1. Manual Update for WordPress Themes
Updating your WordPress theme manually can be straightforward, but it requires careful steps to avoid losing any customizations you’ve made. Here’s how you can do it:
Step 1: Backup Your Website
Before starting the update, always backup your website to avoid any data loss. Use a plugin like UpdraftPlus, BackupBuddy, or your hosting provider’s built-in backup option.
Step 2: Download the Latest Theme Version
Log in to your gplstart.net account.
Navigate to your Account Dashboard and download the latest version of the theme.
Step 3: Access Your Website’s Files
Use File Manager in your hosting control panel or connect via FTP/SFTP (using tools like FileZilla).
Navigate to wp-content/themes in your website’s root directory.
Step 4: Replace the Old Theme with the New One
Locate the folder of the theme you want to update.
Delete the old theme folder (or rename it for backup, e.g., theme-old).
Upload the new version of the theme by extracting the downloaded ZIP file and uploading the new folder to wp-content/themes.
Step 5: Verify the Update
Go to your WordPress dashboard.
Navigate to Appearance > Themes to ensure the updated theme is active.
Check your website’s front end to make sure everything looks good.
Note: If you have made custom changes directly in the theme files, consider using a child theme to prevent losing modifications during updates.
2. Manual Update for WordPress Plugins
Manually updating plugins is a bit easier than themes, but you should still proceed with caution. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Backup Your Website
Always start by backing up your site using your preferred method or plugin to prevent data loss.
Step 2: Download the Latest Plugin Version
Log in to your gplstart.net account.
Navigate to your Account Dashboard and download the latest version of the plugin.
Step 3: Deactivate the Plugin
Go to your WordPress dashboard.
Navigate to Plugins > Installed Plugins.
Find the plugin you want to update and Deactivate it.
Step 4: Access Your Website’s Files
Use File Manager or an FTP client to access your site files.
Navigate to wp-content/plugins.
Step 5: Replace the Old Plugin with the New One
Locate the plugin folder you want to update.
Delete the old plugin folder (or rename it for backup, e.g., plugin-old).
Extract the new plugin ZIP file and upload the new folder to wp-content/plugins.
Step 6: Reactivate the Plugin
Go back to your WordPress dashboard.
Navigate to Plugins > Installed Plugins.
Find the updated plugin and click Activate.
Step 7: Test the Update
Check your website functionality to ensure the plugin update hasn’t caused any issues.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you face any problems during manual updates, consider the following:
White Screen of Death: This can occur if there’s a conflict or error in the theme/plugin. Restore your site using the backup and check for compatibility issues.
Broken Layouts: If a theme update causes layout issues, clear your browser cache or any caching plugins you have.
Compatibility Errors: Always check if the updated theme/plugin is compatible with your current WordPress version and other active plugins.
Tips for Safe Manual Updates
Use a Staging Site: If possible, test the theme/plugin update on a staging environment (a copy of your live site) to check for any issues before applying it to the live site.
Keep a Copy of the Old Version: Before deleting the old version, save a copy in case you need to revert.
Read the Changelog: Before updating, review the theme/plugin’s changelog to see what’s been changed, added, or removed.
How to Check If Updates Are Available
In your WordPress dashboard, go to Dashboard > Updates.
Here, you can see if updates are available for any themes or plugins.
Consider enabling automatic notifications via email for updates to stay informed.
By following these steps, you can safely and efficiently update your WordPress themes and plugins manually, keeping your site secure and up to date.