WordPress operations guide

Safe WordPress update runbook

An update is a controlled change: inventory, recoverable backup, staging test, small production window and rollback decision.

4 diagnostic facts3 controlled stages4 acceptance checks2 primary references

Diagnose before changing

  1. 01List core/theme/plugin versions
  2. 02Read changelogs and compatibility
  3. 03Confirm restore point
  4. 04Identify revenue-critical paths
  1. 01

    Back up first

    WordPress documentation recommends backing up before updates; include files and database and verify restore access.

  2. 02

    Test representative paths

    Use staging for login, forms, search, checkout, scheduled jobs and integrations.

  3. 03

    Deploy in order

    Update deliberately, clear relevant cache, inspect errors and stop when a dependency fails.

Acceptance gate

Prove the result

Record timestamp, tester and evidence for every check before closing the incident or change.

No PHP errors

Expected result documented and verified from the affected user path.

Pass / fail / blocked
Forms and login

Expected result documented and verified from the affected user path.

Pass / fail / blocked
Mobile layout

Expected result documented and verified from the affected user path.

Pass / fail / blocked
Monitoring stable

Expected result documented and verified from the affected user path.

Pass / fail / blocked

Primary references

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