How to Enable Automatic Updates in WordPress

WordPress is one of the most popular content management systems (CMS) in the world, powering millions of websites.

But with its vast ecosystem of plugins and themes, keeping your site secure and up-to-date is a constant challenge. One of the most effective ways to ensure your WordPress site stays secure is by enabling Automatic Updates.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to enable automatic updates for WordPress core, plugins, and themes—so you never miss critical security patches or feature improvements.

Why Automatic Updates Matter

Automatic updates are crucial for several reasons:

• Security: WordPress vulnerabilities are discovered and patched regularly. Manual updates can leave sites exposed to exploits.
• Stability: New updates often fix bugs and improve performance.
• Time savings: No more manual updates, which is especially helpful for busy site owners.
• Compliance: Many businesses require up-to-date sites for regulatory compliance.

Without automatic updates, you’re at risk of security breaches, downtime, or compliance issues—especially if you manage multiple sites.

How to Enable Automatic Updates in WordPress (Step by Step)

#1 Enable WordPress Core Automatic Updates

WordPress core updates are the foundation of your site. Here’s how to enable them:

1. Log in to your WordPress admin dashboard.
2. Go to Updates.
3. Toggle the switch next to “Automatically update WordPress core” to ON.
4. Click Save Changes.

⚠️ Note: This setting is enabled by default in WordPress 5.0+, but you might need to manually toggle it if you’ve upgraded from an older version.

#2 Enable Plugin Automatic Updates

Plugins are where many users forget to update automatically. Here’s how to do it:

1. Go to Plugins → Installed Plugins.
2. For each plugin you want to auto-update:

• Click the “Auto-update” toggle (usually a small checkbox next to the plugin name).
• Select “Yes” to enable automatic updates.

1. Click Update to save changes.

💡 Pro tip: For most plugins, auto-updates work seamlessly, but some (e.g., legacy plugins) may require manual updates to avoid conflicts.

#3 Enable Theme Automatic Updates

Themes are equally important to update for security and compatibility. Do this:

1. Go to Appearance → Themes.
2. Click the “Auto-update” toggle next to each theme.
3. Choose “Yes” to enable automatic updates.

⚠️ Warning: If you’re using a custom theme, do not enable auto-updates. Custom themes need manual review to avoid breaking your site.

What Happens When Automatic Updates Are Enabled?

• WordPress Core: New updates will be applied instantly when WordPress checks for updates (usually once a day).
• Plugins: Auto-updates happen when a new version is available and your site is online.
• Themes: Same as plugins—updates are applied automatically.

You’ll see confirmation messages in your admin dashboard (e.g., “Update available for [Plugin Name]”).

Best Practices for Using Automatic Updates

1. Test first: Always test updates in a staging environment before enabling them on your live site.
2. Avoid over-reliance: While auto-updates are powerful, check for major changes that might break your site (e.g., theme updates).
3. Use a reliable host: Hosts like SiteGround or Cloudways have built-in auto-update tools that can help.
4. Keep backups: Ensure you have a backup strategy in place—this is critical if an update causes issues.

Common Questions (FAQs)

Q: Do I need to do anything after enabling automatic updates?
A: No, WordPress handles it automatically. However, monitor your site for a few hours after enabling updates to ensure everything works as expected.

Q: Can I disable automatic updates later?
A: Yes—you can toggle them back off at any time through the same settings.

Q: Why aren’t my plugins updating?
A: Check your plugin’s compatibility with your WordPress version. Some plugins need manual updates for compatibility.

Final Thoughts

Enabling automatic updates is one of the simplest yet most impactful steps you can take to secure your WordPress site. It reduces the risk of security breaches, saves you time, and ensures your site stays compliant with the latest standards. While it’s not a silver bullet (always back up your site!), it’s a powerful tool for maintaining a healthy WordPress experience.

Ready to go all-in on updates? Toggle those switches now—you’ve got this!

This guide assumes WordPress 6.0 or newer. For older versions, manual updates are required.

Have questions? Share them in the comments below! 🌟