The safe way to update WordPress (a 4-step routine)

The safe way to update WordPress (a 4-step routine)

Updates fix security holes, but updating blindly can break a page. Here's the calm routine.

1. Back up first. A backup is a saved copy you can restore if something goes wrong. Never skip this.
2. Update plugins one at a time, not the "update all" button. After each, open your live site in a new tab and check it looks normal.
3. Update your theme next (the theme controls how your site looks).
4. Update WordPress itself last.

If a page suddenly looks broken, you'll know exactly which update did it, because you went one at a time.

Don't worry, this is reversible, that's what the backup is for.

In plain words: back up, go slow, check after each step, and updates stop being scary.