WordPress can email you after plugin and theme automatic-update attempts, but it does not automatically send an advance alert for every update waiting to be installed. Set the site’s Administration Email Address in Settings > General for site notices; if you need a list of pending updates, use a separate notification plugin and check its current maintenance and compatibility first.
Set the email address WordPress uses for site notices
- In your WordPress dashboard, go to Settings > General.
- Find Administration Email Address, enter an inbox monitored by the people responsible for the site, and save the changes.
- If WordPress asks you to confirm an address change, complete the confirmation before relying on the new address.
WordPress.org’s Settings General screen documentation describes this address as the one WordPress should use for site administration notifications, including updates and maintenance. It is separate from the email address on an individual user’s account, so changing your profile email does not necessarily change the destination for site-wide notices.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
WordPress Multisite Administration | $34.38 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Mon Site WordPress – Volume 2 – Administration & Utilisation (French Edition) | $9.90 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
WordPress 24-Hour Trainer | $3.95 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Teacher Record Book | $4.89 | Buy on Amazon |
Understand what WordPress sends by default
WordPress sends email after plugin and theme automatic-update attempts, reporting successful updates, failures, or a mix of outcomes. These are result messages, not a universal alert that tells you every time an update becomes available.
Automatic updates are enabled separately for plugins and themes. WordPress.org says they normally run twice per day; that describes the update process, not a guaranteed time for an email to arrive. See the plugin and theme auto-updates guide for the dashboard controls and behavior.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →#1 Best Overall
Choose the kind of update alert you need
| Approach | When the email is sent | Coverage | What to configure or check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Built-in WordPress emails | After an automatic-update attempt | Plugin and theme update outcomes | Set the Administration Email Address and enable auto-updates for the relevant plugins or themes. |
| Pending-update notification plugin | When updates are available, according to the plugin’s schedule | The WordPress.org listing for Site Update Notification describes daily checks for core, plugin, and theme updates and an email listing updates that need installation. | Check current maintenance, compatibility, support, and reviews before installing; configure its recipient and schedule as its current version allows. |
For alerts after automatic updates
Use WordPress’s built-in notices if you mainly want to know whether opted-in plugin and theme updates succeeded or failed. Check the auto-update controls on the Plugins screen; a plugin or theme without automatic updates enabled will not produce an automatic-update result email for an attempt that never runs.
For advance notice of pending updates
The WordPress.org directory entry for Site Update Notification describes daily checks for WordPress core, plugins, and themes, with an email listing updates to install. When retrieved on September 30, 2026, its listing showed version 1.0, no reviews, and 60+ active installations. Those details can change and do not establish quality or ongoing compatibility; review the live listing and the plugin’s support and compatibility information before entrusting it with notifications.
If update emails do not arrive
- Confirm the destination. Recheck Settings > General > Administration Email Address and make sure the inbox is accessible. For a third-party alert plugin, also verify its own recipient setting.
- Check delivery. Determine whether the site can send other messages and inspect spam or filtering. WordPress.org’s General Settings documentation suggests considering an SMTP plugin or transactional email service when site email delivery is unreliable. This is a troubleshooting option, not a guaranteed fix: host settings, DNS, provider rules, or spam filtering may still need site-specific diagnosis.
- Check whether updates ran. If built-in result messages are missing because automatic updates are not running, open Tools > Site Health and review update and Cron-related status. WordPress documents background task diagnostics in its Site Health screen guide; plugin and theme automatic updates depend on WordPress Cron tasks.
- Protect the site before updates. Keep a current backup before plugin updates so you have a recovery point if an update causes a problem. WordPress’s plugin management guide covers update controls and backup advice.
Developer controls for built-in update emails
On a developer-maintained site, code can change background-update emails beyond the dashboard settings. The auto_plugin_theme_update_email filter can modify the recipient, subject, body, or headers for plugin and theme background-update messages. The auto_plugin_update_send_email filter controls whether a post-update email is sent after background plugin updates.
These are code-level controls, not notification toggles for ordinary dashboard users. Changes should be reviewed and tested against the site’s setup, documented, and maintained as its code changes; avoid adding untested snippets to a production theme.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Keep track of everything from attendance to test scores
- Spiral bound
- Measures 8-1/2" x 11"
Rank #3
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
