What to do before a big update

A pre-update checklist for WordPress site owners — everything to do before applying a major WordPress, plugin, or theme update.

Routine plugin updates are generally low-risk. But major updates — a new version of WordPress core, a major plugin version jump, or a theme overhaul — deserve a little preparation. This guide gives you a clear checklist to follow.

Quick summary

Before a major update: back up your site, check for known issues, test on a staging site if possible, update one thing at a time, and check the site right after. If something breaks, restore the backup.

What counts as a "big" update?

Not all updates need this level of care. Reserve the full checklist for:

WordPress core major releases (e.g., version 7.0 → 7.1)
Plugin major version jumps (e.g., WooCommerce 10.x → 11.x, Elementor 3.x → 4.x)
Theme major updates, especially if you have a premium theme with heavy customization
Multiple updates applied at once on a business-critical site

Routine minor updates (e.g., 7.0.3 → 7.0.4, or a plugin going from 2.3.1 → 2.3.2) can usually be applied without the full process — though a backup is still good practice.

The pre-update checklist

1. Take a fresh backup

This is the most important step. A backup is your "undo button." If anything goes wrong after the update, you restore the backup and you're back to exactly how things were.

Your backup should include:

All WordPress files
The database (where your content lives)

If you use a managed host like Flywheel, WP Engine, or Kinsta, you can trigger a manual backup from your hosting dashboard. Alternatively, use your site's backup plugin. Full details at How WordPress backups work.

Don't skip the backup

Updates occasionally cause problems. Without a backup, you may have no way back. Creating a backup takes a little time, but it can save hours of work.

2. Check for known compatibility issues

Before updating, do a quick check:

Read the changelog (the list of what changed in the new version). For plugins, look for the Changelog section on the plugin's WordPress.org page.
Search online for "[plugin name] [version number] issues" or "problems."
Check the plugin's support forum on WordPress.org for recent posts (the View support forum link on the plugin's page).

If many people are reporting a specific problem with the new version, it may be worth waiting a day or two for a patch.

3. Test on a staging site (recommended for major updates)

A staging site (also called a test site) is a private copy of your website where you can make changes without affecting what visitors see. Many managed hosts offer this, including Flywheel, WP Engine and Kinsta.

Create or refresh your staging site from your hosting dashboard.

Apply the update on staging first. Let it run.

Test your key pages: homepage, contact form, any store or booking features.

If staging looks good, proceed with the live site.

See What is a staging site? for more information.

4. Do the update

Apply the update during a low-traffic time — evenings or weekends are good for most business sites. Update one major thing at a time rather than everything at once.

Keep the update page open while it runs. Don't navigate away or close the browser.

5. Check the site immediately after

Right after updating, visit:

Your homepage
Your main service or product pages
Any forms (try submitting a test entry)
Your store (if you have one)
The WordPress dashboard itself

A quick walkthrough takes two minutes and catches most issues before any visitor notices.

6. If something breaks

Don't panic. You have a backup.

Identify what changed. If you updated one thing, that's likely the cause.

Deactivate the newly updated plugin to test if that fixes it. See Deactivating vs deleting plugins.

If the site is completely broken, restore your backup from your hosting dashboard or backup plugin.

Contact us. We can help diagnose compatibility issues and find a path forward.

Common questions

How long does a WordPress update take?

Most updates finish quickly, but it depends on the site. WordPress's own guide warns that a large site can take longer than expected. WordPress shows its progress on screen while it works. Stay on the page until it tells you the update succeeded.

Can I update while visitors are on the site?

Yes. WordPress puts the site into "maintenance mode" while the update runs, and switches it off again when the update finishes. During that time, visitors see a short notice saying the site is briefly unavailable for scheduled maintenance. It's fine. If you're worried, update during off-peak hours.

Should I update WordPress core and plugins at the same time?

It's safer to separate them. Update WordPress core, check the site. Then update plugins. If something breaks, you'll know exactly which update caused it.

I'm on a Chykalophia care plan — do I need to do any of this?

No. We handle the entire update process for care plan clients, including backups and staging tests for major updates. You'll usually receive a brief notification when significant updates have been applied.

Need a hand?

If you're stuck, email support@chykalophia.com and we'll help. Include your website address and a screenshot if you can.

Learn more

Updating WordPress — official documentation

What to do before a big update

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