How to Update a WordPress Plugin Manually Without Losing Settings

You can update a WordPress plugin manually without losing its settings when you replace only the plugin files and protect the database. The safest process is to back up the site, verify the new package, replace the existing plugin carefully and test the important features immediately.

Beginner visual action plan

The steps below turn the main advice into a simple process you can follow. Complete one step, check the expected result, and only then continue.

Before you start: Create a files-and-database backup before replacing plugin code.

Step 1: Create a restore point

Back up files and database and record the current plugin version.

What you should see: A successful dated backup should be visible before you continue.

Step 2: Check the new package

Confirm the ZIP is the correct plugin and read the changelog for compatibility or database notes.

What you should see: The package name and version should match the update you intend to install.

Step 3: Replace through WordPress

Upload the new ZIP and choose Replace current with uploaded after comparing versions.

What you should see: WordPress should report that the current plugin was replaced successfully.

Step 4: Test and keep rollback

Confirm the new version, clear caches and test forms, checkout and account functions.

What you should see: The plugin should be active, settings should remain and critical workflows should pass.

Why plugin settings usually remain after an update

Most well-built plugins store configuration in the WordPress database, while the plugin folder contains the PHP, JavaScript, CSS and other files that run the feature. Replacing those files usually leaves database settings intact. However, plugins differ, and direct edits inside a plugin folder will normally be overwritten.

WordPress’s official plugin management documentation recommends keeping plugins updated and making a current backup before updates because problems can occur.

Before you update the plugin manually

1. Create a complete backup

Back up both the WordPress files and database. A files-only backup cannot restore plugin settings stored in the database. If you manage several sites, consider a tool from our Backup & Migration category.

2. Check the current and new versions

Open Plugins → Installed Plugins and record the current version. Compare it with the version supplied in the update package. Read the developer’s changelog for database migrations, minimum PHP requirements and breaking changes.

3. Check the ZIP package

Confirm that the archive contains the plugin folder and main plugin file—not documentation, a theme or a complete marketplace bundle. Keep the original old ZIP if you have it; it can speed up rollback.

4. Remove direct code edits

If someone edited files inside the plugin directory, copy those changes to a private comparison file before updating. Reimplement necessary custom behavior through documented hooks, a snippets manager or a small site-specific plugin.

Method 1: Update with WordPress’s ZIP replacement screen

1. Go to Plugins → Add New → Upload Plugin.
2. Select the new plugin ZIP and click Install Now.
3. When WordPress detects the existing plugin, compare the current and uploaded versions.
4. Choose Replace current with uploaded only after confirming the package.
5. Return to Installed Plugins and confirm the plugin is active.

This method is convenient because WordPress handles the folder replacement. Do not close the browser or interrupt the installation while files are being replaced.

Method 2: Update manually with SFTP or File Manager

1. Extract the new plugin ZIP on your computer.
2. Connect with SFTP or open your host’s file manager.
3. Navigate to wp-content/plugins/.
4. Rename the current folder to something such as plugin-name-old.
5. Upload the new plugin folder using the original folder name.
6. Check the site and WordPress admin before deleting the temporary old folder.

WordPress documents SFTP installation as an advanced fallback. Renaming rather than immediately deleting the old folder creates a quick file-level rollback, but your database backup remains the most important protection.

Post-update checklist

• Confirm the plugin version under Installed Plugins.
• Open the plugin settings and confirm important values remain.
• Test forms, checkout, scheduled actions or other critical workflows.
• Clear WordPress, server, CDN and browser caches.
• Check the browser console and WordPress Site Health for errors.
• Keep the backup until the site has operated normally for a reasonable period.

What to do if the update breaks the site

Restore the backup or replace the new plugin folder with the previous version. If WordPress admin is inaccessible, rename the plugin folder through SFTP to deactivate it. Review the error log and compatibility requirements before retrying.

Browse WordPress Plugins on ThemeSite or contact us when you need help identifying the correct product package.