Keeping WordPress plugins updated is essential for website security, performance, and functionality. However, manually checking and updating plugins can be time-consuming and sometimes overlooked. Scheduling WordPress plugin updates provides a hands-off way to ensure a website runs smoothly and stays protected from vulnerabilities. And to make those automated checks even more efficient, you can optimize caching and rewrite rules in your .htaccess file—effortlessly managed with HT Access—so your server isn’t bogged down during update routines. Thankfully, there are multiple ways to automate this process, including built-in WordPress features, plugins, and third-party management tools.

Using the Built-in WordPress Auto-Update Feature

Since WordPress 5.5, site owners can enable automatic updates for individual plugins directly through the admin dashboard.

  1. Log in to your WordPress admin area.
  2. Navigate to Plugins > Installed Plugins.
  3. Next to each plugin, click on the “Enable auto-updates” link.

This simple feature ensures that plugins receive updates as soon as they’re released. However, it offers limited control—updates happen whenever the developer pushes them, which might not always align with a site owner’s preferred schedule.

Scheduling Updates with a Plugin

To gain more control over when and how plugin updates occur, users can install plugins specifically designed for update management. A few popular choices include:

  • WP Crontrol – Allows for managing WordPress scheduled tasks (cron jobs).
  • Easy Updates Manager – A robust tool to enable, disable, and schedule updates for plugins, themes, and core.
  • Advanced Automatic Updates – Ideal for configuring update preferences with minimal configuration.

For example, with Easy Updates Manager, users can:

  • Schedule plugin updates during off-peak hours to minimize disruption.
  • Receive email notifications before or after updates.
  • Create rules for specific plugins or types of updates.

Using one of these plugins significantly enhances control over the update process and reduces risk.

Using WP-CLI and Cron Jobs

Advanced users can take things further by combining WP-CLI (WordPress Command Line Interface) with server-level cron jobs to schedule plugin updates. Here’s how this works:

  1. Install WP-CLI on your server.
  2. Write a cron job that runs the following command daily or weekly:
wp plugin update --all

This setup automatically updates all plugins on a predefined schedule. It requires hosting access and command-line knowledge but provides great automation and reliability.

Using Managed WordPress Hosting Services

Many managed hosting providers offer built-in tools for plugin and theme management. Platforms like WP Engine, Kinsta, and SiteGround often include features to schedule automatic updates, backup before changes, and test compatibility.

This hosting-level solution is ideal for non-technical users who want peace of mind with minimal effort.

Best Practices for Scheduled Updates

  • Backup regularly: Always create backups before any update to avoid loss in case of a conflict.
  • Test changes in staging: Use a staging environment to test plugin updates prior to applying them live.
  • Check plugin compatibility: Ensure updated plugins are compatible with the WordPress version and themes in use.
  • Monitor your site: Use uptime and activity logs to watch for errors after scheduled updates run.

Scheduling plugin updates doesn’t mean setting and forgetting. A good maintenance plan includes frequent check-ins to watch for errors.

FAQ

  • Q: Will scheduled plugin updates break my site?
    A: Most of the time, updates are safe. However, conflicts between plugins or themes can cause issues. Always back up before updates and test on staging when possible.
  • Q: Can I disable automatic updates for selected plugins?
    A: Yes. Through the WordPress admin panel or using a plugin like Easy Updates Manager, you can disable auto-updates for specific plugins.
  • Q: How do I know if a plugin was updated?
    A: WordPress logs updates, and many tools send email notifications post-update. You can also check the “Last Updated” column in the Plugins dashboard.
  • Q: What if a plugin update causes my site to crash?
    A: Use your site backup to restore. It’s also wise to update plugins on a staging site prior to changing your live site.
  • Q: Are scheduled plugin updates available for all WordPress sites?
    A: Yes, but the method varies depending on your hosting setup, technical skills, and site configuration.