Skip to main content

Upgrading WordPress

  • Updated

Keeping WordPress Updated in MODX Cloud

WordPress is a popular tool for building websites, which also makes it a common target for hackers. To keep your site secure, it’s important to stay on the latest version of WordPress and keep all plugins updated. Updates fix security issues, bugs, and sometimes add new features.

Ways to Keep WordPress Up to Date

In MODX Cloud WordPress instances, you have a few ways to keep WordPress current:

  • Automatic Updates: WordPress generally handles updates on its own, especially for minor releases.
  • One-click Updates in the WordPress Admin: The built-in update feature lets you update WordPress and plugins with a couple of clicks.
  • Jetpack Plugin: Automate plugin updates and get access to additional security and performance tools.
  • WP-CLI: Use the command line via SSH to run updates manually.
  • Manual Update (not recommended): Only use this if other methods fail.

Check Your Current Version

To check your current version of WordPress, log in to your WordPress Admin and look at the bottom of the dashboard. Major version upgrades (e.g., from 4.x to 5.x) may affect your themes and plugins, so it's smart to test your site after updating.

Back Up First

Before updating, always create a backup using the MODX Cloud Backup feature. This ensures you can roll back if anything goes wrong during the update process.

Using WP-CLI in MODX Cloud

All MODX Cloud instances support SSH access. Here’s how to update WordPress using WP-CLI:

  1. Log in to your Cloud via SSH.
  2. Install WP-CLI with the command:
    sh -c "$(curl https://modx.co/scripts/install.sh)"
  3. After install, either:
    • Log out and back in, or
    • Run:
      source /paas/cXXXX/.profile
      (replace cXXXX with your Cloud ID)
  4. Update WordPress:
    wp core update
  5. Log in to your WordPress site to confirm the update worked.

Jetpack: Extra Help With Updates

Jetpack helps automate plugin updates and offers added features like security scanning and performance boosts. It’s free to start and requires a WordPress.com account.

Manual Update (Only If Needed)

If the other methods aren’t working or you run into issues, you can follow the official WordPress manual update guide. But honestly, the dashboard or WP-CLI methods are a lot easier and safer.

If you need help with updates or WP-CLI setup in MODX Cloud, don’t hesitate to reach out to MODX Support.

Related articles