How to Manually Update a WooCommerce Plugin in WordPress: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction:
Keeping your WooCommerce store up-to-date is crucial for security, performance, and access to the latest features. While the WordPress dashboard offers automatic updates, there are times when manual updates become necessary. This might be due to compatibility issues, specific server configurations, or simply a preference for more control over the process. This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to manually update a WooCommerce plugin in WordPress, ensuring a smooth and problem-free experience. We will also explore the benefits and potential drawbacks of this method.
Why Manually Update Your WooCommerce Plugins?
While automatic updates are generally recommended, there are situations where a manual approach is more suitable:
- Troubleshooting Compatibility Issues: If you suspect a plugin update might break your site, manual updates allow you to test in a staging environment first.
- Server Restrictions: Some hosting environments might restrict automatic updates, requiring manual intervention.
- Control and Oversight: Manually updating gives you granular control over which updates are applied and when.
- Specific Plugin Instructions: Certain plugins might have specific instructions for updating that require a manual process.
- Go to the official WooCommerce website or the plugin developer’s website where you purchased the plugin.
- Log in to your account and download the latest version of the plugin in a `.zip` file format.
- Ensure you are downloading the version specifically designed for your version of WooCommerce and WordPress. Check the plugin’s documentation for compatibility information.
- Log in to your WordPress admin dashboard.
- Go to “Plugins” -> “Installed Plugins.”
- Locate the WooCommerce plugin you want to update.
- Deactivate the plugin. Do NOT delete it yet. Deactivating temporarily disables the plugin without removing its settings and data.
- Using an FTP client (like FileZilla) or your hosting provider’s file manager, connect to your web server.
- Navigate to the `/wp-content/plugins/` directory.
- Carefully locate the folder with the name of the plugin you are updating. For example, if you are updating the “WooCommerce Subscriptions” plugin, you will look for a folder named `woocommerce-subscriptions`.
- Delete the entire plugin folder.
- In your FTP client or file manager, navigate back to the `/wp-content/plugins/` directory.
- Upload the `.zip` file you downloaded in Step 2 to this directory.
- Extract the contents of the `.zip` file. This will create a new folder with the plugin’s name.
- Go back to your WordPress admin dashboard.
- Navigate to “Plugins” -> “Installed Plugins.”
- Locate the WooCommerce plugin you just uploaded.
- Activate the plugin.
- After activating the plugin, check if the plugin requires any database updates. WooCommerce plugins often require database updates after a major version upgrade. You will usually see a notice at the top of your WordPress dashboard prompting you to update the database.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to update the database.
- Thoroughly test your website, especially the functionality related to the updated plugin. Check product pages, cart, checkout process, and any other areas where the plugin’s functionality is used.
- If you encounter any errors or issues, restore your website from the backup you created in Step 1.
The Manual Update Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps carefully to ensure a successful manual plugin update:
1. Backup Your Website!
This is the most critical step. Before making any changes, create a complete backup of your website, including your database and files. This allows you to restore your site to its previous state if something goes wrong during the update process. You can use a plugin like UpdraftPlus, BackWPup, or a backup solution provided by your hosting provider.
2. Download the Latest Plugin Version
3. Deactivate the Old Plugin
4. Delete the Old Plugin (via FTP or File Manager)
This step will be completed via FTP or File Manager which can be accessed through your hosting account.
Caution: Ensure you are deleting the correct folder! Deleting the wrong folder can break your site.
5. Upload the New Plugin Version
6. Activate the New Plugin Version
7. Check for Database Updates
8. Test Your Website!
Code Example (Important Reminder):
// This is NOT code to run. This is a reminder!
// Remember to always back up your website before making any changes.
// A backup is your safety net in case something goes wrong during the update process.
Pros and Cons of Manual Plugin Updates
Pros:
- Greater Control: You have complete control over the update process and can test in a staging environment before applying the changes to your live site.
- Troubleshooting Potential Conflicts: Easier to identify and resolve compatibility issues before they impact your live website.
- Bypassing Server Restrictions: Useful if your hosting provider restricts automatic updates.
- Specific Update Instructions: Allows you to follow specific instructions from the plugin developer that might not be available with automatic updates.
Cons:
- Time-Consuming: Manual updates require more time and effort compared to automatic updates.
- Technical Expertise: You need to be comfortable with using FTP clients or file managers.
- Potential for Errors: Incorrectly deleting files or uploading the wrong version can break your website.
- Risk of Overlooking Updates: It’s your responsibility to keep track of plugin updates, which can be easy to forget.
Conclusion:
Manually updating WooCommerce plugins offers a degree of control and flexibility that automatic updates don’t. While it requires more technical knowledge and time, it can be beneficial for troubleshooting compatibility issues or working with specific server restrictions. By following the steps outlined in this guide and prioritizing website backups, you can confidently perform manual plugin updates and maintain a stable and secure WooCommerce store. Remember to always back up your website before making any changes and test thoroughly after the update to ensure everything is working correctly.
