How to Update WordPress Plugins Manually (Step-by-Step Guide)
By Ajay Khandal | Published:
Introduction
Is your WordPress site showing a warning about outdated plugins? Or maybe you're unable to update plugins through the dashboard due to server restrictions or security concerns? Knowing how to update WordPress plugins manually is an essential skill every website owner should have.
In this comprehensive guide, I'll walk you through multiple methods to update your WordPress plugins manually, including when to use each method and how to do it safely without breaking your website.
Why Updating WordPress Plugins Manually Matters
Before we dive into the methods, let's understand why this skill is important:
- Security: Outdated plugins are the #1 cause of WordPress hack
- Compatibility: New WordPress versions often require plugin updates
- Access Restrictions: Some hosting environments disable automatic updates
- Staging Sites: You'll often need manual updates on staging environments
Method 1: Update WordPress Plugins Manually via FTP
This is the most common method when you can't access the WordPress dashboard.
Step 1: Download the Latest Plugin Version
- Go toWordPress.org plugin repository
- Search for your plugin
- Click "Download" to get the latest version (.zip file)
- Extract the folder on your computer
Step 2: Connect to Your Server via FTP
You'll need an FTP client like FileZilla, Cyberduck, or your hosting's File Manager.
FTP Connection Details:
- Host:
ftp.yourdomain.com(or your hosting provider's server)
- Username: Your FTP username
- Password: Your FTP password
- Port: Usually 21
Step 3: Navigate to the Plugins Folder
Step 4: Replace the Old Plugin
- Locate the folder for the plugin you want to update
- Renamethe old plugin folder (e.g., rename
akismettoakismet-old)
- Uploadthe new plugin folder to the same location
- Name it exactly as the original folder (e.g.,
akismet)
Step 5: Activate the Plugin
- Log in to your WordPress dashboard
- Go toPlugins→Installed Plugins
- Find your updated plugin and click "Activate"
Method 2: Update Plugins via cPanel File Manager
If your hosting provides cPanel, you can update plugins without FTP.
Step-by-Step Process:
- Log in to cPanel→ Go toFile Manager
- Navigate to
public_html/wp-content/plugins/
- Right-clickon the plugin folder → SelectCompress(backup the old version)
- Deletethe old plugin folder
- Uploadthe new plugin folder (extracted from .zip)
- Go to WordPress dashboard → Activate the plugin
Method 3: Update Plugins via WP-CLI (Advanced)
If you have SSH access, WP-CLI is the fastest way to manage plugins.
Common Commands:
# List all plugins
wp plugin list
# Update a specific plugin
wp plugin update akismet
# Update all plugins
wp plugin update --all
# Install a plugin
wp plugin install woocommerce --activate
Prerequisites:
- SSH access to your server
- WP-CLI installed on your hosting
Method 4: Update Plugins via SSH (Direct Method)
For those comfortable with command line:
# Navigate to plugins directory
cd /var/www/html/wp-content/plugins
# Download the plugin (example: Akismet)
wget https://downloads.wordpress.org/plugin/akismet.zip
# Unzip the plugin
unzip akismet.zip
# Remove the old folder and rename new one
rm -rf akismet
mv akismet-new akismet
# Clean up
rm akismet.zip
How to Safely Update WordPress Plugins: Best Practices
1. Always Backup First
Before any update, create a backup of:
- Database(use UpdraftPlus, All-in-One WP Migration)
- Files(via FTP or hosting backup feature)
2. Test on Staging First
If you have a staging environment:
- Update plugins on staging
- Test all functionality
- Push changes to live site
3. Check Compatibility
Before updating:
- Check WordPress version compatibility
- Review the plugin's changelog
- Check user reviews for potential issues
4. Maintain a Update Log
Keep track of:
- Date of update
- Plugin version before and after
- Any issues encountered
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Plugin Update Failed - What to Do?
|
Problem
|
Solution
|
|
"Destination folder already exists"
|
Delete the old plugin folder first
|
|
"Fatal error after update"
|
Rename the new folder, reactivate old version
|
|
"Briefly unavailable for scheduled maintenance"
|
Delete .maintenance file via FTP
|
|
Connection timeout
|
Increase PHP memory limit
|
How to Roll Back to Previous Version
- Download the previous version from WordPress.org (look for "Advanced View" → "Old version")
- Follow Method 1 to replace the current version
- Never install paid plugin versions from unofficial sources
When to Hire a Professional
If you're experiencing any of these issues, consider hiring a WordPress developer:
- ✅ Multiple plugin update failures
- ✅ Site crashes after updates
- ✅ Unable to access FTP/cPanel
- ✅ Need faster, safer updates
- ✅ Want managed WordPress maintenance
I offer professional WordPress maintenance services including plugin updates, security monitoring, and performance optimization.Contact me for a custom maintenance plan.
Conclusion
Updating WordPress plugins manually is straightforward once you know the methods. Whether you prefer FTP, cPanel, or WP-CLI, always remember to:
- Backup first– Never skip this step
- Update one at a time– Easier to identify conflicts
- Test after update– Verify everything works
- Keep plugins updated– Monthly updates recommended
Ready to Get Help?
If you'd rather let a professional handle your WordPress updates and maintenance, I can help. With 10+ years of experience, I offer:
- Monthly Maintenance Plans– Starting at $99/month
- One-time Updates– Get everything updated safely
- Emergency Fixes– When things go wrong
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