How to Disable WordPress Auto Updates
Stop unwanted automatic WordPress updates when you need tighter control over plugin, theme, and core changes.
Before you start
Step-by-step instructions
1. Understand what you are trying to stop
WordPress auto updates are not just one thing. You may be dealing with core auto updates, plugin auto updates, theme auto updates, or a mix of them.
If the real problem is plugin updates causing conflicts, disabling every kind of update may be broader than necessary.
2. Disable WordPress core auto updates in wp-config.php
If you want to stop automatic core updates, add the following line to wp-config.php.
define('AUTOMATIC_UPDATER_DISABLED', true);This disables the automatic updater system broadly, which is often the cleanest option when you want full manual control.
3. Add the setting in the correct place
Put the constant inside wp-config.php before the line that says That's all, stop editing!
define('AUTOMATIC_UPDATER_DISABLED', true);
/* That's all, stop editing! Happy publishing. */Putting the code in the normal config area keeps the file clear and avoids confusion later.
4. Disable only plugin auto updates if that is the real problem
If plugin auto updates are the main issue, use a filter instead of disabling everything blindly.
add_filter('auto_update_plugin', '__return_false');Add this through a safe snippets method or a child theme, not by editing the parent theme directly.
5. Disable only theme auto updates if needed
If theme updates are the main source of unexpected changes, use the theme-specific filter instead.
add_filter('auto_update_theme', '__return_false');Useful when theme updates overwrite custom styling, child theme assumptions, or site-specific design behavior.
6. Do not forget manual update responsibility
Once auto updates are disabled, someone must check updates manually on a regular basis.
You gain control, but you also take responsibility for applying security and compatibility updates yourself.
7. Recheck after WordPress or hosting changes
After major plugin changes, hosting migrations, or maintenance work, check that the intended update behavior is still the same.
Sites often accumulate many settings over time, and update behavior can become unclear without checking it deliberately.
When disabling auto updates makes sense
Manual control is often better when updates need to be tested first.
Unexpected updates may create conflicts that are easier to avoid with scheduled manual maintenance.
Production sites often need controlled maintenance windows instead of silent automatic changes.
Disabling auto updates makes it easier to test updates first and apply them intentionally later.
Common mistakes
The site can become outdated or vulnerable if no one checks updates later.
If only plugin auto updates are causing issues, disabling the entire updater may be broader than necessary.
wp-config.php constants and PHP filters belong in the correct places, not scattered randomly across theme files.
Disabling auto updates delays change. It does not remove the need to manage plugin and theme compatibility properly.
About this guide
This guide shows how to disable WordPress auto updates safely when unexpected updates are causing plugin conflicts, theme problems, or maintenance headaches. It focuses on practical control using wp-config.php and filters, so you can decide whether to stop core updates only or also disable plugin and theme auto updates.
How to follow this guide
- Decide whether you want to stop core updates only or all auto updates.
- Back up wp-config.php before editing it.
- Add the correct wp-config.php constant or filter code.
- Understand the difference between core, plugin, and theme auto updates.
- Check the site later so updates do not silently fall behind without monitoring.
Why use this method?
Auto updates are convenient, but they can also trigger plugin conflicts, theme breakage, or unexpected changes on live sites. Disabling them selectively gives you more control over when updates happen and lets you test changes before pushing them to production.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does disabling auto updates stop WordPress from being updated manually?
No. You can still update WordPress, plugins, and themes manually whenever you choose.
Should I disable all WordPress auto updates on every site?
Not always. It depends on how carefully the site is maintained and whether automatic updates are causing problems.
What is the difference between core updates and plugin updates?
Core updates affect WordPress itself, while plugin updates affect the added features installed on the site.
What is the biggest risk of disabling auto updates?
The site may fall behind on security or compatibility updates if no one checks and updates it manually later.