Hi there,
Thank you for contacting us.
When updating Elementor after skipping several major versions, it’s generally safe to update directly to the latest version. Elementor is designed to handle this scenario by applying necessary database updates automatically when you install a new version, even if previous database updates were missed. However, there are some precautions and considerations to keep in mind:
1. Backup Your Website
Before performing any updates, it’s critical to create a full backup of your site, including the database and files. This ensures that you can restore your site if anything goes wrong during the update process.
2. Check Compatibility
- PHP and WordPress Version: Make sure your server’s PHP and WordPress versions meet the latest Elementor requirements, as outdated versions may cause compatibility issues after the update.
3. Update Process
You can directly update to the latest Elementor version. The plugin’s database update mechanism will apply all necessary changes for the versions you’ve missed in one go. Here’s why:
- Elementor’s update system checks the current database schema version when a new version is activated.
- If any past database updates were missed, the system queues all pending updates from previous versions to ensure your database is fully up-to-date.
- These updates are designed to be cumulative, so it’s not necessary to update version by version. Skipping versions should not affect the integrity of the database as long as the update process completes successfully.
3. What If Issues Occur?
- Rollback Option: If something goes wrong, Elementor has a rollback feature that allows you to revert to a previous version. This could be helpful if a significant issue arises after updating to the latest version.
Recommendations:
- Direct Update: For most users, it is safe and recommended to update directly to the latest version while following best practices (backup, compatibility check, and database update).
- Caution with Complex Sites: If your site is particularly complex, with many customizations, you may want to consider testing the update on a staging environment first to avoid potential downtime.
Following these steps minimizes the risk of encountering serious issues during the update process.
Kind regards,