6 Powerful Tips for Doing Divi Theme Updates Safely in 2024

Did you know that 87% of WordPress users forget to update their theme and plugins? That’s insane! One of the best lines of defense you can offer your site is to keep themes and plugins updated regularly. Yes, some updates are notorious for breaking sites, but generally, they are going to fix bugs and implement security patches.

Because Divi is the backbone of your website, and many others, let’s talk about some safe and easy things you can do to ensure that Divi is updated often.

Let’s get to it.

What is the Divi Theme Update Plugin, and Why is it Important?

The Divi Theme is like the heart of your website – it’s the powerhouse that gives you all those amazing design capabilities and features you love. But just like any software, it needs regular updates to stay in top shape. Here’s why updating Divi is so important:

• It keeps your site secure by patching vulnerabilities
• You get access to cool new features and improvements
• It ensures compatibility with the latest WordPress version and other plugins

Think of it like giving your car a regular tune-up. It might run fine without it, but by staying on top of maintenance, you’ll get the best performance and avoid potential issues down the road.

1. Preparing for the Latest Divi Theme Update: Essential Pre-Update Steps

Before we dive into the update process, let’s make sure we’ve got all our ducks in a row. Taking these precautions will save you a lot of headaches if anything goes sideways during the update.

Backing Up Your Website

First things first – always, always, always back up your site before any update. It’s like having a safety net when you’re walking a tightrope. Here’s what you need to do:

• Use a reliable backup plugin or your hosting provider’s backup tool
• Make sure to back up both your files and database
• Store the backup in a safe location, preferably off-site

Checking Compatibility

Next, let’s make sure Divi plays nice with everything else on your site:

• Review the list of plugins you’re using
• Check if they’re all compatible with the latest Divi version
• Update other plugins and themes if necessary

Reviewing Site Performance

Lastly, take a snapshot of your current site performance:

• Run a speed test and note the results
• Check for any existing errors in your browser console
• Make a list of key functionalities to test after the update

By doing this prep work, you’ll have a clear before-and-after picture of your site’s health. These steps are often recommended when major versions of Divi are released. Incremental updates probably won’t have a big impact on performance or compatibility.

2. The Step-by-Step Guide to Updating Your Divi Theme

Alright, now that we’re all prepped and ready, let’s walk through the update process together. Don’t worry, it’s easier than you might think!

  1. Log into your WordPress dashboard.
  2. Look for the updates notification at the top of the screen or in the sidebar.
  3. Click on the “Updates” option.
  4. Scroll down to the “Plugins” section.
  5. Find Divi in the list and check the box next to it.
  6. Click the “Update Plugins” button.

Now, sit back and let WordPress do its thing. The update process usually only takes a few minutes, but it can vary depending on your server speed and the size of the update.

Pro tip: Keep that update page open and resist the urge to refresh or navigate away. You don’t want to interrupt the process midway! If you do, or something happens where the update fails, you’ll be met with a screen that says your site is under maintenance. To remove this screen, you’ll need to log into your FTP/File Manager and delete the maintenance file in the main folder of your WordPress install. Retry your update again.

3. Post-Update Checklist: Ensuring Everything Runs Smoothly

Woohoo! The update is complete. But we’re not done yet – it’s time to make sure everything is working as it should. Here’s your post-update checklist:

• Visit your homepage and key pages to check for any visual oddities.
• Test your forms, sliders, and other interactive elements.
• Check your mobile responsiveness on different devices.
• Verify that all your integrations (like email opt-ins or ecommerce features) are functioning.

If you spot any issues, don’t panic! It’s not uncommon to have a few hiccups after an update. Make a list of any problems you encounter so we can tackle them in the next section.

4. Troubleshooting Common Divi Theme Update Issues

Even with the best preparation, sometimes things don’t go quite as planned. Let’s look at some common issues and how to solve them:

Update Failure

If the update fails to complete:

• Check your server’s PHP version and memory limit
• Temporarily deactivate other plugins to rule out conflicts
• Try updating via FTP if the WordPress updater isn’t cooperating

Plugin Conflicts

If you’re experiencing weird behavior after the update:

• Deactivate all plugins except Divi
• Reactivate them one by one to identify the culprit
• Check for updates to the conflicting plugin or reach out to its developer

White Screen of Death (WSOD)

If you’re faced with a blank white screen:

• Enable WordPress debug mode to see error messages
• Check your error logs for specific issues
• Restore your backup if you can’t resolve the problem quickly

Remember, if all else fails, don’t be afraid to reach out to Divi’s excellent support team or consult the Divi community forums. Also, your hosting company offers chat support as well and can help isolate the issue.

5. Best Practices for Maintaining Your Divi Theme

To keep your Divi-powered site running smoothly, consider adopting these best practices:

• Set up automatic updates (but weigh the pros and cons for your specific site)
• Create a regular update schedule (once a month is great)
• Subscribe to Divi newsletters or follow their blog for update announcements
• Always test major updates on a staging site before applying to your live site

By staying proactive with your maintenance, you’ll minimize the risk of update-related issues and keep your site in tip-top shape.

6. Advanced Tips for Managing Divi Theme Updates

For those of you who want to take your update game to the next level, here are some advanced strategies:

Using Version Control

• Implement Git version control for your website files
• Create branches for testing updates before merging to production

Leveraging Child Themes

• Always use a Divi child theme for custom modifications
• This ensures your changes aren’t overwritten during updates

Implementing a Rollback Strategy

• Keep copies of previous Divi versions
• Know how to manually downgrade if an update causes major issues

Post-Update Optimization

• Run performance tests after each update
• Optimize your database and clean up any unnecessary files
• Review and adjust your caching settings if needed

By implementing these advanced techniques, you’ll have a robust system in place for handling Divi updates like a pro. Remember, the key to smooth updates is preparation, testing, and having a solid backup plan. Happy updating!

Conclusion

Your ultimate guide to updating the Divi Theme plugin like a pro! 🎉 By following these six powerful tips, you’ll be well-equipped to keep your WordPress site running smoothly and securely. Remember, updating your Divi Theme plugin doesn’t have to be a nail-biting experience. With the right preparation and knowledge, it can be as smooth as butter on a hot pancake! So go forth, update with confidence, and watch your Divi-powered site flourish.

FAQs

How often should I update my Divi Theme plugin?

It’s best to update your Divi Theme plugin as soon as new versions are released. This ensures you have the latest features, security patches, and bug fixes. However, always back up your site before updating and test on a staging environment if possible.

Will updating Divi Theme plugin affect my existing layouts?

Generally, Divi updates are designed to be backward compatible and shouldn’t affect your existing layouts. However, it’s always a good idea to check your site thoroughly after an update and have a backup ready just in case.

Can I roll back to a previous version of Divi if something goes wrong?

Yes, you can roll back to a previous version of Divi if needed. This can be done manually by uploading an older version of the plugin or by using a plugin like WP Rollback. Always keep a backup of your site before attempting a rollback.

Do I need to update Divi Theme if I’m using a child theme?

Yes, you should still update the Divi Theme plugin even if you’re using a child theme. The child theme inherits functionality from the parent theme (Divi), so keeping Divi updated ensures you have the latest features and security improvements.

Is it safe to enable automatic updates for the Divi Theme plugin?

While automatic updates can be convenient, they can also potentially cause issues if there are conflicts with other plugins or your specific setup. For critical sites, it’s often safer to update manually and test thoroughly. However, if you have a staging environment and good backups, automatic updates can be a time-saver.