Disable Automatic Updates in WordPress

WordPress can update itself automatically, which keeps your site secure and up to date with the latest fixes and features. However, you may prefer to decide for yourself when updates are installed, for example, so you can test them first.

In this guide, you’ll learn what automatic updates are, when it makes sense to turn them off, and three easy ways to do it.

WordPress built-in settings, a plugin, and code.

What Are WordPress Automatic Updates?

Automatic updates let WordPress check for and install new versions without you doing anything. By default, WordPress automatically installs minor core releases (security and maintenance updates). Automatic updates for plugins and themes are turned off by default, but you can turn them on for each one.

Automatic updates save time, but some site owners prefer updating manually so they can check everything works afterwards.

Updating manually means you’re around to fix things quickly if something goes wrong.

Why Disable Automatic WordPress Updates?

Automatic updates are usually safe, but occasionally an update can conflict with another plugin, your theme, or custom code on your site. In rare cases, this can break part of your site or take it offline. If you want to test updates first (for example, on a staging site), turning off automatic updates gives you that control. In such cases, having a backup to restore your website is crucial.

Method 1: Turn Off Automatic Updates From Your Dashboard (No Plugin or Code)

Since WordPress 5.5, you can turn automatic updates on or off for each plugin and theme right from your dashboard. This is the easiest method and works well for most sites.

For Plugins

1. Go to Plugins → Installed Plugins.
2. Find the plugin and look at the Automatic Updates column on the right.
3. Click Disable auto-updates. If you see Enable auto-updates instead, automatic updates are already turned off for that plugin.

Tip: To change several plugins at once, tick the checkbox next to each one, choose Disable Auto-updates from the Bulk actions dropdown, and click Apply.

For Themes

1. Go to Appearance → Themes.
2. Click on the theme to open its details.
3. Click Disable auto-updates.

Note for Astra Pro users: Premium plugins like Astra Pro are not hosted on WordPress.org, so the auto-update link only appears next to the plugin when a new version is available. You can learn more in our guide on Auto Update Plugin Support.

This method only covers plugins and themes. To control WordPress core updates, use Method 2 or Method 3 below.

Tip: Always take a full backup before updating anything.

A major update may also change how something looks or works, and you may want time to get familiar with it before it goes live on your site.

Note: Turning off updates completely is not recommended. Updates often fix security issues, so if you disable them, remember to update manually on a regular schedule.

Method 2: Disable Automatic Updates Using a Plugin

You can disable automatic updates with the help of the Easy Updates Manager plugin.

Go to Plugins → Add New Plugin, search for Easy Updates Manager, then click Install Now and Activate.

After activating, go to Dashboard → Updates Options.

On the settings page, you’ll see a Disable all updates toggle. Turn it on only if you want to stop all updates completely.

Note: This option stops all updates and update notices, so you won’t know when security fixes are available. For most sites, we recommend the option below instead.

A safer setup is to turn off automatic updates for plugins and themes, while keeping automatic updates on for WordPress core security releases.

Method 3: Disable Automatic Updates Using Code (Advanced)

Open your wp-config.php file (using your hosting File Manager or FTP) and add this line just above the line that says /* That's all, stop editing! Happy publishing. */

define( 'WP_AUTO_UPDATE_CORE', false );

Also worth adding the safer alternative, which keeps security updates on:

define( 'WP_AUTO_UPDATE_CORE', 'minor' );

This stops WordPress core from updating automatically. It does not affect plugins or themes.
To stop plugin and theme auto-updates, add the code below using a code snippets plugin or a child theme’s functions.php file.

Go to Appearance → Theme File Editor (or Tools → Theme File Editor if you’re using a block theme).

To disable automatic plugin updates, add the following code.

add_filter( 'auto_update_plugin', '__return_false' );

To disable automatic updates for themes, add the following code.

add_filter( 'auto_update_theme', '__return_false' );

To turn off automatic updates for both plugins and themes, add both lines.

Please note that whether you use automatic or manual updates, keeping your site backed up regularly is important.

Still Seeing Automatic Updates?

Some managed WordPress hosts run their own automatic updates, separate from WordPress settings. If your site keeps updating after following this guide, check your hosting dashboard for an auto-update option, or contact your hosting provider.

We hope this document has been helpful. Still have questions? Our support team is happy to help.