Enable automatic updates separately for plugins, themes, and WordPress core: plugin and theme updates are switched on per item in the dashboard, while core updates have their own settings. Before enabling plugin or theme updates, make sure you have a recent backup and a way to restore the site if an update causes a problem.
Enable automatic updates for plugins
- In your WordPress dashboard, open Plugins.
- In the Automatic Updates column, select Enable auto-updates for each plugin you want WordPress to update.
- To manage several plugins at once, select them, choose the relevant bulk action, and apply it.
These per-plugin controls arrived in WordPress 5.5. WordPress.org documents that enabled plugin and theme auto-updates run twice per day by default; the dashboard indicates the time until the next scheduled update. WordPress also emails site owners about successful and failed update attempts. WordPress.org: Plugin and themes auto-updates and Manage Plugins.
Enable automatic updates for themes
- Open Appearance and select Themes.
- Choose a theme to view its details.
- Select Enable auto-updates. Repeat for each theme you want updated automatically.
The setting applies per theme, so enabling it for one theme does not enable it for the others. WordPress documents the twice-daily default schedule for enabled theme updates as well as plugin updates. WordPress.org: Plugin and themes auto-updates.
Configure WordPress core updates separately
Core updates do not use the individual plugin and theme switches. WordPress automatically applies minor maintenance and security updates by default. Major core releases can require an administrator setting, a configuration constant, or a filter, depending on how the site is configured. WordPress Developer Resources: Upgrading WordPress.
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Use the dashboard setting first
Open the dashboard’s core update controls to review or change the available automatic-update setting. If the choice is missing or does not behave as expected, the site may be managed by a host or configuration code. Check those controls before changing files.
Understand the WP_AUTO_UPDATE_CORE constant
For administrators managing wp-config.php, WordPress documents these values for WP_AUTO_UPDATE_CORE:
true: enables development, minor, and major core updates.false: disables core auto-updates.'minor': enables minor updates while disabling development and major updates.
Configuration behavior depends on the installation, and constants can override dashboard-controlled settings in documented cases. Do not add or change this constant without first confirming which core update classes you intend to allow and whether the host already manages the setting. See Upgrading WordPress and Editing wp-config.php.
Use filters only for a specific policy
Developers can use filters such as auto_update_plugin and auto_update_theme to control updates programmatically. This is an advanced approach for a specific site policy; most site owners should begin with the dashboard switches. WordPress documents the available update controls in its upgrade guidance.
Set up recovery before automating updates
WordPress recommends keeping backups before updates because an update can cause problems. Make sure backups run regularly, include the site data you need, and can actually be restored. Automation is useful only if you have a recovery path when a plugin, theme, or core change disrupts the site. WordPress.org: Plugin and themes auto-updates and Manage Plugins.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Check whether updates are working
Use Dashboard > Updates to review available core, plugin, and theme updates and install them manually when needed. The screen includes updates for active and inactive plugins and themes. WordPress.org: Dashboard Updates screen.
If scheduled updates fail or controls are missing, check these likely causes:
- WordPress version: Per-plugin and per-theme auto-update controls require WordPress 5.5 or newer.
- Host or plugin settings: A hosting provider or another plugin may have disabled or overridden the controls.
- WordPress Cron: Plugin and theme scheduled updates rely on WordPress Cron, so scheduling problems can prevent jobs from running.
- Connectivity: WordPress may be unable to contact
api.wordpress.org.
Open Tools > Site Health and review its status and background-update checks. It can report problems with background updates or contact with WordPress.org. WordPress.org: Site Health screen.
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