Fix WordPress Maintenance Mode Error Quickly and Safely

Fix WordPress Maintenance Mode

When WordPress gets stuck in maintenance mode, it can be frustrating — especially if you’re in the middle of an update or managing a high-traffic site. This guide walks you through how to fix WordPress maintenance mode issues, understand why it happens, and prevent it in the future.

What Is WordPress Maintenance Mode?

WordPress automatically enters maintenance mode during core, theme, or plugin updates. This mode displays the message:

Briefly unavailable for scheduled maintenance. Check back in a minute.

This message is triggered by a temporary file called .maintenance, created in the WordPress root directory. It is supposed to disappear after the update completes. However, updates can fail, leaving your site stuck in maintenance mode.

Why Is WordPress Stuck in Maintenance Mode?

Here are some common reasons:

• Plugin or theme update failed
• Multiple updates running simultaneously
• Low server resources or timeout
• User closed the browser during update
• FTP or file permission errors

These scenarios often result in the .maintenance file not being deleted, trapping WordPress in maintenance mode.

How to Fix WordPress Maintenance Mode

Delete the .maintenance File

The fastest and most reliable method:

Where is the .maintenance file in WordPress?

• Location: WordPress root directory (same folder as wp-config.php)
• Use an FTP client or File Manager in cPanel to locate it.

How to delete .maintenance file in WordPress:

• Access your website via FTP or File Manager.
• Navigate to the public_html or root directory.
• Locate the .maintenance file.
• Delete it.

This action will immediately remove the maintenance mode message.

Clear Your Caches

Even after deleting the .maintenance file, cached versions of the error may linger:

• Clear your browser cache.
• Purge any caching plugins (e.g., W3 Total Cache, WP Super Cache).
• Clear your CDN cache (e.g., Cloudflare).

Disable Maintenance Mode via WP-CLI

If you have shell access and use WP-CLI, run:

wp maintenance-mode deactivate

This command ensures maintenance mode is turned off.

Remove WordPress from Maintenance Mode Without Plugin

You don’t need any plugin to exit maintenance mode. Manual removal of the .maintenance file is the best option. Plugins can be useful for entering maintenance mode deliberately, not for resolving being stuck.

What If WordPress Plugin Update Failed Maintenance Mode?

Plugin updates that fail mid-process are a common cause. Here’s how to fix it:

Delete .maintenance File

Start by removing the .maintenance file as mentioned above.

Revert or Reinstall the Plugin

• Navigate to wp-content/plugins/
• Rename or delete the problematic plugin folder
• Reinstall it via the dashboard or FTP

Check File Permissions

• Ensure /wp-content/ and plugin folders have 755 permissions
• Files should have 644 permissions

Re-enable Plugins One by One

To confirm stability, activate each plugin manually via the WordPress admin area.

WordPress Theme Update Maintenance Mode Issues

Similar to plugins, theme updates can get interrupted and leave WordPress stuck.

Access wp-content/themes/

• Rename the theme folder being updated
• Install a default theme (e.g., Twenty Twenty-Four) if needed

Reinstall the Theme Safely

• Download a fresh copy of the theme
• Upload it via FTP or dashboard

What Causes WordPress Maintenance Mode Loop?

A “maintenance mode loop” means your site keeps entering maintenance mode. Causes include:

• Auto-update settings misfiring
• Cron jobs failing or misconfigured
• Conflict between update processes

Fix: WordPress Automatic or Manual Update Stuck

Disable Automatic Updates (Optional)

Add the following to your wp-config.php:

define('AUTOMATIC_UPDATER_DISABLED', true);Code language: JavaScript (javascript)

Use WP-CLI or Manual Update Methods

• Back up your site
• Download the latest WordPress core files
• Upload /wp-admin/ and /wp-includes/ via FTP

Prevent Future Maintenance Mode Errors

• Avoid bulk updating many plugins/themes at once
• Ensure server resources are sufficient (check PHP limits, memory, execution time)
• Use a staging environment for updates
• Monitor WP-Cron jobs
• Use reliable hosting

Cannot Access WordPress Dashboard During Maintenance Mode?

If locked out:

• Remove .maintenance via FTP or cPanel
• Clear all caches
• If needed, disable plugins via FTP by renaming the plugins folder

WordPress Locked Out During Update? Restore Access

If the dashboard is inaccessible:

Access wp-config.php to enable debug:

define( 'WP_DEBUG', true );Code language: JavaScript (javascript)

Check for errors that caused the lockout

FTP Access to Root Directory: Quick Tutorial

• Install FileZilla or another FTP client
• Enter FTP credentials (host, username, password, port)
• Connect and navigate to your root folder (often public_html)
• Locate and delete .maintenance

WordPress cPanel File Manager Tutorial

• Login to your hosting cPanel
• Click File Manager
• Go to the site’s root folder
• Find .maintenance and delete it

Final Thoughts

Getting stuck in WordPress maintenance mode can happen unexpectedly during updates. Thankfully, fixing it is usually straightforward — remove the .maintenance file, clear cache, and verify plugin or theme stability. With proactive steps, you can reduce the risk of this recurring.