How to Update WordPress Quickly and Safely (2026)

What’s the fastest safe way to update WordPress? Back in 2007, upgrading from 2.2.1 to 2.2.2 meant downloading the release and uploading only the changed files by FTP, which took me under a minute instead of a full reinstall. Today WordPress updates itself in one click, and minor security releases install automatically. You still need a little care with major versions, themes and plugins. Here’s how to update WordPress quickly and safely in 2026.

Quick answer: Back up your site, then go to Dashboard > Updates and click Update to version X. Minor security releases install automatically; you can also enable automatic major updates and plugin auto-updates. Update plugins and themes too, check the site afterwards, and use WP-CLI (wp core update) or a manual upload only if one-click updates fail.

Before you update

1. Back up files and database; here’s how to backup and restore your WordPress database.
2. Check compatibility: make sure key plugins and your theme support the new version, and that your PHP version is supported.
3. Use staging for big sites: many hosts offer a one-click staging copy to test updates first.

Method 1: One-click update (recommended)

1. Go to Dashboard > Updates.
2. Click Update to version X. WordPress briefly enters maintenance mode, downloads the new files and updates the database if needed.
3. Update plugins and themes from the same screen.
4. Visit your site and check key pages, forms and checkout.

Method 2: Automatic updates

• Minor (security) releases install automatically by default.
• On the Updates screen you can enable automatic updates for all new versions.
• On the Plugins and Themes screens, click Enable auto-updates for ones you trust.
• Many managed hosts also run updates and roll back if something breaks.

Method 3: WP-CLI

If you have SSH access, this is the fastest way to update one or many sites:

wp core update
wp core update-db
wp plugin update --all
wp theme update --all

Method 4: Manual update by FTP

Use this only if one-click updates fail, for example because of file permissions (see how to fix the FTP connection information prompt).

1. Download the latest version from WordPress.org (external site) and unzip it.
2. Upload and replace the wp-admin and wp-includes folders.
3. Upload the loose files in the root, but don’t overwrite wp-config.php or the wp-content folder.
4. Visit /wp-admin/ and click the database update button if shown.

The old “upload only changed files” shortcut isn’t worth the risk now; releases change many files and one-click updates are faster anyway.

If something breaks

• Stuck “Briefly unavailable for scheduled maintenance”? Delete the .maintenance file; here’s the full fix.
• White screen or errors? Rename the plugins folder via FTP to disable plugins, then re-enable them one by one.
• Still broken? Restore your backup.

For bigger updates, put up a friendly WordPress maintenance mode page.

FAQ

Is it safe to update WordPress?

Yes, and staying updated is one of the best ways to keep your site secure. Back up first for major versions.

Should I update plugins or WordPress first?

Usually plugins and themes first, then WordPress core, then check the site.

How often is WordPress updated?

Major versions arrive a few times a year, with smaller maintenance and security releases in between.

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