- To fix Wordpress maintenance mode, delete the .maintenance file from the public_html folder.
Updating plugins… Updating themes… Updating WordPress version… Almost there…
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Seeing your WordPress site stuck in maintenance mode can be a real headache. It typically happens when something goes wrong while updating plugins, themes or your Wordpress version.
If you’re dealing with this issue right now, you’re in luck. Check out this simple 3-step solution to get your site back up and running.
How to Fix Wordpress Maintenance Mode
- Open up the cPanel on your web hosting platform. Typically, this is accessible from your hosting provider’s dashboard or by navigating to cpanel.yourwebsite.com.
If accessing the cPanel from your hosting dashboard, you will be automatically logged in. Otherwise, you will need to input your cPanel credentials at the login screen. If you do not know your cPanel credentials, contact your hosting provider to have them reset.
- Under files, select File Manager.
- Navigate to the public_html folder, locate the .maintenance file and delete it.
That’s it. You should be able to access your site once again. Now, login to your admin dashboard and check for incomplete updates. If there are unfinished updates, retry updating your plugins, themes, or WordPress core, one-by-one.
If you use caching plugins like W3 Total Cache or WP Super Cache, clear your cache to ensure no remnants of the maintenance mode screen are displayed. Also, clear your browser cache to see the latest version of your WordPress website.
What Is Maintenance Mode?
When you update WordPress core, plugins, or themes, WordPress automatically puts your site into maintenance mode. This triggers the maintenance mode page with a message like “Briefly unavailable for scheduled maintenance. Check back in a minute.” This is a standard feature meant to prevent visitors from seeing a broken site during maintenance activities.
However, interruptions during this process can cause your WordPress site to get stuck in maintenance mode. This happens because the temporary .maintenance file created in the root directory doesn’t get deleted as it should.
Preventing Future Issues
Backup Regularly
Always have a backup of your website before performing any updates. This way, if something goes wrong, you can restore your WordPress site quickly.
Update During Low Traffic Times
Schedule maintenance during periods of low traffic. This minimizes the impact on visitors if your site gets stuck in maintenance mode.
Monitor Updates
Stay close to your computer while updating. If it seems like the update process is taking too long, you can intervene more quickly.
Increasing PHP Memory Limit
Sometimes, updates fail due to insufficient PHP memory, causing WordPress to get stuck. Increase the memory limit by editing your wp-config.php file and adding the following line before the /* That's all, stop editing! Happy publishing. */ line:
define( 'WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M' );
Using Maintenance Mode Plugins
Plugins can help manage maintenance mode more effectively. A plugin like WP-Optimize can manage updates and prevent your site from getting stuck in maintenance mode. These plugins offer features like database optimization, image compression, and caching, making maintenance smoother.
Handling Recurring Issues
If your site frequently gets stuck in maintenance mode, consider these steps:
Improve Server Performance
Ensure your server has adequate performance and resources. Low memory or slow servers can cause updates to fail.
Resolve Plugin Conflicts
Disable all plugins and re-enable them one by one to identify any conflicts causing the issue.
Consult Your Hosting Provider
If problems persist, contact your WordPress hosting provider. They might offer insights or solutions specific to your hosting environment.
Additional Tips
- Know How to Fix the Issue Quickly: Familiarize yourself with these steps so you can resolve the problem quickly if it happens again.
- Use Managed WordPress Hosting: Managed hosting providers often handle maintenance mode issues for you, reducing the risk of your site getting stuck.
- Customize Your Maintenance Page: Use maintenance mode plugins to create custom maintenance mode templates that match your site’s design, providing a better experience for visitors during maintenance.
By following these steps, you can fix WordPress stuck in maintenance mode and prevent future occurrences. Regular maintenance and proactive monitoring ensure your WordPress site runs smoothly and remains accessible. If your site gets stuck in maintenance mode again, you’ll know exactly what to do.
