From December 2024, many websites have been configured to automatically update its plugin and themes using WordPress’ built in auto-updater mechanism.
Some sites continue to use WP Engine’s Smart Plugin Manager facility.
If you are unsure what system is managing your plugin and theme updates, you can go to your WordPress admin area’s Plugins screen and review the right hand column which explains your Automatic Updates configuration.
Benefits
WordPress recommends keeping all of your plugins and themes up to date.
Automatic plugin and theme updates also help keep your WordPress website secure.
How it Works
The WordPress auto-updater runs twice per day, and should install any available plugin or theme updates.
Most updates will be successful, and you aren’t notified about successful updates.
However if the updater detects a major error with an update, it will roll back to the previous version and notify you via email of a failed update.
Known Issues
The following plugins are typically not compatible with WordPress’s auto updater mechanism, so these plugins usually need to be updated manually.
- Admin Columns Pro
- Beaver Builder (Page Builder)
- WP Rocket
The following plugins do not have auto updates turned on by default, so they need to be turned on manually:
Troubleshooting
Whilst a majority of updates work as expected, from time-to-time a plugin or theme update may introduce a problem or issue on your website.
If an update does not work as expected, you have a few options, including:
- Contacting the relevant plugin or theme’s support team for assistance.
- Restoring your site to a previous backup using Pressable’s Restore Tool or WP Engine’s Restore tool.
- Waiting for a future plugin/theme update to resolve the problem.
- Asking Tectalic to troubleshoot the issue for you.
Disabling Auto Updates
If you prefer to not have your plugins and themes automatically updated, then you can disable this behaviour.
This can be done via your WordPress admin area’s Settings, Plugin and Theme Updates screen.
Smart Plugin Manager
Previously your website may have used WP Engine’s Smart Plugin Manager for automatic plugin updates.
As of December 2024, most Tectalic client website now use WordPress’ built-in auto update mechanism, which works for both plugins and themes.
If you are unsure what system is managing your plugin and theme updates, you can go to your WordPress admin area’s Plugins screen and review the right hand column which explains your Automatic Updates configuration.