Would I just FTP into the server and overwrite the file folder for the plugin with the newly updated version? Or would I delete the plugin folder and upload the new folder for new version?
Should one deactivate and "uninstall" the plugin first from the admin panel of the site?
What would be the safest steps?

Asking because I've had issues before with updating plugins and am kind of fearful of accidentally risking downtime again. Just trying to minimize that possibility.

Any advice is appreciated. Thank you!