Plugins and Updates
Plugins add features to WordPress, like forms, SEO, galleries, and online stores. Updates keep WordPress, your theme, and plugins secure and working.
✅ Safe to do
Section titled “✅ Safe to do”- Look around. Viewing Plugins → Installed Plugins won’t change anything.
- Use a plugin’s normal settings for everyday tasks it’s meant for (viewing form entries, editing SEO titles, etc.).
- Tell us when you see a red update bubble or a warning message.
⚠️ Check with us first
Section titled “⚠️ Check with us first”- Updating plugins, themes, or WordPress core. Updates are usually fine, but occasionally one breaks something. If we maintain your site, we handle updates and test them for you.
- Installing a new plugin. Every plugin adds code to your site. Some are slow, abandoned, or conflict with what’s already there. We’re happy to recommend one.
- Changing anything under Settings, especially Settings → Permalinks and Settings → Reading. These affect every page on your site.
⛔ Please don’t
Section titled “⛔ Please don’t”- Deactivate or delete plugins you don’t recognize. Many work behind the scenes (security, caching, backups) and the site may break without them.
- Edit theme or plugin files (Appearance → Theme File Editor or Plugins → Plugin File Editor). One typo can take the whole site offline.
- Switch themes (Appearance → Themes). This changes the entire look and layout of your site.
If an update breaks something
Section titled “If an update breaks something”Don’t panic, and don’t keep clicking. Write down what you updated and when, take a screenshot of any error, and contact support. With a recent backup, it can be rolled back.