How to Manually Update WordPress Plugins via FTP: A Simple Guide

Last updated: February 8, 2026Reviewed date: February 8, 2026Reading time: 5 min read

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In this step-by-step guide, we will walk you through the process of manually updating WordPress plugins using FTP (File Transfer Protocol). This method can be a lifesaver when you encounter issues with automatic updates or need to update plugins on multiple websites. We'll break down each step in plain English, making it easy for anyone to follow along. Plus, we'll sprinkle in some SEO-optimized sentences...

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Severe symptoms, breathing difficulty, fainting, confusion, or rapidly worsening illness.
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Any symptom that feels urgent, unusual, or unsafe for the patient.

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In this step-by-step guide, we will walk you through the process of manually updating WordPress plugins using FTP (File Transfer Protocol). This method can be a lifesaver when you encounter issues with automatic updates or need to update plugins on multiple websites. We’ll break down each step in plain English, making it easy for anyone to follow along. Plus, we’ll sprinkle in some SEO-optimized sentences to boost visibility and accessibility for search engines.

How to Manually Update WordPress Plugins via FTP: A Simple Guide

1. Understanding the Basics: What is FTP? Let’s start with the basics. FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol. It’s a way to transfer files between your computer and your website’s server. Think of it as a bridge that allows you to access your website’s files and folders remotely.

SEO-optimized sentence: “FTP, short for File Transfer Protocol, serves as the bridge connecting your computer and your website’s server, making it easy to manage and update your website’s files.”

2. Preparing for the Update: Backup Your Website Before making any changes to your website, it’s crucial to create a backup. This ensures that you can restore your site to its previous state if anything goes wrong during the plugin update.

SEO-optimized sentence: “Creating a backup of your website is a smart move to safeguard your data and quickly recover from any unexpected issues that might arise during the update process.”

3. Obtain Your FTP Credentials To use FTP, you’ll need your FTP credentials, including the hostname, username, and password. You can usually find these details in your hosting account’s control panel or by contacting your hosting provider’s support.

SEO-optimized sentence: “Retrieve your FTP credentials, which typically include the hostname, username, and password, either from your hosting control panel or by reaching out to your hosting provider’s support.”

4. Download an FTP Client An FTP client is a software that allows you to connect to your website’s server and transfer files. There are many free and user-friendly FTP clients available. One popular option is FileZilla. Download and install the FTP client of your choice.

SEO-optimized sentence: “Choose an FTP client, such as FileZilla, to facilitate the connection between your computer and your website’s server. These tools are typically free and easy to use.”

5. Connect to Your Website Open your FTP client and enter the FTP credentials you obtained earlier. This will establish a connection between your computer and your website’s server. Once connected, you’ll see your website’s files and folders on the server.

SEO-optimized sentence: “After installing your chosen FTP client, enter the FTP credentials to initiate a secure connection between your computer and your website’s server, giving you access to your site’s files and folders.”

6. Locate Your Plugin Folder Now that you’re connected to your website, it’s time to find the plugin folder. This is where all your WordPress plugins are stored. Navigate to “wp-content” > “plugins.”

SEO-optimized sentence: “Head to the ‘wp-content’ folder on your server, and from there, find the ‘plugins’ folder where all your WordPress plugins are located.”

7. Deactivate the Plugin Before updating a plugin, it’s a good practice to deactivate it. This ensures that the plugin won’t cause any conflicts or issues during the update process. In your WordPress dashboard, go to “Plugins” and deactivate the plugin you want to update.

SEO-optimized sentence: “In your WordPress dashboard, navigate to ‘Plugins’ and deactivate the specific plugin you plan to update. This step prevents any potential conflicts during the update.”

8. Delete the Old Plugin With the plugin deactivated, it’s time to remove the old version. In your FTP client, find the plugin folder within “wp-content/plugins” and delete it. Don’t worry; you won’t lose any data by deleting the plugin folder. All your plugin settings and data are stored in the WordPress database, which remains intact.

SEO-optimized sentence: “Locate the old plugin folder within ‘wp-content/plugins’ using your FTP client and confidently delete it. Your plugin’s settings and data are securely stored in the WordPress database.”

9. Upload the New Plugin Download the latest version of the plugin from the WordPress Plugin Repository or the plugin developer’s website. Once downloaded, go back to your FTP client and upload the new plugin folder to the same location where you deleted the old one (“wp-content/plugins”).

SEO-optimized sentence: “Download the most recent version of the plugin from the WordPress Plugin Repository or the developer’s website, then use your FTP client to upload this new folder to the same location where you removed the old one, ‘wp-content/plugins.'”

10. Activate the Updated Plugin Now that the new plugin version is uploaded, head back to your WordPress dashboard. In the “Plugins” section, find the updated plugin and activate it. This will enable the new features and improvements.

SEO-optimized sentence: “In your WordPress dashboard’s ‘Plugins’ section, locate the updated plugin and click ‘Activate’ to unleash its new features and enhancements.”

11. Test Your Website After updating the plugin, it’s essential to test your website thoroughly. Check if everything is working as expected, including the plugin’s functionality. This step ensures that your site functions correctly with the new plugin version.

SEO-optimized sentence: “Perform a comprehensive test of your website to ensure that everything is functioning as intended, including the plugin’s features, for a seamless user experience.”

12. Clean Up: Remove Backup Files Once you’re confident that your site is working well with the updated plugin, you can clean up by removing any backup files you created in step 2. This frees up server space and helps maintain a tidy file structure.

SEO-optimized sentence: “To optimize server space and maintain a clutter-free file structure, consider removing the backup files you generated in the earlier step.”

13. Monitor for Updates Regularly check for plugin updates. Developers often release updates to improve security and add new features. Staying up-to-date is essential for a secure and fully functional website.

SEO-optimized sentence: “Stay proactive by monitoring for plugin updates, as developers frequently release them to enhance security and introduce exciting new features.”

Conclusion: Manual Plugin Updates Made Easy Updating WordPress plugins via FTP may seem daunting at first, but with this straightforward guide, you can confidently keep your website’s plugins up-to-date. Remember to create backups, use an FTP client, and follow each step carefully to ensure a smooth update process. By keeping your plugins current, you’ll have a more secure and feature-rich website.

SEO-optimized sentence: “By following this user-friendly guide to manually updating WordPress plugins via FTP, you can maintain a secure and feature-rich website with confidence.”

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Write when the problem started and how it changed.
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Questions to ask

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Safe first steps

Rest, drink safe water, and observe symptoms carefully.
Keep a written note of symptoms, duration, temperature, medicines already taken, and allergy history.
Seek medical care quickly if symptoms are severe, worsening, or unusual for the patient.

OTC medicine safety

For mild pain or fever, ask a registered pharmacist or doctor before using common over-the-counter pain/fever medicines.
Do not combine multiple pain medicines without advice, especially if you have kidney disease, liver disease, stomach ulcer, asthma, pregnancy, or take blood thinners.
Do not give adult medicines to children unless a qualified clinician advises it.

Avoid these mistakes

Do not start antibiotics without a proper medical decision.
Do not use steroid tablets or injections casually for quick relief.
Do not delay emergency care because of home remedies.

Get urgent help if

Severe symptoms, confusion, fainting, breathing difficulty, chest pain, severe dehydration, or sudden weakness need urgent medical care.

Medicine names, dose, and timing must be decided by a qualified clinician or pharmacist after checking age, pregnancy, allergy, other diseases, and current medicines.

For rural patients and family caregivers

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Write your symptoms, medicines already taken, test results, and questions before visiting a doctor. This note stays on your device unless you print or copy it.

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Tests to discuss with doctor

Basic vital signs: temperature, pulse, blood pressure, oxygen level if needed
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Questions to ask

What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
Which warning signs mean I should go to emergency care?
Which tests are really needed now?
Which medicines are safe for my age, pregnancy status, allergy, kidney/liver/stomach condition, and current medicines?

Emergency warning signs such as chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, sudden weakness, confusion, severe dehydration, major injury, or loss of bladder/bowel control need urgent medical care. Do not wait for online information.

Go to emergency care if you notice:

Severe or rapidly worsening symptoms
Breathing difficulty, chest pain, fainting, confusion, severe weakness, major injury, or severe dehydration

Doctor / service to discuss: Qualified healthcare provider; specialist depends on symptoms and examination.

Step 1
Check danger signs first
If danger signs are present, seek emergency care and do not wait for online information.
Step 2
Record the symptom story
Write when symptoms started, severity, medicines already taken, allergies, pregnancy status, and test results.
Step 3
Visit a qualified clinician
A doctor, nurse, or qualified healthcare provider can examine you and decide which tests or treatment are needed.
Step 4
Do only useful tests
Do tests after clinical assessment. Avoid unnecessary tests, random antibiotics, or repeated medicines without diagnosis.
Step 5
Follow up and return early if worse
If symptoms worsen, new warning signs appear, or treatment is not helping, return for review quickly.

Rural patient practical tips

Take a written symptom diary and all previous prescriptions/test reports.
Do not hide medicines already taken, even herbal or over-the-counter medicines.
Ask which warning signs mean urgent referral to hospital.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is this article a replacement for a doctor?

No. It is educational content only. Patients should consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment.

When should I seek urgent care?

Seek urgent care for severe symptoms, rapidly worsening condition, breathing difficulty, severe pain, neurological changes, or any emergency warning sign.

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How to Manually Update WordPress Plugins via FTP: A Simple Guide

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