How to Disable Plugin Update Notices in WordPress Admin Easily

WordPress provides update notifications for plugins, themes, and the core system to assist site administrators in keeping their websites current. However, there are times when you might want to disable these update notifications, particularly on the Plugins page of the WordPress admin dashboard. This can be beneficial for developers managing client websites or for those looking to prevent unwanted updates from being installed.

This guide will show you how to disable update notices on the Plugins page using PHP.

Why Disable Update Notices?

• Restrict clients or non-technical users from manually updating plugins.
• Ensure that you avoid conflicts with any custom-developed plugins or themes.
• Reduce distractions in the WordPress admin panel.
• Ensure a controlled update process by using staging environments or automated scripts.

Disable Update Notices on the Plugins Page Using PHP

To disable update notifications on the Plugins page, add the following code snippet to your functions.php file or to a custom plugin:

// Disable Plugin Update Notices on Plugins Page
function disable_plugin_update_notice($value) {
    global $pagenow;
    if ($pagenow == 'plugins.php') {
        return null;
    }
    return $value;
}
add_filter('site_transient_update_plugins', 'disable_plugin_update_notice');

Explanation:

• The function disable_plugin_update_notice() determines if the current admin page is plugins.php, which is the dashboard’s Plugins page.
• If this is the case, it sets the plugin update transient to null, effectively concealing the update notifications.
• The add_filter() function applies this to the site_transient_update_plugins hook.

Completely Disable Update Notices (Plugins, Themes, Core)

If you want to completely disable update notifications for plugins, themes, and WordPress core updates throughout all admin pages, you can use the following code:

// Completely Disable Update Notifications in WordPress
function disable_all_update_notices() {
    remove_action('admin_notices', 'update_nag', 3);
    add_filter('pre_site_transient_update_core', '__return_null');
    add_filter('pre_site_transient_update_plugins', '__return_null');
    add_filter('pre_site_transient_update_themes', '__return_null');
}
add_action('admin_init', 'disable_all_update_notices');

What This Does:

• Removes the update nag message from the admin dashboard.
• This code stops WordPress from checking for updates to the core software, plugins, and themes by returning null values.
• Helps control updates manually instead of relying on WordPress notifications.

Using a Plugin to Disable Update Notices

If you would rather not edit your theme files manually, consider using a plugin such as “Disable All WordPress Updates” or “Hide Plugin Updates,” both of which can be found in the WordPress Plugin Repository. These plugins provide a user-friendly interface that allows you to disable updates without the need to modify any code.

Understanding WordPress Admin Notifications

This essay could discuss the various types of notifications users encounter in the WordPress admin area, emphasizing the purpose of plugin update notices. It could also analyze how these notifications can affect user experience and productivity, exploring the balance between necessary alerts and potential distractions.

Best Practices for Managing WordPress Plugins

This essay might examine effective strategies for managing plugins in WordPress, including keeping them updated for security and performance. It could also address when it might be appropriate to disable update notices and how to do so safely without compromising the site’s functionality.

The Implications of Disabling Notifications

This paper could explore the consequences of disabling plugin update notices, including the potential security risks and maintenance challenges involved. It could also consider the user’s perspective, weighing the benefits of a streamlined admin experience against the need for timely updates and awareness of new features.

Conclusion

Disabling update notices can be useful in some situations, but it’s essential to check for updates regularly to ensure your site remains secure and optimized. If you’re managing multiple sites, consider using a staging environment or tools such as ManageWP or InfiniteWP to handle updates more efficiently.

Do you want additional customizations for your WordPress site? Let us know in the comments!