How to safely upgrade WordPress without breaking your site

Upgrading your WordPress site to the latest version can seem like a risky task, especially if you’re using an older version. But with the right preparation, you can upgrade safely without breaking your site. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure a smooth upgrade process.

Step 1: Backup Your Site

Before making any changes, back up your entire website – files and database. This ensures that if anything goes wrong, you can restore your site to its previous state.

• Use a reliable backup plugin like UpdraftPlus or BackWPup.
• Store the backup in a secure location (e.g., cloud storage or an external server).
• Test the backup to make sure it’s working before proceeding.

Step 2: Check Theme and Plugin Compatibility

New WordPress versions may not be compatible with older themes and plugins. To avoid compatibility issues:

• Update all plugins and themes to their latest versions before upgrading WordPress.
• Check plugin and theme developers’ websites or the WordPress plugin directory for any known issues with the new version of WordPress.
• If you’re using custom themes or plugins, check if they’ve been updated to support newer versions of WordPress.

Step 3: Disable Caching and Security Plugins Temporarily

Some caching and security plugins can interfere with the upgrade process. To avoid any issues:

• Temporarily deactivate caching plugins like W3 Total Cache or WP Super Cache.
• Disable security plugins like Wordfence or iThemes Security to prevent false security warnings during the upgrade.

Remember to re-enable these plugins after the upgrade.

Step 4: Update WordPress

Now it’s time to upgrade your WordPress version:

1. In your WordPress dashboard, go to Dashboard > Updates.
2. If an update is available, click Update Now.
3. WordPress will download the latest version and update your site automatically.

While the upgrade is running, don’t interrupt the process, as this can lead to incomplete installations.

Step 5: Test Your Site After the Upgrade

Once the upgrade is complete, it’s crucial to test your site to ensure everything is working properly:

1. Check key pages, posts, and features.
2. Test forms, comments, and any interactive elements on your site.
3. Visit your site on different devices to ensure compatibility.
4. Check for any broken links or errors in your theme.

Step 6: Re-enable Caching and Security Plugins

Once you’ve confirmed that everything is working, don’t forget to:

1. Re-enable your caching plugins to improve site speed.
2. Reactivate your security plugins and check for any new security recommendations from the plugin developers.

Step 7: Regularly Monitor Your Site

Even after the upgrade, keep an eye on your site’s performance and security. Install an uptime monitoring tool to alert you in case of issues, and regularly check for updates to plugins and themes.

By following these steps, you can upgrade your WordPress site safely and ensure that it continues running smoothly without breaking any functionality.