How to Update Yoast SEO Plugin

Yoast SEO is one of the most popular WordPress plugins in the world, helping millions of websites manage title tags, meta descriptions, XML sitemaps, schema markup, and readability analysis. Like any plugin, it receives regular updates that add features, improve compatibility with new WordPress versions, and patch security vulnerabilities. Keeping Yoast SEO updated is an essential part of website maintenance. This guide explains how to update the Yoast SEO plugin safely, whether you use the free version or Yoast SEO Premium.

How AAMAX.CO Keeps WordPress SEO Running Smoothly

Plugin updates are simple most of the time, but on complex websites they can cause conflicts that affect rankings. AAMAX.CO is a full service digital marketing company that offers web development, digital marketing, and SEO services worldwide. Their WordPress developers manage safe plugin updates, test changes in staging environments, and resolve conflicts quickly. Combined with their SEO services, they make sure tools like Yoast are configured correctly so websites maintain strong technical SEO foundations.

Why Updating Yoast SEO Matters

Updating Yoast SEO delivers several benefits:

• Security: Updates patch vulnerabilities that attackers could exploit.
• Compatibility: New versions stay compatible with the latest WordPress releases, themes, and plugins.
• New features: Yoast regularly adds improvements to schema, content analysis, and integrations.
• Bug fixes: Updates resolve errors that could affect sitemaps, metadata, or indexing.
• Search changes: Yoast adapts features in response to evolving search engine guidelines.

Before You Update: Prepare Your Website

Although most updates go smoothly, preparation reduces risk:

1. Back up your website: Create a full backup of files and the database using your host or a backup plugin.
2. Check compatibility: Confirm your WordPress and PHP versions meet the plugin's requirements.
3. Review the changelog: See what has changed in the new version.
4. Use a staging site: For business-critical websites, test updates on a staging copy first.

Method 1: Update From the WordPress Dashboard

This is the easiest and most common method:

1. Log in to your WordPress admin dashboard.
2. Go to Dashboard > Updates or Plugins > Installed Plugins.
3. Find Yoast SEO in the list. If an update is available, you will see a notice below the plugin name.
4. Click Update now.
5. Wait for the confirmation message indicating the update is complete.

Method 2: Enable Automatic Updates

WordPress allows automatic updates for individual plugins. On the Installed Plugins page, locate Yoast SEO and click Enable auto-updates. WordPress will then install new versions automatically. This keeps your site secure without manual effort, although it is still wise to monitor your site after updates, especially if you use many plugins.

Method 3: Update Yoast SEO Premium

Yoast SEO Premium requires an active subscription connected through MyYoast. To receive updates:

1. Log in to your MyYoast account and make sure your subscription is active.
2. Connect your website to MyYoast from the Yoast settings in WordPress.
3. Once connected, Premium updates appear in the dashboard just like the free version.

Keep the free Yoast SEO plugin installed and updated as well, since Premium builds on top of it.

Method 4: Manual Update via Upload or FTP

If automatic updates fail, you can update manually. Download the latest version from WordPress.org or MyYoast. In the dashboard, go to Plugins > Add New > Upload Plugin, upload the zip file, and choose to replace the current version. Alternatively, connect via FTP or your hosting file manager, replace the plugin folder in the wp-content/plugins directory, and then visit the dashboard to complete any database updates. Your settings are stored in the database and will not be lost.

After Updating: Check Your Site

Once the update is complete, confirm everything is working correctly:

• Visit key pages to ensure the site loads properly.
• View page source to confirm titles, meta descriptions, and canonical tags appear correctly.
• Check that your XML sitemap loads without errors.
• Review the Yoast settings for any new features or configuration notices.
• Monitor Google Search Console for unexpected indexing issues.

Troubleshooting Common Update Problems

If something goes wrong, try these steps:

• Update failed: Check file permissions and available disk space, then retry or update manually.
• Site stuck in maintenance mode: Delete the .maintenance file from the site's root directory.
• White screen or errors: Deactivate other plugins to identify conflicts or restore your backup.
• Caching issues: Clear your caching plugin, server cache, and CDN cache.
• PHP version errors: Ask your host to upgrade PHP to a supported version.

Best Practices for Ongoing Plugin Maintenance

Treat plugin updates as part of regular website care. Schedule weekly or monthly maintenance checks, keep WordPress core and themes updated, remove unused plugins, and maintain reliable backups. A consistent maintenance routine keeps your site secure, fast, and SEO-friendly.

Final Thoughts

Updating the Yoast SEO plugin is quick and straightforward, whether through the dashboard, automatic updates, or manual upload. By backing up your site, reviewing changes, and checking key SEO elements afterward, you can enjoy the latest features and security improvements without disrupting your search visibility.