Waiting for WordPress to automatically check for plugin updates can leave your site exposed to bugs, performance issues, or even security vulnerabilities.
A missed update, especially one that includes a critical fix, can cause unexpected problems, and if you manage several websites, relying on scheduled checks becomes even more frustrating.
Luckily, you don’t have to wait. You can manually force WordPress to check for plugin updates whenever you need.
In this blog, you’ll learn simple, effective ways to force check WordPress plugin updates using built-in features, plugins, or quick manual methods, so you can stay ahead of potential issues and keep your site running smoothly.
Let’s get started!
Why You Might Need to Force Plugin Updates in WordPress?
Forcing plugin updates in WordPress can be useful in several situations, especially when you want to ensure that your site is always running the latest, most secure, and most compatible versions of plugins.
Here’s why someone might want to force plugin updates:
1. Security Reasons
Some updates patch critical vulnerabilities. If a plugin has a known security issue, delaying the update could leave your site open to attacks. Forcing an update ensures you immediately apply these security fixes.
2. Bug Fixes
Plugin authors often fix bugs in newer versions. If you’re experiencing an issue that’s been resolved in an update, forcing the update can quickly apply the fix even before WordPress runs its routine update checks.
3. Bypass Delayed Update Checks
WordPress doesn’t check for plugin updates constantly; it does so at intervals (typically every 12 hours). If you’re testing a plugin or have just released an update, you may want to force WordPress to check and apply the update right away.
4. Staging or Development Environments
If you’re testing a new plugin version in a staging or local environment, forcing updates helps simulate real-world conditions and ensures you’re always working with the latest code.
5. Managing Multiple Sites (Multisite or Agencies)
When managing several WordPress websites, you might want to automate or speed up the update process to reduce manual effort. Forcing updates can help keep all sites in sync with the latest plugin versions.
6. Update Custom or Manually Installed Plugins
Sometimes developers push updates to plugins that aren’t hosted in the WordPress plugin repository (e.g., premium or custom plugins). Forcing an update check ensures these get recognized and updated, especially if their update system relies on manual triggers.
How to Force Check WordPress Plugin Updates (Working Methods)
WordPress checks for plugin updates using a specific method that involves background checks, update servers, and temporary storage.
Knowing how and when WordPress looks for updates helps you keep your plugins secure and up to date.
Method 1: Using the WordPress Dashboard
The simplest way to force a plugin update check is through the WordPress dashboard. First, log in as an admin and go to the Dashboard > Updates page.
Then click the “Check Again” link to prompt an update scan.
This is helpful if you know there have been new releases, but they aren’t yet showing up.
Having trouble making changes to your theme? Check out our guide: Can’t Edit Theme in WordPress? 13 Ways to Fix It [SOLVED]
Method 2: Managing WordPress Updates Using a Plugin
Using a plugin like Easy Updates Manager makes it easier to control updates on your WordPress site.
You can manage updates for plugins, themes, and even WordPress core from one place.
To get started, go to your WordPress dashboard. Next, navigate to Plugins and select Add Plugin.
Search for Easy Updates Manager.
Next, click on Install Now and then Activate.
After activating, find the Update Options in your admin menu.
Here, you can set up how you want updates to work. You can turn on or off updates for each plugin and theme. You can also enable or disable automatic updates for the WordPress core.
To make WordPress check for updates immediately in the Easy Updates Manager panel, look for the Advanced tab.
Click on Force Updates
Then hit the “Force WordPress to check for updates” button.
This method is helpful for both beginners and advanced users.
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Method 3: Using WP-CLI
If you’re comfortable with the command line and want more control over plugin updates, you can use WP-CLI, a powerful tool for managing WordPress from your server.
Before working with codes on your site, it is advisable to take a backup of your website. Here’s a step-by-step guide on How to Backup WordPress Website.
To check for plugin updates without actually installing them, run this command:
wp plugin update --all --dry-runNote: This is an advanced method and requires SSH access to your server and WP-CLI installed on your hosting environment.
Once you’re ready to install the updates, you can run:
wp plugin update --allThis will update all plugins at once directly from the terminal.
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Wrapping Up
Knowing how to force check WordPress plugin updates helps keep your site secure and running smoothly.
As you’ve seen, it’s not a complex process, just a matter of choosing the method that fits your workflow, whether that’s through the dashboard, a plugin like Easy Updates Manager, or even WP-CLI.
Taking this proactive approach ensures your plugins are always up to date, minimizing bugs, closing security gaps, and improving performance.
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Just like keeping your plugins updated, choosing the right tools from the start can make a big difference in how your website performs and grows.
FAQs on Forcing WordPress to Check for Plugin Updates
Why isn’t WordPress showing the latest plugin updates?
WordPress may not display the latest updates due to caching issues, failed update checks, outdated core files, or API communication errors. Clearing caches and manually checking for updates usually resolves the issue.
How often does WordPress check for plugin updates automatically?
By default, WordPress checks for plugin updates every 12 hours. However, you can manually force a check if you don’t want to wait.
What should I do if forcing an update still doesn’t show anything?
If updates don’t show even after forcing a check, try clearing browser, site, and server caches. Also, ensure your WordPress version and server time are up to date. Deactivating conflicting plugins can also help.
Is it safe to force plugin updates on a live site?
It’s generally safe, but it’s best to create a backup before updating plugins, especially on a live site. This ensures you can restore your site if something goes wrong after an update.
Can I force updates on a multisite network?
Yes, but you’ll need to network activate update management plugins like Easy Updates Manager to control updates across all subsites.
