Keeping plugins and themes updated is essential for security, performance, and compatibility. But updates can sometimes break your site—so caution is key.
⚠️ A Serious Warning Before You Begin
🔴 Always back up your website before updating anything.
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Some plugin/theme updates may break your site.
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Compatibility issues may arise (especially with page builders like Elementor).
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If unsure, get help from a web designer or developer.
🧠 Why Updating Matters
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Fixes security vulnerabilities
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Adds new features
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Ensures compatibility with the latest WordPress version
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Improves site performance
💡 Most updates are safe — but some can crash your site if other plugins/themes aren’t compatible.
🛠️ Step-by-Step: How to Safely Update Plugins
✅ Step 1: Backup Your Website
Before touching anything, refer to Lesson 7.1: How to Back Up Your Website.
✅ Step 2: Check Plugin Update Warnings
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Go to Dashboard > Plugins
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Look for the “Update available” notice
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Some plugins (like Elementor) may show:
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⚠ Warnings about compatibility
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⚠ Notices that other plugins depend on them
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⚠ Do not ignore these warnings.
✅ Step 3: Update Plugins
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Select all plugins with updates (except those with manual warnings like Elementor)
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Click Update
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For plugins like Elementor, update manually after reading the warning
⏱ During the update, your website may temporarily show “Under Maintenance” for a few seconds.
🎨 Step-by-Step: How to Update Themes
✅ Step 1: Go to Appearance > Themes
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If there’s an update available, you’ll see an alert on the theme
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Click Update
🔁 Just like with plugins, always back up first.
🧾 Bonus: Dashboard Overview for Updates
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Visit Dashboard > Updates
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This section shows:
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WordPress core updates
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Plugin updates
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Theme updates
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🧩 What If Something Breaks?
If your site crashes after an update:
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You’ll need to restore from your backup
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Sometimes, the WordPress dashboard will still be accessible
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If not, you may need access to your hosting cPanel or server back end
👨💻 Your designer or developer may need to help restore the site from a deeper level if WordPress access is lost.
✅ Recap: Safe Update Workflow
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Back up your website
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Check for compatibility warnings
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Update plugins and themes carefully
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Test your site afterward
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Restore from backup if needed
📞 Final Advice
⚠ If you’re not confident, don’t risk it. Updates are helpful—but only if you’re ready to deal with what could go wrong.
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Always keep your web designer’s contact nearby
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Don’t update critical plugins blindly (like Elementor, WooCommerce, etc.)
✅ You’re Done!
Your website is now up to date — and you’ve done it safely.
🎉 Great job keeping your website healthy and secure!