Keeping your WordPress plugins up to date is super important. Why? Because updates fix bugs, add cool features, and keep your site secure. But updating them manually? That’s no fun. Don’t worry — there’s a way to make WordPress do it for you! Plus, by fine-tuning your server rules—like setting up efficient caching and redirects in your .htaccess via HT Access—you’ll speed up those background update checks and keep everything running smoothly.
Why Should You Bother?
Think of plugin updates like medicine for your website. Without them, your site might get slow, buggy, or worse — hacked. So, automatic updates are like your site’s personal doctor, always on call.
Good News: WordPress Can Do It For You!
Since version 5.5, WordPress made our lives easier. You can now flip a switch and boom — automatic updates.
Here’s How to Turn On Auto Updates (No Coding Needed!)
Let’s make this fun and easy:
- Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
- Go to Plugins > Installed Plugins.
- Find the plugin you want to automatically update.
- Click the link that says “Enable auto-updates”.
That’s it! You’ve now got auto-updates on.
Want to Turn on Auto Updates For All Plugins?
Doing it one by one is fine, but what if you have 20 plugins? There’s a faster way – use a plugin for your plugins!
Try These Handy Helpers:
- Easy Updates Manager: Gives you full control over all updates. Simple and clean.
- WP Auto Updater: Set it and forget it.
- Jetpack: If you already use it, it has an auto-update feature built in.
Just install one of these, follow its steps, and you’re done!
Are Auto Updates Always Safe?
Great question. While updates are good, sometimes they change things — and not always in a good way.
Here Are a Few Tips:
- Backup your site regularly. Just in case.
- Test major updates on a staging site.
- Don’t auto-update very sensitive plugins (like eCommerce or booking ones).
You can still use auto-updates, but be smart about it!
Prefer Code? Try This Tweaky Trick
If you’re a little nerdy or like control, you can add a snippet to your theme’s functions.php file. Here it is:
add_filter( 'auto_update_plugin', '__return_true' );
This turns on auto-updates for all your plugins. Easy, right? But remember: if you mess with code, always make a backup first!
How to Keep an Eye on Things
Even with auto-updates, it’s good to check in on your site weekly. You never know when something sneaky changes!
Set a reminder on your phone. Or write a sticky note. Just don’t forget your site still needs some love!
In Case You Change Your Mind
Decide you don’t want a plugin to auto-update anymore? Easy, just click “Disable auto-updates” next to that plugin in your dashboard.
It’s like flipping off a light switch. Super simple.
One Last Thing: Your Theme Matters Too
While you’re at it, don’t forget your theme. Keeping it updated is just as important. You can enable auto-updates for it the same way as plugins.
Just go to Appearance > Themes and look for the auto-update option.
Final Thoughts
Auto-updating your plugins is like brushing your teeth — boring but incredibly important. And now that you know how easy it is, there’s no excuse!
So go ahead — flip those update switches, install a plugin manager, or drop in a tiny code snippet. Your site will thank you.
Happy updating, WordPress warrior!
Published on April 24, 2025 under . Modified on May 5, 2025.
