How To Update WordPress via FTP?
Do you subscribe to a WordPress hosting plan and need help updating to the latest version of WordPress? WordPress websites must be updated to the latest version, as this is very important for your website's security and overall performance. While a one-click update is available inside your WordPress dashboard, in some circumstances, you might need to do a manual update via FTP (File Transfer Protocol). We will guide you through both options, making sure you are equipped with the proper knowledge to transition to the newest version smoothly.
In this article, we will discuss:
Updating WordPress: One-Click vs. Manual FTP Approach
It is important for your website to have an up-to-date WordPress version. The latest version usually includes important security patches that protect your site from malware and vulnerabilities. Also, the newer version offers better performance and speed and is compatible with various plugins and themes.
WordPress notifies you within the Admin Dashboard whenever a new update is available. Updating is an easy forward process, and you can choose between two methods:
- One-Click Update (Recommended): This is the simplest and most recommended approach. Simply navigate to Dashboard > Updates and click the "Update Now" button or similar wording, depending on your version. WordPress will download and install it automatically for you.
- Manual Update via FTP (For Advanced Users): This method is more technical and is for advanced users who might encounter issues with the one-click update. It involves downloading the updated files from WordPress.org, connecting to your website via FTP, and manually uploading the new files. We recommend consulting a developer if you're unfamiliar with FTP.
Important considerations before updating:
- Backup Your Website: The option for you to revert to the former version of your website is made possible by making sure you have a full backup of your site, with its files and database. This is also very crucial especially if issues arise with the version update.
- Compatibility: Though the update improves compatibility, checking if the current plugins and themes used by your website are compatible with the newest WordPress version is still highly suggested.
Manual WordPress Update via FTP
This is the step-by-step process for doing a manual update process for WordPress using FTP (File Transfer Protocol). This method is best for advanced users who may encounter issues with the one-click update or prefer more control over the process.
- Download the Latest WordPress Core Files: Navigate to the WordPress.org download page and download the latest version of the core files. These files will typically be compressed in a ZIP or TAR.GZ format.
- Prepare Your Website (Important):
- Backup: Creating a complete website back up with all the files and the database is your safety incase issues arise while the update is on going.
- Deactivate Plugins: It's recommended that all plugins be temporarily deactivated to avoid conflicts with the new core files.
- Connect to Your Website via FTP: Utilize an FTP client like FileZilla to establish a connection to your website's server. You'll need your FTP credentials (host, username, and password) provided by your web hosting service.
- Upload Core Files:
- Delete Old Directories: Locate and delete the existing wp-admin and wp-includes directories on your server using your FTP client.
- Upload New Directories: Upload the downloaded wp-admin and wp-includes directories from the latest core files to your server, replacing the ones you deleted.
- Upload wp-content Files (Selective):
- Access the wp-content Directory: Navigate to the wp-content directory on your server through your FTP client. This folder contains your themes and plugins.
- Upload Individual Files: Do not delete the entire wp-content folder. Instead, upload individual files from the new wp-content folder within the downloaded core files, overwriting only the ones that have changed.
- Upload Root Directory Files: Upload any additional loose files included in the downloaded core files' root directory to your website's root directory on the server.
- Verify File Replacements: Ensure all core files in the wp-admin and wp-includes directories, as well as any loose files in the root directory, have been replaced with the new versions.
Important: Do not overwrite your wp-config.php file.
- Access WordPress Admin: Visit your WordPress admin dashboard at /wp-admin to check if the update process requires any database upgrades. WordPress will provide instructions if this is necessary.
- Reactivate Plugins & Clear Cache: After completing the update, reactivate your previously deactivated plugins. Additionally, clear your website's cache and cookies to ensure everything functions smoothly with the new version.
- Update the database (Optional): Some installations may require you to update your database as well after you manually update WordPress. Here's how you can do that easily:
- Log in to your WordPress admin panel.
- If there’s a notification that says, ‘Database Update Required,’ you’ll find a button beneath it labeled ‘Update WordPress Database.’
- Simply click this button to start the update.
It only takes a few moments, and once it's done, you’ll see a confirmation message indicating success. Your website will then be updated to the latest version; all set for you to continue adding new content.
Visit your WordPress admin dashboard, after uploading files, to check for a database upgrade and follow any instructions provided. Clear your website's cache and cookies and reactivate plugins to complete the update and see that everything runs smoothly with the latest version.
Review
The need to update your WordPress site version is important to mantain security and overall performance. The steps above provides you ways on updating it either through one-click or doing it manually. We highly suggest for you to backup your site and check plugin compatibility for a smooth transition to the latest version.