If your WordPress site is stuck in maintenance mode after an update, follow these steps to resolve it.
Step 1: Refresh Your Browser
Press F5 or Ctrl + R to reload the page.
Try accessing your site from a different browser or in incognito mode.
Step 2: Delete the .maintenance File
Access your website files via FTP or your hosting File Manager.
Locate the .maintenance file in the root directory (public_html).
Delete the .maintenance file and refresh your website.
Step 3: Clear Cache and Cookies
Clear your browser’s cache and cookies.
If using a caching plugin (e.g., WP Rocket, W3 Total Cache), clear the site cache from your hosting panel.
Step 4: Check for Incomplete Updates
If an update was interrupted, manually complete it:
Go to wp-admin > Dashboard > Updates and complete any pending updates.
If you cannot access WordPress, update plugins/themes via FTP:
Navigate to /wp-content/plugins/ or /wp-content/themes/.
Rename the problematic plugin/theme folder to disable it.
Step 5: Increase PHP Execution Time (If Updates Are Failing)
Edit the .htaccess file in your root directory and add: php_value max_execution_time 300
Alternatively, add this to wp-config.php: set_time_limit(300);
Save changes and try updating WordPress again.
Step 6: Restart the Update Process Manually
Access wp-content/upgrade/ and delete any partially downloaded update files.
Download the latest WordPress version from wordpress.org.
Upload and replace wp-admin and wp-includes folders via FTP (do not delete wp-content).
Step 7: Contact Your Hosting Provider
If the issue persists, your host may have restrictions on update processes.
Provide them with details and request assistance with removing maintenance mode.