{"id":13634,"date":"2026-01-07T09:30:11","date_gmt":"2026-01-07T09:30:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.copebusiness.com\/?p=13634"},"modified":"2026-02-06T14:10:01","modified_gmt":"2026-02-06T14:10:01","slug":"update-wordpress-version","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.copebusiness.com\/es\/wordpress\/actualizacion-wordpress-version\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Check and Update WordPress Version to the Latest (Step-by-Step)"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"13634\" class=\"elementor elementor-13634\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-1a5c8548 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"1a5c8548\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-732becde\" data-id=\"732becde\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d07a1eb elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"d07a1eb\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Keeping your WordPress site updated is crucial for security, performance, and accessing new features. Outdated versions are vulnerable to hacks, which can lead to data loss, downtime, or SEO penalties from search engines. In 2026, WordPress releases frequent updates, including major versions with enhancements like better block editing and AI tools. At Cope Business, we emphasize timely updates during our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.copebusiness.com\/technical-seo-services\/technical-seo-audit-service\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.copebusiness.com\/technical-seo-services\/technical-seo-audit-service\/\">technical SEO audit services<\/a> to protect client sites and maintain optimal rankings. This guide shows you how to check your current version and update safely, with tips to avoid issues.<\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_84 ez-toc-wrap-left counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">On this page<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Alternar tabla de contenidos\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #0a0a0a;color:#0a0a0a\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #0a0a0a;color:#0a0a0a\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.copebusiness.com\/es\/wordpress\/actualizacion-wordpress-version\/#Why_Update_WordPress_Regularly\" >Why Update WordPress Regularly?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.copebusiness.com\/es\/wordpress\/actualizacion-wordpress-version\/#How_to_Check_Your_Current_WordPress_Version\" >How to Check Your Current WordPress Version<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.copebusiness.com\/es\/wordpress\/actualizacion-wordpress-version\/#How_to_Update_WordPress_Safely\" >How to Update WordPress Safely<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.copebusiness.com\/es\/wordpress\/actualizacion-wordpress-version\/#Troubleshooting_Common_Update_Issues\" >Troubleshooting Common Update Issues<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.copebusiness.com\/es\/wordpress\/actualizacion-wordpress-version\/#Best_Practices_After_Updating\" >Best Practices After Updating<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.copebusiness.com\/es\/wordpress\/actualizacion-wordpress-version\/#FAQs_on_WordPress_Updates\" >FAQs on WordPress Updates<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whether you&#8217;re a beginner or managing multiple sites, regular updates keep your WordPress secure and efficient.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Update_WordPress_Regularly\"><\/span>Why Update WordPress Regularly?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Security Fixes<\/strong>: Patches vulnerabilities exploited by hackers.<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>New Features<\/strong>: Access modern tools like full-site editing or improved accessibility.<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Performance Improvements<\/strong>: Faster loading and better compatibility.<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Bug Fixes<\/strong>: Resolves issues that could break your site.<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>SEO Benefits<\/strong>: Updated sites perform better in search algorithms.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Neglecting updates risks breaches\u2014over 90% of hacked WordPress sites are outdated.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Check_Your_Current_WordPress_Version\"><\/span>How to Check Your Current WordPress Version<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before updating, confirm your version.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Method 1: From the Dashboard<\/h3>\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Log into wp-admin.<\/li>\n\n<li>Look at the footer: \u00abThank you for creating with WordPress\u00bb followed by the version number.<\/li>\n\n<li>Or go to <strong>Dashboard &gt; Updates<\/strong>\u2014it shows your current version and available updates.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Method 2: Via the Site Health Tool<\/h3>\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Navigate to <strong>Tools &gt; Site Health<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n<li>In the \u00abStatus\u00bb tab, check the WordPress section for your version.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Method 3: Manually in Files<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Via FTP or hosting file manager, open wp-includes\/version.php and find $wp_version.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If outdated, proceed to update immediately.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Update_WordPress_Safely\"><\/span>How to Update WordPress Safely<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">WordPress offers automatic and manual options\u2014always backup first.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 1: Back Up Your Site<\/h3>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Use plugins like UpdraftPlus for full backups (files + database).<\/li>\n\n<li>Store off-site (e.g., Google Drive).<\/li>\n\n<li>Test restores to ensure viability.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Automatic Updates (Recommended for Minor Releases)<\/h3>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>In <strong>Settings &gt; General<\/strong>, enable auto-updates if available (WordPress 5.5+).<\/li>\n\n<li>For core: Add to wp-config.php:<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-code\"><code>define('WP_AUTO_UPDATE_CORE', 'minor');<\/code><\/pre>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Plugins\/Themes: Enable in <strong>Plugins &gt; Installed Plugins<\/strong> or via code.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Automatic keeps you secure without effort, but monitor for conflicts.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Manual Updates (For Major Releases)<\/h3>\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Go to <strong>Dashboard &gt; Updates<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n<li>Click \u00abUpdate Now\u00bb if available.<\/li>\n\n<li>WordPress downloads, installs, and optimizes the database automatically.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If the button is missing, check for hosting restrictions or errors.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Troubleshooting_Common_Update_Issues\"><\/span>Troubleshooting Common Update Issues<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Update Fails Mid-Way<\/strong>: Increase PHP memory limit in wp-config.php: define(&#8216;WP_MEMORY_LIMIT&#8217;, &#8216;256M&#8217;);.<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Maintenance Mode Stuck<\/strong>: Delete the .maintenance file via FTP.<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>White Screen After Update<\/strong>: Deactivate plugins via FTP (rename plugins folder).<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Database Errors<\/strong>: Repair via wp-admin (add define(&#8216;WP_ALLOW_REPAIR&#8217;, true); to wp-config.php).<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Compatibility Problems<\/strong>: Test updates on a staging site first.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If issues persist, roll back using your backup or plugins like WP Rollback.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Best_Practices_After_Updating\"><\/span>Best Practices After Updating<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Clear cache (browser and site-level).<\/li>\n\n<li>Test key features (forms, plugins, themes).<\/li>\n\n<li>Check for broken links or layout issues.<\/li>\n\n<li>Monitor performance with tools like GTmetrix.<\/li>\n\n<li>Update PHP version if needed for compatibility.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For optimal post-update performance, consider our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.copebusiness.com\/technical-seo-services\/wordpress-speed-optimization-services\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.copebusiness.com\/technical-seo-services\/wordpress-speed-optimization-services\">WordPress speed optimization services<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<section class=\"faq-wrap\">\n<h2 class=\"faq-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQs_on_WordPress_Updates\"><\/span>FAQs on WordPress Updates<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<div class=\"faq-row\">\n<div class=\"faq-toggle\"><span class=\"faq-q\">How Often Should I Update?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"faq-content\">\n<p>Check weekly; enable auto-minor updates for security.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"faq-row\">\n<div class=\"faq-toggle\"><span class=\"faq-q\">What If an Update Breaks My Site?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"faq-content\">\n<p>Rollback with backups; test on staging first.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"faq-row\">\n<div class=\"faq-toggle\"><span class=\"faq-q\">Is It Safe to Auto-Update Everything?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"faq-content\">\n<p>For minor\/core: Yes. Plugins\/themes: Test if critical.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"faq-row\">\n<div class=\"faq-toggle\"><span class=\"faq-q\">Why Keep WordPress Updated?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"faq-content\">\n<p>Keeping WordPress updated is a simple yet powerful way to maintain security and performance.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<p><script>\ndocument.addEventListener(\"DOMContentLoaded\", function () {\n  document.querySelectorAll(\".faq-toggle\").forEach(toggle => {\n    toggle.addEventListener(\"click\", function () {\n      this.parentElement.classList.toggle(\"active\");\n    });\n  });\n});\n<\/script><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Need help with updates, audits, or resolving issues? <a href=\"https:\/\/www.copebusiness.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.copebusiness.com\/\">Contact Cope Business<\/a> for a free technical SEO consultation\u2014we&#8217;ll ensure your site stays current and optimized.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Keeping your WordPress site updated is crucial for security, performance, and accessing new features. 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