Before updating a live WordPress installation, note the functions your team uses every day and check your recovery options.
Check that the backup can be restored
Files and the database should belong to the same point in time. Keep a copy outside the server and understand the restore steps. Where possible, test restoration in a separate environment.
Review the changes
Record WordPress, theme and plugin versions. Check paid-product licences and developer release notes. Include new settings or data conversion steps in your plan.
Prepare a short workflow check list
- Administrator login and roles
- Contact forms and notifications
- Search and content pages
- Shopping cart, checkout and order screens where present
- Uploads and external connections
Run the same checks before and after the update. That makes it easier to identify whether a problem existed beforehand.
Keep testing separate from live activity
Review connections that might send notifications to real customers. Keep test users and orders separate and check access and indexing settings for the test environment.
Review the result
Check important pages on different devices, review caches and error logs, and record the update date. If something fails, narrow down the cause before making further changes.