WordPress maintenance
You can no longer update your WordPress
Updates fail, loop, or show "Another update is currently in progress". A site that no longer updates piles up vulnerabilities, so the situation needs unblocking.
The symptoms
- The message "Another update is currently in progress" persists.
- Updates fail with an error, or the site stays in maintenance mode.
- You cannot install or update a plugin (permissions, directory).
The likely causes
- An update lock left stuck after an interruption.
- The site stayed stuck in maintenance mode (.maintenance file).
- Incorrect file permissions preventing writes.
- A lack of disk space or PHP memory.
- A misconfigured FTP or server access requested by WordPress.
What you can try yourself
Exit maintenance mode
Delete the .maintenance file at the site root over FTP. WordPress sometimes stays stuck there after an interrupted update.
Clear the update lock
The core_updater.lock option sometimes stays stuck. It can be removed via the database or expires on its own after a while.
Check file permissions
The wp-content folders must be writable. Your host or an FTP access lets you fix this.
Free up space and memory
A full disk or a PHP memory limit that is too low blocks updates.
Update manually as a last resort
Replacing files over FTP lets you update when the interface refuses, but it requires care.
When to call a professional
If the lock persists, if permissions are the cause, or if you do not want to risk a database or FTP change: a professional unblocks cleanly, updates properly, and above all puts back a tested update process so the site stays up to date without effort on your part.
Frequently asked questions
What to do when WordPress says "Another update is currently in progress"?
This message comes from a stuck lock. It usually expires on its own after a while, or is removed in the database (core_updater.lock option). Then updates resume.
How do I get WordPress out of maintenance mode?
By deleting the .maintenance file at the site root via FTP. It is created during an update and sometimes forgotten after an interruption.
Why do my updates fail?
Often because of file permissions, a lack of space or memory, or a stuck lock. Ongoing maintenance applies tested updates and avoids these blocks.
We look at your site.
If we can recover it, we send you a clear price and a payment link. If we cannot, we tell you plainly, we charge nothing for that, and we can offer you a brand new site. Either way, you are never stuck.
The first look is free.
Describe my problemOther common problems
WordPress security
Hacked site
WordPress outage
White screen (blank page)
WordPress error
Critical error
WordPress error
Database connection
WordPress outage
Broken after an update
WordPress display
Broken layout
WordPress outage
Site down / 500 error
WordPress performance
Very slow site
WordPress security