Plugin Issues

Manually Updating WordPress Plugins via FTP: A Step-by-Step Guide

June 27, 2026 5 mins read 15 views

Are you struggling with updating a WordPress plugin and encountering errors or issues that prevent you from doing so through the WordPress dashboard? This can be frustrating, especially when you’re trying to ensure your website remains secure and up-to-date with the latest plugin versions. Manually updating a WordPress plugin via FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is a viable solution when the standard update process fails. In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of manually updating a WordPress plugin using FTP, helping you overcome any obstacles and keep your plugins current.

What Causes This Issue

Before diving into the solution, it’s helpful to understand why you might need to manually update a WordPress plugin in the first place. Several factors can lead to this situation, including but not limited to, poor internet connectivity, server issues, plugin incompatibility, or even file permission problems. Sometimes, a plugin might be badly coded or could have been modified in such a way that it no longer updates correctly through the WordPress update system. Understanding the root cause can help in preventing future occurrences, but for now, let’s focus on the immediate fix.

Preparation Steps

Before you start the manual update process, ensure you have the following ready:

  • A backup of your WordPress site. This is crucial in case anything goes wrong during the update process.
  • FTP client software installed on your computer. Popular choices include FileZilla, Cyberduck, and WinSCP.
  • The latest version of the plugin you wish to update, downloaded from the WordPress plugin repository or the plugin author’s website.
  • Your FTP login credentials, which can usually be found in your website’s control panel or obtained from your web hosting provider.

Step-by-Step Guide to Manually Update a WordPress Plugin via FTP

Now, let’s proceed with the manual update process. Follow these steps carefully:

  1. Connect to your website via FTP: Open your FTP client, enter your FTP login credentials (host, username, password, and port), and connect to your website. The host is usually your website’s URL, and the port is often 21 for FTP connections.
  2. Navigate to the plugins directory: Once connected, navigate to the wp-content/plugins directory. This is where all your WordPress plugins are stored.
  3. Locate the plugin to update: Find the folder of the plugin you want to update. Plugin folders are usually named after the plugin, so it should be easy to identify.
  4. Download the current plugin folder to your computer: As a precaution, download the entire plugin folder to your computer. This will serve as a backup in case you need to revert any changes.
  5. Delete the plugin folder from your website: Carefully delete the plugin folder from your website. This will remove the outdated version of the plugin.
  6. Upload the new plugin version: Extract the downloaded plugin zip file to your computer. Then, upload the extracted plugin folder to the wp-content/plugins directory on your website, replacing the old version.
  7. Check for any changes in the plugin files: If the plugin author has made significant changes, you might need to update your WordPress files or database accordingly. Check the plugin’s documentation for any specific instructions.

Using FTP to Update a Plugin: Example

Let’s say you’re updating a plugin named “example-plugin”. The process would involve:

ftp> cd wp-content/plugins
ftp> get example-plugin example-plugin
ftp> delete example-plugin
ftp> put /local/path/to/new/example-plugin example-plugin

Note: The exact FTP commands may vary depending on your FTP client software.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

During the manual update process, you might encounter issues such as file permission errors or failed uploads. Here are some troubleshooting tips:

  • File permission errors: Ensure that your FTP user has the correct permissions to read and write files in the WordPress directory. Typically, file permissions should be set to 644 for files and 755 for directories.
  • Failed uploads: Check your internet connection and ensure that the plugin files are not corrupted. Try uploading the files in binary mode if your FTP client supports it.

Prevention Tips

To minimize the need for manual updates in the future, consider the following prevention tips:

  • Regularly update your plugins: Keep an eye on plugin updates and apply them as soon as they become available to prevent compatibility issues.
  • Use a reliable web hosting service: A good web hosting service can provide better server performance and reduce the likelihood of update failures.
  • Monitor your website’s health: Regularly check your website for errors and address them promptly to prevent issues from escalating.

Conclusion

Manually updating a WordPress plugin via FTP is a straightforward process that can help you overcome update failures and keep your website secure and up-to-date. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you should be able to successfully update your plugins even when the standard update process fails. Remember to always backup your website before making any changes and to follow best practices to prevent future issues. With these tips and a bit of patience, you’ll be able to manually update your WordPress plugins with ease.

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