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Troubleshooting the WordPress Maintenance Mode Error

32 threads Sep 7, 2025 Core → Requests and feedback

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Have you ever tried to update a plugin or WordPress core, only to be greeted by a persistent "Website under maintenance" message that won't go away? This is a common issue that can leave your site inaccessible to visitors. This guide will explain why this happens and provide the steps to resolve it.

Why Does the Maintenance Mode Error Occur?

WordPress uses a built-in mechanism to prevent users from accessing a site while it is in an unstable state during updates. When an update begins, WordPress creates a hidden file named .maintenance in the root directory of your website (the same folder that contains your wp-config.php file). This file triggers the maintenance mode message.

Under normal circumstances, the update process completes successfully and WordPress automatically deletes the .maintenance file. However, if the update is interrupted—perhaps by a server timeout, a plugin conflict, or a failed file transfer—this file is not removed. The site remains "stuck" in maintenance mode because the .maintenance file is still present.

How to Fix the Stuck Maintenance Mode

The most direct solution is to manually connect to your website's server and delete the .maintenance file. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Access Your Server: Connect to your web hosting account using an FTP client (like FileZilla) or your host's File Manager. You may also use SSH if you have command-line access.
  2. Navigate to the Root Directory: Locate the main (root) folder for your WordPress installation. This is typically the folder that contains wp-admin, wp-content, and wp-includes.
  3. Find and Delete the File: Look for a file named .maintenance. Since it starts with a dot, it may be hidden by default in your FTP client; you may need to enable the option to "Show hidden files." Once you find it, right-click and delete it.
  4. Refresh Your Site: After deleting the file, refresh your website. It should now load normally.

Important Considerations and Next Steps

  • Complete the Update: Manually removing the file only clears the error message. The original update that failed may still be incomplete. It is highly recommended to check your WordPress admin dashboard for any pending updates and attempt to run them again.
  • Prevent Future Issues: A stuck maintenance mode often indicates an underlying problem, such as low server memory, plugin conflicts, or a poor internet connection during the update. To prevent this from happening again, consider creating a full backup of your site before performing any updates.
  • If the Problem Persists: If your site continues to experience issues after updates, a standard troubleshooting step is to temporarily deactivate all plugins and switch to a default WordPress theme (like Twenty Twenty-Four) before updating. This can help identify if a specific plugin or theme is causing the update to fail.

By understanding this simple mechanism, you can quickly get your site back online and ensure your future updates proceed smoothly.

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