp-admin/

Enter your username and password.

You need sufficient permissions to update plugins.

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Step 2: Open the Plugins Page

Go to:

Plugins → Installed Plugins

WordPress will show the plugins installed on your website.

If a plugin has an available update, WordPress may display an update notification below the plugin information.

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Step 3: Review the Available Update

Before clicking the update button, review the plugin information when appropriate.

Check:

• New version number
• Compatibility information
• Changelog
• Developer notes
• Recent release information

For critical plugins, avoid updating without understanding what the new version changes.

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Step 4: Update the Plugin

Click:

Update now

WordPress will download and install the new plugin version.

Wait for the update to finish.

Avoid repeatedly refreshing the page while the update is running.

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Step 5: Confirm the Update

After the update completes, WordPress should display a success message.

Verify that the plugin now shows the expected version.

Then test the website.

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How to Update Multiple WordPress Plugins

WordPress can allow you to update several plugins from the Dashboard.

Go to:

Plugins → Installed Plugins

Select the plugins that have available updates.

Use the bulk action option to update the selected plugins.

However, updating many important plugins simultaneously can make troubleshooting more difficult if something goes wrong.

For a critical website, consider updating important plugins individually and testing the website after each significant update.

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How to Update Plugins From the WordPress Updates Page

You can also use:

Dashboard → Updates

Look for the Plugins section.

Select the plugins you want to update and start the update process.

This page can be useful when you want to review WordPress, plugin, and theme updates from one location.

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How to Update WordPress Themes

Theme updates can be performed from the WordPress Dashboard.

Step 1: Open Themes

Go to:

Appearance → Themes

You will see the themes installed on your website.

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Step 2: Find the Theme With an Update

If an update is available, WordPress will display an update notification.

Click the relevant update option.

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Step 3: Start the Theme Update

Click:

Update now

Wait until WordPress finishes installing the new version.

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Step 4: Check Your Website

After updating, open the website and inspect:

• Homepage
• Header
• Footer
• Navigation
• Blog pages
• Contact forms
• Mobile layout
• Important landing pages

Make sure your site’s appearance and functionality are working as expected.

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How to Update Themes From the WordPress Updates Page

You can also go to:

Dashboard → Updates

Find the Themes section.

Select the theme that needs updating and start the update.

This is particularly useful when you want to review multiple available updates from one dashboard.

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Important: Check for Custom Theme Changes

Before updating a theme, determine whether you or a developer have modified its files.

For example, you may have directly changed:

functions.php
style.css
header.php
footer.php
single.php

A theme update can replace files from the existing theme.

As a result, direct modifications to the parent theme may be lost.

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Use a Child Theme for Customizations

If you need to customize a parent theme, a child theme can help keep your customizations separate.

A simplified structure might look like:

Parent Theme
      ↓
Child Theme
      ↓
Custom CSS
Custom Templates
Custom Functions

When the parent theme is updated, properly implemented child-theme customizations can remain separate.

However, not every customization should automatically be moved into a child theme. Some custom functionality is better handled through a dedicated plugin or another appropriate method.

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What About Block Themes?

Modern WordPress installations may use block themes.

With block themes, many design changes can be made through the Site Editor rather than traditional theme files.

Go to:

Appearance → Editor

Depending on the theme, you may manage:

• Templates
• Template parts
• Navigation
• Styles
• Patterns
• Site-wide design

Before updating a block theme, check how your customizations are stored and whether the theme’s update may affect them.

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How to Update Premium Plugins and Themes

Not every plugin or theme is updated directly through the WordPress.org update system.

Premium products may use:

• Vendor update systems
• License keys
• Account connections
• ZIP package uploads
• Dedicated update plugins

If the product does not provide an automatic update, follow the developer’s official update instructions.

Avoid downloading premium themes or plugins from unofficial websites.

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How to Manually Update a WordPress Plugin

If automatic updating is unavailable, you may be able to update a plugin manually.

The general process is:

1. Download the latest plugin package from the official developer.
2. Create a backup.
3. Deactivate the existing plugin if the developer instructs you to do so.
4. Access Plugins → Add New Plugin.
5. Choose Upload Plugin.
6. Upload the ZIP package.
7. Follow the installation instructions.
8. Activate the plugin if required.
9. Test the website.

Some plugins provide their own upgrade mechanism.

Always follow the plugin developer’s instructions when they differ from the standard WordPress process.

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How to Manually Update a WordPress Theme

A theme can sometimes be installed from a ZIP file.

Go to:

Appearance → Themes → Add New Theme

Then choose:

Upload Theme

Select the theme ZIP file and follow the installation process.

Before replacing an existing theme, verify that your customizations and configuration are safely preserved.

For a production website, create a backup before replacing theme files.

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How to Update Plugins Using WP-CLI

Advanced WordPress administrators can use WP-CLI.

To check plugin updates:

wp plugin update --dry-run

To update one plugin:

wp plugin update plugin-slug

To update all plugins:

wp plugin update --all

You can also check installed plugins with:

wp plugin list

Before running bulk updates on a production website, create a backup and understand the possible effects of the updates.

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How to Update Themes Using WP-CLI

To list installed themes:

wp theme list

To update one theme:

wp theme update theme-slug

To update all themes:

wp theme update --all

Always make sure the theme you are updating is compatible with your WordPress installation.

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What Should You Do After Updating a Plugin?

Do not stop at the update confirmation screen.

Test the functionality associated with the plugin.

For example, after updating a contact-form plugin:

Open Contact Page
      ↓
Fill Out Form
      ↓
Submit Form
      ↓
Check Success Message
      ↓
Verify Email Delivery

For an SEO plugin, check important SEO settings and page output.

For a caching plugin, check website loading and cache behavior.

For an e-commerce plugin, test products, cart, checkout, and order functionality.

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What Should You Do After Updating a Theme?

After updating a theme, inspect the website visually.

Check:

• Homepage
• Navigation menu
• Header
• Footer
• Typography
• Buttons
• Images
• Blog layout
• Sidebar
• Forms
• Mobile responsiveness

If your website uses a page builder, also open several pages created with that builder.

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Clear Your Cache After Updates

Caching can make an updated website appear unchanged.

Depending on your setup, clear:

• WordPress caching plugin
• Server cache
• Object cache
• CDN cache
• Browser cache

Then reload the website.

If your hosting provider uses server-side caching, you may need to clear it through the hosting control panel or ask your hosting provider for assistance.

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How to Know if a Plugin Update Was Successful

Check:

1. The plugin shows the expected version.
2. WordPress does not show an update notification for that plugin.
3. The plugin is active if it should be active.
4. The website loads normally.
5. Plugin-specific features work correctly.
6. No unexpected PHP or JavaScript errors appear.

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Common Problems After Plugin Updates

Website Shows a Fatal Error

A plugin update can sometimes expose compatibility problems with:

• WordPress
• PHP
• Themes
• Other plugins

If the error identifies a particular plugin, temporarily disabling that plugin may help restore access.

If you cannot access the Dashboard, you may need to use your hosting file manager, SFTP, SSH, or WP-CLI.

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Plugin Update Failed

If WordPress reports that a plugin update failed:

1. Check your internet and server connectivity.
2. Check available server storage.
3. Verify file permissions.
4. Check whether the plugin requires a license.
5. Try the update again after confirming the cause.
6. Use the developer’s manual installation method if appropriate.

Do not repeatedly attempt updates without checking the underlying problem.

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Plugin Update Breaks a Website

If the website stops working immediately after an update:

• Identify which component was updated.
• Check the plugin’s changelog.
• Look for a newer compatible version.
• Temporarily disable the plugin if necessary.
• Check PHP and WordPress compatibility.
• Restore a backup if required.

If the website is business-critical, avoid making several unrelated changes at once because that can make troubleshooting more difficult.

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Theme Update Breaks the Website Design

If your website layout changes after a theme update, check whether:

• Custom theme files were modified
• A child theme is being used
• Custom CSS is still active
• Page-builder settings are intact
• The theme changed templates
• The theme developer changed design behavior

If important customizations were made directly to the parent theme, restoring the previous version may be necessary while you plan a safer customization strategy.

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What to Do If a Plugin Is No Longer Compatible

If a plugin is abandoned or incompatible with your current WordPress environment, consider:

1. Checking whether the developer has released a newer version.
2. Checking the plugin’s support information.
3. Finding an actively maintained alternative.
4. Removing the plugin if its functionality is no longer needed.
5. Consulting a WordPress developer for custom functionality when appropriate.

Avoid keeping an outdated plugin simply because your website currently works with it.

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Should You Update All Plugins at Once?

There is no requirement to update every plugin simultaneously.

For a small website with reliable backups, bulk updates may be practical.

For a complex website, a more controlled approach can be useful:

Backup
   ↓
Update Important Plugin
   ↓
Test
   ↓
Update Next Plugin
   ↓
Test
   ↓
Update Theme
   ↓
Test Entire Website

This makes it easier to identify which update caused a problem.

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Should You Update the Theme Before Plugins?

There is no universal order that is correct for every WordPress website.

The right approach depends on:

• Theme dependencies
• Plugin dependencies
• WordPress version
• PHP version
• Developer recommendations
• Website complexity

For important updates, check the release notes and compatibility information rather than following a fixed order blindly.

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Automatic Plugin and Theme Updates

WordPress can automatically update certain plugins and themes.

On supported installations, you may see an automatic-update option for individual plugins or themes.

Automatic updates can reduce the amount of manual maintenance required.

However, you should still:

• Maintain backups
• Monitor your website
• Check for compatibility issues
• Review important changes
• Test critical functionality

Automatic updates are not a replacement for website monitoring and recovery planning.

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Best Practices for Updating WordPress Themes and Plugins

1. Keep Everything Maintained

Do not allow themes and plugins to remain outdated indefinitely without a specific reason.

2. Back Up Before Important Updates

A current backup provides a recovery option if an update causes unexpected problems.

3. Check Changelogs

Review significant changes before installing major plugin or theme versions.

4. Use Staging for Critical Websites

Test updates away from your production website whenever possible.

5. Keep WordPress Core Updated

Themes and plugins should be maintained alongside WordPress core.

6. Keep PHP Supported

Use a PHP version compatible with your WordPress installation and its components.

7. Remove Unused Plugins and Themes

If a plugin or theme is no longer needed, removing it reduces maintenance overhead.

8. Avoid Unofficial Downloads

Download themes and plugins from WordPress.org or the original developer/vendor.

9. Monitor Your Website After Updates

Check important pages and functionality after updating.

10. Keep a Recovery Plan

Know how to restore your website if an update causes a serious problem.

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WordPress Theme and Plugin Update Checklist

Use this checklist before updating:

• Check available updates
• Identify important plugins and themes
• Review release notes
• Check compatibility
• Create a complete backup
• Verify the backup
• Check PHP compatibility
• Use a staging website for major changes
• Update the plugin or theme
• Confirm the update completed successfully
• Clear relevant caches
• Test the homepage
• Test important pages
• Test forms
• Test login
• Test e-commerce functions if applicable
• Check the mobile layout
• Monitor the website after the update

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Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I update WordPress plugins?

Check for available updates regularly and install appropriate updates promptly, especially security-related releases. The exact schedule depends on your website and the importance of the software.

Is it safe to update WordPress plugins?

Updating maintained plugins is a normal part of WordPress maintenance. However, compatibility problems can occasionally occur, so backups and testing are recommended.

Should I update plugins before updating WordPress?

There is no universal order that applies to every website. Check compatibility information and follow the recommendations of the WordPress, theme, and plugin developers.

Can a plugin update break my website?

Yes. Compatibility problems, bugs, server configuration issues, or conflicts with another plugin or theme can sometimes cause problems.

Can I update a WordPress theme without losing my website content?

A normal theme update does not intentionally delete WordPress posts, pages, or media. However, direct customizations made to theme files may be overwritten. Always maintain a backup and understand how your customizations are implemented.

What happens if I update a parent theme?

An update can replace files in the parent theme. Customizations made directly to those files may be lost. A child theme or another appropriate customization method can help keep changes separate.

Should I deactivate a plugin before updating it?

Usually, WordPress can update plugins without manually deactivating them. Some developers may provide specific instructions for particular plugins. Follow the plugin’s documentation when special steps are required.

Can I update WordPress themes and plugins from cPanel?

Depending on your hosting setup, cPanel can provide tools for managing WordPress installations, but the standard WordPress Dashboard is usually the simplest method. You can also use file-management tools for manual updates when necessary.

What should I do if an update fails?

Check the error message, verify server resources and permissions, and determine which component caused the problem. If necessary, use a backup or manually install a compatible version.

Are automatic updates safe?

Automatic updates can simplify maintenance, but they do not eliminate the possibility of compatibility issues. Maintain backups and monitor your website after updates.

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Conclusion

Updating WordPress themes and plugins is an essential part of maintaining a healthy website. New versions can provide security fixes, bug fixes, compatibility improvements, and new functionality.

The safest approach is not simply to update everything as quickly as possible. Instead, follow a controlled process:

Backup → Check Compatibility → Update → Test → Monitor

For a simple website, you can generally manage updates directly from the WordPress Dashboard. For larger or business-critical websites, consider using a staging environment and updating important components individually.

Also remember to protect custom theme modifications, keep WordPress and PHP compatible, remove unused software, and maintain reliable backups.

With a consistent update routine, you can keep your WordPress website current while reducing the risk of unexpected compatibility problems.