how to disable WordPress plugin updates

WordPress plugins are integral to the functionality and customization of WordPress sites, but there are instances when updates can inadvertently break your site or adversely affect its operations. To control this, many web developers and site administrators prefer to disable automatic updates for specific plugins. Here, we explore various methods to disable WordPress plugin updates effectively.

1. Manual Disabling via WordPress Dashboard

The simplest way to disable updates for a specific plugin is through the WordPress admin dashboard. It’s straightforward and doesn’t require any coding knowledge:

• Step 1: Log in to your WordPress admin area.
• Step 2: Navigate to the ‘Plugins’ section.
• Step 3: Find the plugin for which you want to disable updates and click on ‘Edit’ under the plugin name.
• Step 4: Insert the following line of code at the top of the main plugin file:

  add_filter('site_transient_update_plugins', 'remove_update_notification');
  function remove_update_notification($value) {
      unset($value->response[ plugin_basename(__FILE__) ]);
      return $value;
  }

• Step 5: Save your changes.

This code effectively removes update notifications for the specific plugin, preventing any automatic or manual updates unless the code is removed.

2. Using a Plugin

For those who are not comfortable editing plugin files directly, there are several plugins available that can manage this task:

• Easy Updates Manager: It allows you to manage all of your WordPress updates, including core, theme, and plugin updates, in one utility.
• Disable Updates Manager: This plugin can be used to disable updates for individual plugins.

To use these plugins, simply install and activate through the ‘Plugins’ menu in WordPress. Navigate to the plugin’s settings page, and select the plugin updates you wish to disable.

3. Editing the wp-config.php File

This method involves adding a line of code to the wp-config.php file. It is effective for globally disabling plugin updates across your WordPress site:

• Step 1: Access your site’s root directory using FTP or File Manager in your hosting control panel.
• Step 2: Locate the wp-config.php file and edit it.
• Step 3: Add the following line of code above the “/ That’s all, stop editing! Happy blogging. /” line:

  define( 'DISALLOW_FILE_MODS', true );

This code snippet will not only disable plugin updates but also theme updates and the plugin and theme editor in the admin area.

4. Use of functions.php File

Alternatively, you can opt to insert code into your theme’s functions.php file, which provides a way to remove the update notifications while still allowing manual updates:

• Step 1: Navigate to Appearance > Theme Editor.
• Step 2: Select the functions.php file from your current theme.
• Step 3: Append the following snippet to the file:

  function remove_plugin_update_notifications($value) {
      unset($value->response['plugin-folder/plugin-file.php']);  
      return $value;
  }
  add_filter('site_transient_update_plugins', 'remove_plugin_update_notifications');

  Be sure to replace ‘plugin-folder/plugin-file.php’ with the correct folder and file name of the plugin.

5. Scheduled Checks

To keep control over when your plugins are updated, consider setting up a staging environment where you can test plugin updates without affecting your live site. This method involves manually updating plugins in a controlled environment.

Key Considerations

• Backup: Always back up your website before making significant changes, such as disabling plugin updates.
• Security: Keeping plugins updated is a key security practice; disabling updates might expose your site to vulnerabilities if not monitored properly.
• Compliance: Ensure that any changes to plugin behavior are compliant with the terms provided by the plugin author or vendor.

By following these steps and considerations, you can effectively manage WordPress plugin updates to suit the specific needs of your website, enhancing both functionality and stability.