Maintaining a WordPress site can feel like a never-ending task with updates, backups, and security to manage. But what if your website could handle most of it on its own? A self-updating WordPress site does just that—automating essential tasks like updates and backups to keep your website running smoothly with minimal effort. In this guide, we’ll show you how to set up a self-updating WordPress site, so you can spend less time on maintenance and more time on the fun stuff—like creating awesome content.
Automating WordPress Core, Theme, and Plugin Updates
Outdated software is the #1 gateway for hackers. By keeping everything updated, you’re blocking potential security vulnerabilities. Luckily, automating updates in WordPress is super easy:
1. Enable Automatic Updates for Core Files
Since WordPress 5.6, automatic updates for major releases can be enabled in a few clicks. Head to the Dashboard > Updates, and check the box for automatic updates.
2. Enable Plugin and Theme Updates
Go to Plugins > Installed Plugins and click “Enable Auto-Updates” next to the plugins. For themes, head to Appearance > Themes, click the desired theme, and look for the auto-update toggle.
3. Fine-Tune Updates with Code
Want more control? Add this snippet to your wp-config.php file:
define('WP_AUTO_UPDATE_CORE', true);Or use the functions.php file for granular control over plugins and themes:
add_filter( 'auto_update_plugin', '__return_true' );
add_filter( 'auto_update_theme', '__return_true' );Automating Backups
Automating updates is great, but what if something breaks? That’s where backups come in. Regular backups ensure you can roll back your website to a working version anytime.
1. Use a Backup Plugin
Free plugins like UpdraftPlus or BackWPup can schedule backups. You can set them to run daily, weekly, or monthly, depending on how frequently you update your website.
Tip: Store backups offsite. Link your backup plugin to cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or Microsoft OneDrive for added security.
2. cPanel/Hosting Backups
Many hosting providers offer automated backups. Check with your host to enable daily or weekly backups and download a backup occasionally for safekeeping.
Automating Database Cleanup
WordPress databases can get bloated over time with post revisions, spam comments, and other unnecessary data. Automate cleanups to keep things running smoothly.
You can install WP-Optimize as this handy plugin automatically cleans up post revisions, spam comments, and transient options. Schedule it to run weekly for consistent results.
Keeping an Eye on Security
While WordPress can’t completely defend itself, you can automate many security tasks:
1. Install a Security Plugin
Tools like Wordfence or Sucuri actively monitor for malware, block suspicious traffic, and send alerts for security issues.
2. Use a Web Application Firewall (WAF)
Enable a WAF through your hosting provider or a plugin like Cloudflare to block attacks automatically.
Automated Reporting
Want to stay updated on what’s happening with your self-maintaining website? Set up a plugin like ManageWP or InfiniteWP to send you regular reports about updates, backups, and security scans.
Wrapping Up
Setting up a self-updating WordPress site doesn’t mean you’ll never touch it again, but it drastically reduces the time spent on repetitive tasks. With automated updates, backups, and security in place, your website will practically run itself—leaving you to focus on content creation, marketing, or just kicking back with a coffee.
Keep in mind that automation isn’t about ignoring your website altogether; it’s about working smarter, not harder. Take the time to set up these tools, and future-you will thank you for it.
