Manual WordPress Update Using FTP (Safe Method)

What this problem is

If the built-in updater fails, you can update WordPress manually via FTP/File Manager.

Prerequisites

• Full backup (files + database)
• FTP or File Manager access
• Download the target WordPress version from wordpress.org

Diagnosis (when to use this method)

• Core update fails repeatedly
• Site stuck in maintenance mode
• Permissions prevent automatic updates

Detailed steps

Step 1) Download and extract WordPress

Extract locally to get wp-admin, wp-includes, and core files.

Step 2) Upload and replace core folders

1. On the server, delete or rename wp-admin and wp-includes.
2. Upload fresh wp-admin and wp-includes from the new package.
3. Upload remaining core files in the site root (overwrite allowed).
4. Do not overwrite wp-content and do not replace wp-config.php.

Step 3) Run database upgrade

Open:

https://example.com/wp-admin/upgrade.php

Follow prompts.

Expected results

• WordPress core updated successfully
• Dashboard accessible

What to do if it fails

• Restore from backup if the site breaks
• Check PHP version compatibility with the new WordPress version
• Disable plugins temporarily to complete the upgrade

Best practices

• Use staging for major version upgrades
• Update plugins/themes after the core update
• Keep backups and verify restore procedures