How to Disable Automatic WordPress Updates Easily
Explanation
To stop WordPress from updating automatically, you can use some simple code snippets. Here's what each part does:
- Disable all automatic updates: The line
add_filter('automatic_updater_disabled', '__return_true');stops all automatic updates, including core, plugins, themes, and translations. - Disable core updates: The line
add_filter('auto_update_core', '__return_false');specifically prevents WordPress itself from updating automatically. - Disable plugin updates: The line
add_filter('auto_update_plugin', '__return_false');stops plugins from updating on their own. - Disable theme updates: The line
add_filter('auto_update_theme', '__return_false');prevents themes from auto-updating. - Disable translation updates: The line
add_filter('auto_update_translation', '__return_false');stops translation files from updating automatically. - Disable email notifications: The line
add_filter('auto_core_update_send_email', '__return_false');prevents WordPress from sending you emails about automatic updates.
Additionally, there's a function wp_dudecom_disable_auto_updates() that checks if the user has the right permissions to manage options. This is a security measure to ensure only authorized users can make these changes.
By adding these snippets to your WordPress site, you gain full control over when and how updates are applied, allowing you to manage them manually at your convenience.
Code
<?php
// Disable all automatic updates in WordPress
// Disable all core updates
add_filter('automatic_updater_disabled', '__return_true');
// Disable WordPress core updates
add_filter('auto_update_core', '__return_false');
// Disable plugin updates
add_filter('auto_update_plugin', '__return_false');
// Disable theme updates
add_filter('auto_update_theme', '__return_false');
// Disable translation updates
add_filter('auto_update_translation', '__return_false');
// Disable the email notifications for automatic updates
add_filter('auto_core_update_send_email', '__return_false');
// Ensure security by checking user capabilities
function wp_dudecom_disable_auto_updates() {
if (!current_user_can('manage_options')) {
return;
}
// Additional security measures or logging can be added here
}
add_action('admin_init', 'wp_dudecom_disable_auto_updates');
?>Instructions
To disable automatic WordPress updates, follow these steps:
File Location: You will need to edit the functions.php file of your active theme or create a custom plugin file.
Prerequisites: Ensure you have access to your WordPress site's file system, either via FTP or a file manager provided by your hosting service.
Implementation Steps:
- Access Your Site's Files: Use an FTP client or your hosting provider's file manager to access your WordPress installation files.
- Locate the
functions.phpFile: Navigate towp-content/themes/your-active-theme/and open thefunctions.phpfile for editing. - Backup the File: Before making any changes, create a backup of the
functions.phpfile to ensure you can restore it if needed. - Add the Code: Copy and paste the provided code snippet at the end of the
functions.phpfile. - Save Changes: Save the file and upload it back to the server if you are using an FTP client.
- Verify Changes: Log in to your WordPress admin dashboard and check that no automatic updates are occurring.
Note: If you prefer not to modify theme files, consider creating a custom plugin to house this code. This approach ensures your changes persist even if you switch themes.
If you need assistance with this implementation or require more advanced functionality, consider reaching out to wp-dude.com for expert WordPress support.