How to Update WordPress Plugins in DirectAdmin

Keeping your WordPress plugins updated is essential for security, performance, and compatibility. If your website is hosted on DirectAdmin, you can manage plugin updates easily using different methods.

This guide walks you through the safest and most effective ways.

Why Plugin Updates Are Important

Updating plugins helps to:

• Fix security vulnerabilities

• Improve website speed and performance

• Ensure compatibility with the latest WordPress version

• Add new features and improvements

Method 1: Update Plugins via WordPress Dashboard (Recommended)

This is the easiest and safest method.

Steps:

1. Log in to your WordPress admin panel:

https://yourdomain.com/wp-admin

2. Navigate to:
   Dashboard → Updates

3. You will see available plugin updates

4. Select the plugins you want to update

5. Click:
   Update Plugins

Wait for the process to complete.

Method 2: Update Plugins via Installatron (DirectAdmin Feature)

If your hosting uses Installatron:

Steps:

1. Log in to DirectAdmin

2. Navigate to:
   Extra Features → Installatron Applications Installer

3. Click on your WordPress installation

4. Go to:
   Plugins / Manage Plugins

5. Select plugins to update

6. Click:
   Update

This method is useful for managing multiple WordPress sites.

Method 3: Manual Plugin Update via File Manager

Use this method if you cannot access WordPress admin.

Steps:

1. Download the latest plugin version from the official plugin source

2. Log in to DirectAdmin and go to:
   👉 System Info & Files → File Manager

3. Navigate to:

/domains/yourdomain.com/public_html/wp-content/plugins/

4. Locate the plugin folder you want to update

5. Delete or rename the old plugin folder

6. Upload the new plugin ZIP file

7. Extract the ZIP file

The plugin will now be updated.

Method 4: Update Plugins Using WP-CLI (Advanced Users)

If you have SSH access:

1. Connect via SSH

2. Navigate to your website directory:

cd domains/yourdomain.com/public_html

3. Update all plugins:

wp plugin update –all

Or update a specific plugin:

wp plugin update plugin-name

Important Precautions Before Updating

1. Backup Your Website

Always create a backup before updating:

• Files

• Database

2. Check Compatibility

Ensure plugins are compatible with:

• Your WordPress version

• Your theme

3. Use Staging (If Available)

Test updates on a staging site before applying to live site.

Common Issues & Fixes

Plugin breaks after update

• Restore backup

• Disable plugin via File Manager

Update fails

• Check file permissions

• Ensure enough disk space

• Increase PHP limits

White screen (Fatal Error)

• Rename plugin folder to deactivate it

• Check error logs in DirectAdmin

Best Practices

• Enable automatic updates for trusted plugins

• Remove unused plugins

• Update plugins regularly (weekly or bi-weekly)

• Use plugins from trusted sources only