How To Update Woocommerce In WordPress Theme With Ftp

How to Update WooCommerce in WordPress Theme with FTP: A Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

WooCommerce is a powerful e-commerce plugin that turns your WordPress site into a fully functional online store. Keeping WooCommerce updated is crucial for security, compatibility, and access to the latest features. While the standard WordPress update process is convenient, sometimes you might need to update WooCommerce manually using FTP, especially if you encounter issues with automatic updates or want more control over the process. This article will guide you through the steps to safely update WooCommerce using FTP, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience. Remember to always back up your site before making any major changes!

Updating WooCommerce via FTP: A Detailed Guide

Manually updating WooCommerce via FTP requires careful execution to avoid errors. Follow these steps:

#### 1. Back Up Your Website!

This is the most important step. Before making any changes, back up your entire website, including:

• WordPress files: This includes all files in your WordPress installation directory (usually `/public_html/` or `/www/`).
• Database: Export your WordPress database. This contains all your posts, pages, WooCommerce products, settings, and user data.

You can use a WordPress backup plugin (like UpdraftPlus or BackupBuddy) or back up your files and database manually through your hosting control panel (cPanel, Plesk, etc.).

#### 2. Download the Latest WooCommerce Version

• Go to the WooCommerce website and download the latest version of the plugin. Make sure you are downloading the official plugin from WooCommerce.com.
• You will receive a `.zip` file containing the latest WooCommerce version.

#### 3. Prepare for FTP Access

You’ll need an FTP client like FileZilla, Cyberduck, or Transmit. You also need your FTP credentials:

• Host: Usually your domain name or IP address.
• Username: Your FTP username.
• Password: Your FTP password.
• Port: Usually 21 (for standard FTP) or 22 (for SFTP).

You can find these credentials in your hosting account’s control panel.

#### 4. Connect to Your Server via FTP

• Open your FTP client and enter your FTP credentials.
• Click “Quickconnect” or the equivalent button to establish a connection to your server.

#### 5. Locate the WooCommerce Plugin Directory

• In the FTP client, navigate to your WordPress installation directory (usually `/public_html/` or `/www/`).
• Find the `/wp-content/plugins/` directory.
• Inside the `/wp-content/plugins/` directory, you will find a folder named `woocommerce`.

#### 6. Rename the Existing WooCommerce Directory (Optional but Recommended)

Before uploading the new version, it’s a good practice to rename the existing `woocommerce` directory. This acts as an extra backup in case something goes wrong.

• Right-click on the `woocommerce` folder in your FTP client and choose “Rename”.
• Rename it to something like `woocommerce-old`.

#### 7. Upload the New WooCommerce Version

• Extract the `woocommerce.zip` file you downloaded earlier to your computer.
• In your FTP client, navigate to the `/wp-content/plugins/` directory again.
• Drag and drop the extracted `woocommerce` folder from your computer into the `/wp-content/plugins/` directory.
• This process can take some time, depending on your internet connection speed and the size of the files.

#### 8. Verify File Integrity

• Once the upload is complete, double-check that all the files have been transferred correctly. You can compare the number of files and folders between the extracted WooCommerce directory on your computer and the uploaded directory on your server.

#### 9. Activate the New WooCommerce Version

• Log in to your WordPress admin dashboard.
• Go to Plugins > Installed Plugins.
• You might see a notice asking you to update the WooCommerce database. Click the button to update the database. This is essential for the new version to function correctly.

#### 10. Test Your Store

• After activating the new version, thoroughly test your online store to ensure everything is working as expected.
• Check product pages, add items to the cart, proceed through the checkout process, and test any other critical functionality.

#### 11. Address any Errors

• If you encounter any errors, revert back to the original Learn more about How To Change The Hook Priority For Woocommerce WooCommerce version by:
• Deleting the new `woocommerce` folder via FTP.
• Renaming the `woocommerce-old` folder back to `woocommerce`.
• Reactivating the plugin through your WordPress dashboard.
• Then, investigate the cause of the error before attempting the update again. Check your error logs for more information.

#### 12. (Optional) Delete the old WooCommerce directory

Once you have confirmed that the new version is working correctly, you can delete the `woocommerce-old` directory. It has served as a temporary backup and is no longer needed.

Potential Issues and Troubleshooting

While updating WooCommerce via FTP can be effective, you might encounter some issues:

• FTP Connection Problems: Double-check your FTP credentials and ensure your firewall isn’t blocking the connection.
• File Permissions: Ensure your WordPress files and directories have the correct permissions. Incorrect permissions can prevent the update from working.
• Incompatible Themes/Plugins: Sometimes, compatibility issues between WooCommerce and your theme or other plugins can cause problems. Temporarily deactivate other plugins and switch to a default theme (like Twenty Twenty-Three) to see if the issue resolves.
• Database Issues: A corrupt database can also cause problems. Try repairing your database using a plugin like WP-DBManager or phpMyAdmin.
• PHP Version Incompatibility: WooCommerce requires a specific PHP version. Make sure your server meets the minimum PHP version requirements.

Conclusion

Updating WooCommerce via FTP might seem daunting, but by following these steps carefully, you can ensure a smooth and secure update process. Always remember to back up your website before making any changes. Updating WooCommerce is essential for maintaining a secure and functional online store. If you encounter issues, don’t hesitate to seek help from the WooCommerce support team or a qualified WordPress developer. Regular updates will keep your store running smoothly and provide your customers with the best possible shopping experience. Remember, a secure and up-to-date store builds trust and confidence with your customers, leading to increased sales and long-term success.