Introduction:
Keeping your WordPress site up to date is one of the most important things you can do for security and performance. While many users know how to install themes, fewer know the right way to update WordPress theme without breaking their site.
In this article, we’ll explain not just the steps, but also why updates matter, how to update WordPress itself, when to manually update WordPress themes, and best practices for US businesses and bloggers.
Why Updating WordPress Themes Matters
Outdated themes can cause:
-
Security vulnerabilities
-
Plugin conflicts
-
Slow performance
-
Broken design after WordPress updates
By keeping your WordPress theme updated, you protect your website and ensure a smooth user experience.
How to Update WordPress Theme Automatically
-
Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
-
Go to Appearance > Themes.
-
If an update is available, click Update Now.
This is the easiest way to update WordPress theme.
How to Manually Update WordPress Themes
Sometimes automatic updates don’t work, or you’re using a premium theme. In that case:
-
Download the latest version of the theme from the developer.
-
Go to Appearance > Themes > Add New > Upload Theme.
-
Upload the new ZIP file and replace the old version.
-
Or use FTP to replace files in the
/wp-content/themes/folder.
This is what we mean by manually update WordPress themes.
Don’t Forget: Update WordPress Core Too
It’s not just themes—your whole site needs updates. Knowing how to update WordPress itself is critical for security, speed, and compatibility.
To do this, go to Dashboard > Updates and click Update Now.
Tips for Safe Theme Updates
-
Always back up your site before updating
-
Use a child theme for customizations
-
Test updates on a staging site first
-
Delete unused themes to improve security
Final Thoughts
Updating your WordPress theme regularly ensures your site runs smoothly, looks modern, and stays safe. Whether you use automatic updates or prefer to manually update WordPress themes, the process is quick and essential.