Updating Website Plugins

\ Why update your WordPress plugins

Keeping your website up to date is crucial to keep your website secure, perform well, and to remain compatible. As software, WordPress plugins receive updates from their developers for a wide range of purposes that include:

Exciting new features: Updates introduce cool new functionalities to improve your website.
Improved performance: Updates optimize the plugin's speed and efficiency, making everything run smoothly.
Bug fixes and boosted security: Updates squash any pesky bugs and fortify your website's security, keeping it safe.
Seamless compatibility: Updates ensure the plugin plays well with the WordPress version and other software, preventing hiccups.

Regular updates help prevent problems before they start.

\ When to Update Plugins

The ideal update schedule depends on how often your plugins release updates and how critical those updates are. In general:

Check for updates every 2–4 weeks
Set a recurring maintenance schedule
Monitor plugin changelogs to determine urgency
Enable auto updates where possible

Pro Tip: Some plugin updates can cause unexpected issues. Plan for that possibility with proper backups and testing procedures.

\ When to Use a Staging Environment First

In many cases, updates can safely be made on your live site. But if a plugin is critical to your site’s function or layout, it’s best to test it in a staging environment first. This allows you to catch problems without affecting live visitors.

Use a staging site when:

It’s a major plugin update (e.g., version 5.x → 6.x)
The plugin impacts e-commerce (e.g., WooCommerce)
The plugin handles form submissions (e.g., Gravity Forms, WPForms)
The plugin is a page builder (e.g., Elementor, Beaver Builder)
The update affects security settings (e.g., Wordfence)
The plugin hasn’t been updated in a while or includes breaking changes

When you may be able to update live:

It’s a minor plugin update (e.g., version 5.1 → 5.2)
The changelog shows minor bug fixes or translations
The plugin is well-maintained and frequently updated
The plugin doesn’t affect the user experience (e.g., media tools)

\ Best Practices for Updating Plugins

Back up your site - Always create a fresh backup before any update. If something breaks, you’ll have a restore point.
Update WordPress first - Make sure your WordPress core is up to date to reduce compatibility issues.
Remove unused plugins - If you’re not using it, deactivate and delete it. Less code = fewer risks.
Review plugin release notes - Check for new features, breaking changes, or compatibility warnings.
Update one plugin at a time - This helps isolate issues if something goes wrong. Test after each update.
Test your site after updates - Visit key pages (especially those affected by the plugin) to ensure functionality is intact.
Consider letting us handle it -If updating plugins feels above your comfort level, we’ve got you covered. All three of our Vye hosting packages include automatic plugin and software updates (when available). We also perform manual plugin reviews based on your hosting tier:

1. Gold: Monthly review
2. Silver: Manual review only when an urgent issue or auto-update failure occurs
3. Bronze: Manual review only when an urgent issue or auto-update failure occurs
  
  Note: For Bronze and Silver hosting, plugin/software updates that require manual intervention are billable at our hourly rate.

👉 Check out Vye’s hosting packages

\ How to Update Plugins

Step 1: Make a backup of your site.
If you're hosted with Vye, nightly backups run between 3–5 AM and are retained for 30 days. You can also request an extra backup before major updates: Request a Backup »

Step 2: Log into your WordPress admin portal
Navigate to: yourdomain.com/wp-admin

Step 3: Go to Plugins > Installed Plugins
Look for plugins with available updates.

Step 4: Review plugins

Remove plugins you’re not using
Confirm plugin compatibility with your WordPress version
Check forums or support pages for known issues with the update

Step 5: Click “Update Now” next to each plugin
Update one at a time. Wait for the update to complete.

Step 6: Test your site
Hover over your site logo in the top-left corner of the admin bar and click “Visit Site.” Test pages that rely on the updated plugin. Use the browser’s back button to return to the dashboard.

\ Additional Notes

Plugin Rollbacks

WordPress includes limited error recovery during failed plugin updates (“Recovery Mode”), but it’s not foolproof. It works best with automatic updates and may not fully restore plugin functionality. A full site backup is still your safest option.

Best Time to Run Updates

The ideal window for updates is:

Tuesday–Thursday mornings
Between 7:45 AM and 9:00 AM CST
During normal business hours so support is available if needed

\ What If an Update Breaks Something?

Even with best practices, issues can still arise. If a plugin causes problems:

Check compatibility - Conflicts can occur with other plugins or your WordPress version.
Restore the previous version of the plugin - Some plugins offer rollback options. Otherwise, use your backup.
Clear your browser cache and cookies - Sometimes display issues are local to your browser.
Reach out to the specific plugin's support team for assistance. If none of the above steps work, it's time to contact the plugin's support team. They'll be able to help you troubleshoot the issue and get your plugin working again.
Reach out to Vye - Submit a support request: https://www.vye.agency/support
Include:
- The plugin name and version
- A description of the issue
- URLs to any broken pages or error messages

Note: Requests outside your hosting agreement with Vye (such as plugin troubleshooting, site recovery, or custom updates) are billed hourly rate.

\ Additional Questions or Issues?

We’re here to help. Submit a ticket via our support page:
👉 https://www.vye.agency/support