How to Update WordPress Using SSH Terminal
You update WordPress using the SSH terminal by executing specific WP-CLI commands to manage your site’s core, themes, and plugins directly from your server.
WP-CLI is a powerful command-line interface designed for WordPress, allowing you to perform administrative tasks without the graphical user interface.
This method is crucial when automatic updates fail or if you require precise control over your WordPress version, especially when working with the latest releases like WordPress 6.5.
You can initiate a core WordPress update with a single command, such as `wp core update`, giving you direct manipulation of your site’s files and database.
Update WordPress using SSH by executing WP-CLI commands. Back up your database and content first. Then, use `wp core update` to update WordPress core and `wp plugin update –all` for plugins.
How to backup WordPress database
Backing up your WordPress database before you update using SSH is a smart first step. This creates a copy of all your site’s important information, like posts and comments, so you can restore it if anything goes wrong during the update process. Use the command: sudo mysqldump -u root -p wp_database > wp_database.sql.
sudo mysqldump -u root -p wp_database > wp_database.sql
Replace wp_database with the actual name of the WordPress database you want to back up. If you have a plugin that can back up WordPress content, use that before proceeding.
How to backup WordPress content
Backing up your WordPress content before updating WordPress using SSH ensures all your website's files are safe. This backup includes themes and plugins, protecting your data in case issues arise during the update process. You can copy your WordPress files using a command like: `sudo rsync -Waq /var/www/wordpress /path/to/backup/directory/`.
To do that, run the commands below.
sudo rsync -Waq /var/www/wordpress /path/to/backup/directory/
After backing up your WordPress database and content, you’re ready to start the upgrade. The next step is to delete the existing wp-admin and wp-includes folders.
Delete WordPress wp-includes and wp-admin folders.
Next, you’ll delete the existing wp-admin and wp-include directories.
sudo rm -rf /var/www/wordpress/wp-includes sudo rm -rf /var/www/wordpress/wp-admin
After deleting WordPress’s existing folders for wp-admin and wp-includes, download the updated WordPress content.
How to Download WordPress content
To download the latest WordPress content, run the commands below. Once the content is downloaded, use the following command to extract it.
cd /tmp/ && wget https://wordpress.org/latest.zip
Then, unzip the downloaded content.
unzip latest.zip
Replace WordPress content with the latest
After backing up your WordPress site, you can replace your old files with the latest version using an SSH terminal command. This command moves the new files to the correct place on your server, making sure your site is up-to-date. Run this command to update your site’s files: sudo mv /tmp/wordpress/* /var/www/wordpress.
sudo mv /tmp/wordpress/* /var/www/wordpress
After copying the files, open your browser and navigate to your WordPress site’s URL to initiate the upgrade.
http://www.example.com/wp-admin/upgrade.php
Replace www.example.com in the URL with your domain name.
After a brief moment, your WordPress site should be updated with the latest files. You can then log in to see the changes.
That’s it!
Conclusion:
This post showed you how to upgrade WordPress. Please use the comment form below if you find any errors or have something to add.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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