How to update the plugin

Keeping your WordPress plugins updated is important for maintaining security, compatibility, performance, bug fixes, and access to new features. Plugin updates may include improvements, security fixes, new functionality, and compatibility with newer versions of WordPress.

Before updating any plugin, we recommend creating a backup of your website, especially if the plugin is important for your site’s core functionality.

Before Updating a Plugin

Before starting the update, check the following:

Create a complete backup of your website.
Check your current WordPress version.
Check the plugin’s current version.
Review the plugin’s latest version and changelog.
Make sure your website meets the plugin’s minimum requirements.
Check whether the new version is compatible with your WordPress version.
If possible, test the update on a staging website first.
Make sure you have administrator access to your WordPress dashboard.

Method 1: Update a Plugin Automatically

The easiest way to update a WordPress plugin is through the WordPress dashboard.

Step 1: Log in to Your WordPress Dashboard

Go to:

WordPress Dashboard → Plugins → Installed Plugins

Here you will see a list of all plugins installed on your website.

Step 2: Find the Plugin Update

Find the plugin you want to update.

If a new version is available, WordPress will usually display an update notification below the plugin.

You may see a message such as:

There is a new version of [Plugin Name] available.

You can also check the current plugin version and available update information.

Step 3: Update the Plugin

Click the Update Now option.

WordPress will automatically:

Download the latest plugin package.
Replace the existing plugin files.
Install the new version.
Complete the update process.

Wait until WordPress confirms that the plugin has been successfully updated.

Do not close or refresh the browser while the update is in progress.

Step 4: Verify the Update

After the update has finished, check the plugin version shown on the Installed Plugins page.

Make sure the new version is displayed.

You should also visit the main functionality of the plugin and make sure everything is working correctly.

Method 2: Update a Plugin Manually Using a ZIP File

If you have downloaded a new plugin version from our website, you can update the plugin manually using its .zip file.

This method is commonly used for premium plugins.

Step 1: Download the Latest Version

Download the latest version of the plugin from your account or plugin download page.

The file will generally look like:

plugin-name.zip

Make sure you are downloading the latest version.

Step 2: Create a Backup

Before replacing the existing plugin, create a backup of your website.

A backup gives you the ability to restore your website if something goes wrong during the update.

Step 3: Open the Plugin Upload Page

From your WordPress dashboard, go to:

Plugins → Add New Plugin → Upload Plugin

Click Choose File and select the new plugin .zip file.

Step 4: Upload the New Version

After selecting the ZIP file, click Install Now.

WordPress will detect that a version of the plugin already exists.

Depending on your WordPress version and the plugin package, WordPress may provide an option to replace the existing plugin with the uploaded version.

Follow the instructions displayed by WordPress to complete the update.

Step 5: Confirm the Update

Once the update is complete:

Go to Plugins → Installed Plugins

Find the plugin and check its version number.

Then test the plugin’s main features to make sure everything is working correctly.

Method 3: Update a Premium Plugin

Premium plugins may have their own update system.

After purchasing a premium plugin, you may receive updates through:

WordPress automatic updates
Plugin license activation
Your customer account
Manual ZIP downloads

If automatic updates are supported, make sure the plugin’s license is active.

A typical process is:

Plugins → Installed Plugins → Plugin Settings → License

Enter or activate your valid license key if required.

Once the license is successfully activated, available updates may appear directly inside your WordPress dashboard.

Updating a Plugin With a License

Some premium plugins require an active license to receive automatic updates.

If your plugin shows a license activation option:

Open the plugin settings.
Go to the License section.
Enter your license key.
Click Activate License.
Confirm that the license status is active.
Check for available updates.

If your license has expired, you may need to renew it before receiving future premium updates.

What Happens to My Settings After an Update?

Normally, updating a plugin should preserve the plugin’s existing settings and stored data.

However, this can depend on how the plugin handles its database and configuration.

For this reason, always create a backup before performing a major update.

After updating, check important plugin settings to confirm that they are still configured correctly.

What If the Update Fails?

Sometimes a plugin update may fail because of server configuration, insufficient resources, connection problems, file permissions, or an incompatible environment.

Common causes include:

Low PHP memory
Incorrect file permissions
Insufficient hosting resources
PHP version incompatibility
WordPress version incompatibility
Plugin conflicts
Theme conflicts
Incomplete download
Server timeout
Incorrect plugin ZIP file

If an update fails, do not repeatedly attempt the update without checking the error message.

First, identify the cause of the failure and then try the appropriate solution.

Plugin Update Failed and the Website Is Not Working

If your website experiences problems immediately after a plugin update, first determine whether the updated plugin is responsible.

If you still have access to the WordPress dashboard:

Plugins → Installed Plugins

Temporarily deactivate the updated plugin and check whether the problem is resolved.

If the website becomes inaccessible, you may need to use your hosting control panel or another available recovery method to deactivate the problematic plugin.

If you created a backup before the update, you can restore the previous working version if necessary.

Plugin Update and Compatibility

Before updating, always check compatibility between the new plugin version and your current environment.

Important compatibility information includes:

WordPress Version

Make sure your WordPress version is supported by the new plugin version.

PHP Version

Check that your hosting server uses a supported PHP version.

Theme Compatibility

If the plugin interacts heavily with your theme, test the update to make sure the design and functionality remain intact.

Other Plugins

Another plugin may conflict with the new version.

For websites with many plugins, testing the update on a staging environment is recommended.

How to Update Multiple Plugins

WordPress also allows you to update multiple plugins from the dashboard.

Go to:

Dashboard → Plugins → Installed Plugins

Select the plugins that have available updates and choose the appropriate Update action.

For important websites, we recommend updating plugins individually rather than updating many critical plugins simultaneously. This makes it easier to identify which plugin caused a problem if something goes wrong.

Automatic Plugin Updates

Some WordPress plugins support automatic updates.

If automatic updates are available, you may see an option such as:

Enable automatic updates

When enabled, WordPress can install compatible plugin updates automatically when new versions become available.

Automatic updates can save time, but you should still maintain regular backups and monitor your website after major updates.

After Updating the Plugin

Once the update is complete, don’t immediately assume everything is working correctly.

Check the important areas of your website.

Check the Plugin

Open the plugin settings and verify that the plugin is active.

Check Your Website

Visit the pages where the plugin is being used.

Test Important Features

Test the primary functionality provided by the plugin.

For example:

Forms
Buttons
Shortcodes
Widgets
Integrations
Checkout functionality
Emails
Admin features

Check for Errors

Look for unexpected warnings, broken layouts, missing features, or JavaScript errors.

Best Practices for Plugin Updates

Following these practices can make plugin updates safer and easier.

1. Keep WordPress Updated

Use a supported WordPress version to reduce compatibility problems.

2. Keep PHP Updated

Use a supported PHP version recommended by WordPress and your plugins.

3. Take Regular Backups

Maintain recent backups before making major changes.

4. Read the Changelog

Check what has changed in the new plugin version before updating.

5. Test Major Updates

Use a staging website for major plugin updates whenever possible.

6. Keep Unused Plugins Removed

Deactivate and remove plugins that you no longer use.

7. Don’t Ignore Security Updates

If an update includes important security fixes, update the plugin as soon as reasonably possible after confirming compatibility.

Need Help?

If you have any issues installing the plugin, contact our support team.

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