Routine updates in WordPress can occasionally activate maintenance mode, preventing users from accessing their sites. We’ve witnessed store owners losing access to their dashboards during critical sales periods, and others becoming stuck after updating a theme or plugin.
At CanadaCreate, we’ve assisted thousands of users in resolving this specific issue, which is more prevalent than you might expect. In fact, it’s one of the most common challenges site owners encounter during updates.
The good news is that this problem is also one of the easiest to resolve.
In this guide, we will provide clear steps to help you exit maintenance mode without requiring any technical expertise. Whether you manage a small business website or a growing blog, these instructions will enable you to get back online within minutes.
What Causes WordPress to Become Stuck in Maintenance Mode?
Maintenance mode is a temporary status that WordPress enters during updates or significant changes. However, there are times when this process can become stuck, rendering your site inaccessible.
This happens because when WordPress enters maintenance mode, it generates a temporary .maintenance file. If this file remains on your site, it may cause a maintenance mode loop.
Consequently, you might encounter an error message stating, ‘Briefly unavailable for scheduled maintenance. Please check back in a minute.’
Several factors can lead to this issue, resulting in the .maintenance file remaining on your server.
Some common causes include:
- Incomplete Updates: An interrupted update process due to server problems or plugin conflicts can leave the .maintenance file active, preventing your site from going live.
- Faulty Plugins: Incompatible or outdated plugins may disrupt WordPress’ core functionality, causing maintenance mode issues.
- Theme Conflicts: Just like plugins, incompatible themes can conflict with your WordPress installation, inadvertently triggering maintenance mode.
- Server Problems: Issues with your web hosting server can occasionally lead to unexpected behaviors, including being stuck in maintenance mode.
In this guide, we will explore various methods to resolve the WordPress stuck in maintenance mode error. Below is an overview of the topics we will cover, and you can use the jump links to navigate to the section you want to explore further:
- Resolving WordPress Stuck in Maintenance Mode
- Tips to Prevent WordPress From Getting Stuck in Maintenance Mode
- Frequently Asked Questions About WordPress Stuck in Maintenance Mode
- Bonus Resources 🔗: Additional WordPress Maintenance Guides
Let’s begin!
Resolving WordPress Stuck in Maintenance Mode
Now that you know the causes of this issue, a straightforward solution is to delete the .maintenance file.
🧑💻 Expert Tip: Before making any changes, it’s advisable to create a backup of your site. This ensures you have a safe copy in case anything goes awry.
The .maintenance file is typically located in the root directory of your website. You can access it using an FTP client or the File Manager available in your hosting provider’s cPanel.
How to Access the .maintenance File Using FTP
There are various FTP services available for accessing WordPress files. For this guide, we will use FileZilla.
If you’re unfamiliar with setting up or using an FTP client, please refer to our tutorial on how to use FTP to upload files to WordPress.
Once connected to your site, navigate to the public_html folder in the panel on the right.
You should now see various WordPress core files in this folder.
From here, you can locate the .maintenance file.
Simply right-click the file and choose the ‘Delete’ option.
How to Remove the .maintenance File Using the File Manager
If you’re not familiar with using an FTP client, you can also access your WordPress files through cPanel.
First, log in to your account with your WordPress hosting provider. For this guide, we will use Bluehost.
In the dashboard, navigate to the ‘Websites’ tab in the left menu. Then, select the ‘Settings’ option for your website.
Next, switch to the ‘Advanced’ tab.
Scroll down to the cPanel section and click the ‘Manage’ button.
Once cPanel opens, go to the Files section.
From there, click on the ‘File Manager’ option.
You will now see your website’s files and folders. Navigate to thepublic_htmlfolder in the left menu.
Then, locate the.maintenancefile in the root directory.
Select the file and click the ‘Delete’ option at the top.
Deleting this file should restore your website and take it out of maintenance mode.
As a precaution, it’s also a good idea to clear the cache of your WordPress website.
Tips to Prevent WordPress from Getting Stuck in Maintenance Mode
Ensuring your WordPress website doesn’t get stuck in maintenance mode is essential for keeping your site accessible and providing a great user experience.
Let’s look at some effective strategies to prevent your site from encountering this issue.
1. Update Plugins and Themes Individually
It’s advisable to update your plugins one at a time rather than all at once. This approach helps you pinpoint any issues that may trigger WordPress to enter maintenance mode.
After each plugin update, monitor your website’s performance closely to detect any unusual behavior. This will help you determine if a specific plugin update is causing any problems.
2. Verify Plugin and Theme Compatibility
Another effective way to avoid WordPress maintenance mode is to ensure that your plugins and themes are compatible with the latest versions of WordPress.
Outdated plugins and themes can lead to conflicts that may cause your site to enter maintenance mode. Keeping them updated to the latest versions also addresses bugs and enhances security.
For more information, please refer to our guide on how to effectively update WordPress plugins.
3. Consider Upgrading Your Web Hosting Plan
A dependable hosting environment is crucial for the stability of your WordPress website. If you frequently face errors, it may be time to upgrade to a plan that provides the necessary resources to accommodate your website’s traffic and requirements.
Additionally, ensure that your hosting provider conducts regular server maintenance and updates to avoid performance issues.
For instance, we use SiteGround for our website and have had an excellent experience. To explore more options, check out our selection of the most reliable and top WordPress hosting providers.
You might also want to read our guide on when to change your WordPress web hosting to gain further insights.
4. Hire WordPress Professionals to Maintain Your Website
If you don’t have the time or expertise to prevent and resolve errors on your website, consider hiring a WordPress professional. They can handle your website’s maintenance and updates, allowing you to concentrate on growing your business.
WordPress professionals can implement strategies that minimize the chances of your website getting stuck in maintenance mode. For example, they will ensure that all your software is current, monitor your website’s uptime, and address any errors that arise.
CanadaCreate Pro WordPress Maintenance Services is one of the top affordable support agencies available today. With over 16 years of experience, our team has successfully assisted more than 100,000 users with their WordPress needs.
Our experts will take care of everything behind the scenes, ensuring a hassle-free experience. You will receive regular updates for WordPress core, themes, and plugins, scheduled cloud backups, malware removal, and ongoing uptime monitoring.
Additionally, our 24/7 WordPress support is available to help you resolve issues related to maintenance mode and fix other bugs to enhance your website’s performance.
Alternatively, you can opt for our on-demand Emergency Support Services for a one-time solution. If you encounter an error or cannot exit maintenance mode, this plan is ideal for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About WordPress Stuck in Maintenance Mode
Are you unsure why this issue occurs or how to prevent it in the future? 🧐
Here are some common questions we receive from readers regarding WordPress maintenance mode and how to address problems when they arise.
Why does WordPress sometimes get stuck in maintenance mode during updates?
WordPress generates a .maintenanceDuring updates, a specific file may remain if the process is interrupted by server timeouts, plugin conflicts, or browser issues, which can result in your site being stuck in maintenance mode.
What is the typical duration for WordPress maintenance mode?
Usually just a few minutes. WordPress activates maintenance mode only during updates, so if it persists longer, it indicates a potential issue.
How can I avoid my site being stuck in maintenance mode?
Absolutely. Update plugins and themes individually, ensure compatibility with your current WordPress version, and avoid making updates during high traffic periods. A reliable WordPress hosting service can also minimize the risk of this issue.
What should I do if I can’t remove the.maintenancefile?
If you’re unable to delete the file manually via FTP or your hosting control panel, it’s advisable to reach out to your hosting provider for assistance. You may also consider hiring a WordPress expert if necessary.
Do I need technical expertise to resolve maintenance mode problems?
You don’t have to worry. If you’re comfortable accessing your site’s files through FTP or your web host’s file manager, you can easily resolve the issue by following a few straightforward steps. If you’re not, there are professional services available, such as CanadaCreate Pro WordPress Maintenance Services, that can assist you.
What are the consequences of ignoring the maintenance mode issue?
Keeping your site in maintenance mode can result in extended downtime, a negative user experience, and lost traffic or sales, particularly for e-commerce sites or those with high visitor numbers.
Additional Resources 🔗: More Guides on WordPress Maintenance
We hope this guide has helped you resolve the issue of WordPress being stuck in maintenance mode. You may also want to explore these other helpful guides:
- Essential WordPress Maintenance Tasks to Complete Regularly
- How Long Does WordPress Maintenance Typically Take?
- Understanding WordPress Maintenance Costs – What Should You Expect to Pay?
- Comparing WordPress Maintenance and Managed Hosting
- The Comprehensive WordPress Maintenance Guide
- How to Reach Out to WordPress Support
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