Plugin updates are released after a couple of days or after fixing a bug. But updating plugins every while is quite annoying. You might wish that if there was something that would update the plugins automatically.
Well, worry not in this post, I will show you how to enable automatic updates for WordPress plugins. Later on, your plugins will be updated automatically.
When do Plugins and Themes Auto-updates happen?
WordPress runs auto-update two times per day. If updates are available for plugins or themes that comes with auto-updates enables, then the next scheduled update will be shown the right side below ‘Enable/disable auto-updates’. After the update is completed, you will see update completion notification.
Enable Automatic Updates For WordPress Plugins
WordPress 5.5 allows you to enable automatic updates for individual themes and plugins. To enable automatic updates, navigate to Plugins -> Installed Plugins from your dashboard.
Here you will see all of your plugins listed. With each plugin, you will see a link to ‘Enable auto-updates. If you want to enable automatic updates for one plugin, only then click on the ‘Enable auto-updates’ button.
From now on, this plugin will be updated automatically. If you want to enable automatic updates for multiple plugins select the plugins. Then click on Bulk actions and choose Enable Auto-updates.
Don’t forget to hit the apply button. Similarly, if you want to disable updates, click the Disable Auto-updates button.
Bonus Tips:
- Only enable automatic updates for plugins that you trust.
- Make sure that your WordPress core and themes are also up to date.
- Test your website regularly to ensure everything is working properly after an update.
FAQ
Do I need to take regular automatic backups?
Before you enable auto-updates, make sure you turn on regular automatic backups. Incase anything goes wrong, or plugin works incorreclty you will be able to rollback to previous version of your website. There are a lot of plugins that lets you take backup of your website. If you don’t know how to do it then you may follow this guide ‘How to Backup a WordPress Site (With/Without a Plugin)’.
Auto-updates are not available, what to do now?
Make sure you are running WordPress version 5.5 or more. Auto-updates were introduced from WordPress version 5.5.
If you are running WordPress 5.5 or more and you still don’t have auto-update option, then it probably partially or completely deactivated by your hosting provider or by a plugin.
Auto-updates are not working properly, what to do?
Auto-updates may not work properly, depending on your server. Afterall, they rely on WordPress Cron tasks to actually perform the update. If you like to check if WordPress Cron tasks are running properly, go to Tools -> Site health and search for any error messages.
Final Words
I hope now you will be able to enable automatic updates by yourself. If you face any problem, mention me in the comment section. I will be happy to help you. If you liked this post, then share it with your friends.
Changelog
- Updated on 2024-12-01 (Uzzal Raz Bongshi)
- Added ‘When do Plugins and Themes Auto-updates happen?’.
- Added FAQ.
- Updated post details.
- Updated post images.
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