Step-by-Step Guide on How to Manually Update WordPress Using FTP
Updating WordPress manually via FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is a crucial skill for website owners. This process is particularly useful if the automatic update function fails, or you need to overcome specific server restrictions. Here, we’ll walk through the entire process, ensuring you can confidently update your WordPress site without hassle.
Preparing for the Update
1. Backup Your Website: Before proceeding with any updates, ensure you have a complete backup of your WordPress site. This includes your database and all your files. You can use plugins like UpdraftPlus or tools provided by your hosting service.
2. Download the Latest WordPress Version: Visit the official WordPress website and download the latest version of the WordPress package to your computer.
Accessing Your Site via FTP
3. FTP Credentials: You’ll need your FTP credentials, which include a server address, username, and password. These are typically provided by your web hosting provider. If you don’t have them, check your hosting control panel or contact support.
4. Using an FTP Client: Download and install an FTP client such as FileZilla, Cyberduck, or WinSCP. Enter your FTP credentials to connect to your server.
Updating WordPress Files
5. Navigate to Your WordPress Directory: Once connected, navigate to the directory where WordPress is installed. This is usually within the ‘public_html’ or ‘www’ folder.
6. Upload New WordPress Files:
- On your computer, unzip the WordPress file you downloaded from the WordPress official site.
- In your FTP client, upload these files to your website’s root directory. It’s important to overwrite the existing files. Drag and drop the new WordPress files from your local directory to your server’s directory.
- Be selective with the wp-content folder. You typically should not overwrite this entire folder, as it contains your themes, plugins, and uploads. Instead, only update the individual files in the wp-includes and wp-admin directories.
Note: The wp-config.php file should not be overwritten. Make sure not to replace this file.
Final Steps in the Update Process
7. Deactivate Plugins Temporarily: While not required, deactivating all plugins can prevent any potential conflicts during the update process. You can deactivate plugins using the WordPress dashboard or by renaming the plugins folder within wp-content via FTP.
8. Overwrite Core Files: Overwrite all existing files except for wp-content and wp-config.php by uploading the new files from your unzipped WordPress download. Ensure you replace all old files in the root directory and subdirectories excluding the wp-content folder.
9. Remove Old WordPress Files: Some updates may include removal of files that are no longer needed. Check the official WordPress release information to see if any files should be deleted.
10. Run the WordPress Upgrade Program: After uploading the files, visit your WordPress dashboard at yourdomain.com/wp-admin/. You might see a link asking you to update your WordPress database. Click it and follow the prompts.
11. Re-activate Plugins: Once the update is complete, go back and activate your plugins one by one. This will help you identify if any plugin is incompatible with the new WordPress version.
12. Clear Cache: After updating, clear the cache from your caching plugin if you use one, or any server-level cache mechanism to ensure that changes are reflected immediately.
Monitoring and Troubleshooting
13. Check Your Website Functionality: After the update, thoroughly check your website for any abnormalities. Browse through pages to see if everything is loading as it should.
14. Consult Logs for Errors: If you encounter issues, check your server error logs for any specific errors which can provide insights into what might be going wrong.
15. Stay Updated: WordPress frequently releases updates for security and functionality improvements. Stay informed about these updates and plan a regular schedule for maintenance and updates.
By following these detailed steps, you can successfully and safely update WordPress manually using FTP. This method grants you greater control over the update process, and ensures that your website remains current and secure, preserving optimum performance and security standings.
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