Automate WordPress plugin & theme updates
Kinsta Automatic Updates keeps your plugins and themes up to date, runs automated visual tests for issues, and seamlessly rolls back changes if needed — all without manual effort. Experience it with a 31-day free trial.
Why use Kinsta Automatic Updates?
Keeping your plugins and themes updated shouldn’t be time-consuming or risky. Kinsta handles updates for you so your site stays secure and stable.
Time is money
No more logging in and manually updating plugins. Kinsta does it for you so you can focus on what matters.
Stay secure
Outdated plugins are a security risk. We update them automatically, test for issues, and roll back bad updates before they cause problems.
Enjoy peace of mind
A bad update can break your site, but not with Kinsta. Before updating, we take a backup. If an update fails, we restore the backup instantly—no downtime, no stress.
Know when something goes wrong
Before updating your plugins and themes, we capture a screenshot of your site and compare it after the update using visual regression testing (VRT). If a layout shifts, a button disappears, or something breaks, we roll back instantly and notify you.
Pixel-by-pixel comparison
If anything looks off, like a layout shift, missing button, or broken design, we automatically roll back to the last working version
Instant rollback protection
If a plugin or theme update causes issues, such as broken layouts or missing elements, Kinsta instantly restores your site to its last working version before your visitors even notice.
Detailed error message
You’ll receive an email with the list of updated plugins and themes. If an issue occurs, we notify you and restore your site to the backup prior to the update.
Take control with granular settings
Every WordPress site is different, and updates shouldn’t be one-size-fits-all. With Automatic Updates, you have full control over how updates are handled so they fit your site’s unique needs.
Schedule options
Schedule updates daily or on selected days, and choose a 2-hour time window that works best for your site.
Adjust sensitivity
Control how strict the visual tests are so only the most important changes get flagged.
Select test pages
Define up to five key pages on your site for targeted testing after updates.
CSS Selectors
Skip dynamic elements like sliders or ads from testing to avoid false positives.
Maintenance mode
Enable maintenance mode during updates to keep visitors from seeing a broken or incomplete site.
Notifications
Get notified when updates run, when visual changes are detected, and if a rollback occurs.
Kinsta just eliminated the biggest headache in the WordPress CMS: Outdated plugins & theme files.
Matt Sullivan
Founder & CEO of Torro Media, a Boston-based web design agency
Let us show you how it works
Our team is here to answer any questions and show you the full potential of the feature.
FAQ
What is Kinsta Automatic Updates?
Kinsta Automatic Updates is a service that updates your WordPress plugins and themes daily. It runs visual regression tests to detect significant visual changes. If an issue is found, Kinsta automatically restores your site using a backup taken just before the update, ensuring stability and security.
Is Kinsta Automatic Updates included in the free first month offer?
Yes! If you’re on the Single 35k or WP2 plan, both your first month of hosting and Kinsta Automatic Updates are free. If you choose to activate Automatic Updates later, you’ll still receive a full 31 days free.
Can I choose which pages are tested during visual regression tests?
Yes. By default, Kinsta tests your homepage and four randomly selected pages, but you can specify particular URLs if preferred.
Are inactive plugins and themes updated automatically?
Yes, Kinsta Automatic Updates updates all plugins and themes on your site, even inactive ones. Newly installed plugins and themes are automatically added to the update schedule, protecting your site from vulnerabilities.
What happens if an update causes issues on my site?
Kinsta runs a visual regression test to detect significant changes after each update. If an issue arises, a backup is created immediately before the update is automatically restored. You can access these backups in MyKinsta under Backups > System-generated for up to three days.
How much does Kinsta Automatic Updates cost after the free trial?
After your free 31-day trial, Kinsta Automatic Updates costs $3 per environment per month. You can manage or cancel your subscription anytime via MyKinsta.
Can I exclude certain plugins or themes from automatic updates?
Yes, you can select specific plugins and themes to exclude from automatic updates within MyKinsta.
Can I enable Kinsta Automatic Updates for multiple sites at once?
Yes! The Bulk Actions tool in MyKinsta allows you to enable Kinsta Automatic Updates for multiple WordPress sites simultaneously.
When do updates run, and what happens if the chosen update time overlaps with Kinsta’s maintenance period?
Updates run during your selected Update Time Window and typically last up to two hours. If your chosen update window overlaps with Kinsta’s maintenance period (2 AM – 5 AM local data center time), updates might fail and attempt retries later. To avoid conflicts, choose a time outside the maintenance window.
Will my site go into maintenance mode during updates?
Only if you choose to enable maintenance mode. You have complete control over this setting within MyKinsta.
Can I use Automatic Updates in staging environments?
Absolutely! Kinsta Automatic Updates can be enabled for both live and staging environments, allowing you the flexibility to test updates safely before they go live.
How do I cancel or disable Kinsta Automatic Updates?
You can disable Kinsta Automatic Updates anytime via MyKinsta. If you cancel during your free trial, you won’t be charged.