Fix Error: Elementor Data Updater – Database Update Process Is Running In The Background. Taking A While?

You’ve just initiated the Elementor data updater, and now your website is stuck with this message:

Elementor Data Updater 
Database update process is running in the background. Taking a while?

This can be incredibly frustrating. The delay in the update completing, could affect your site’s functionality, leaving you stressed and uncertain about what steps to take next.

But, take a breath. We’ll help you fix it. Your site will be back up and running in minutes. 

TL;DR: Some Elementor updates modify your database, usually pausing Elementor functionality during the process. If the update gets stuck, it’s often due to plugin incompatibility. To fix this, you’ll need to roll back the update and troubleshoot the issue on a staging site.

Why is the Elementor data updater taking so long?

The Elementor data updater is taking so long because it is optimizing your site’s database in the background.

When Elementor releases a new update that requires changes to the database, the plugin will trigger the Elementor Data Updater. This updater makes crucial adjustments to your database to ensure that the new update integrates smoothly.

During the update, Elementor might need to make changes to comply with new features, like transforming existing data into new formats, moving or reorganizing some content within the database, etc. These modifications help ensure that your existing page layouts, designs, and functionalities remain intact and functional after the update. 

The entire process runs in the background, which may temporarily limit some Elementor features. It’s supposed to take just a few minutes. But, if you have plugin conflicts or an outdated WordPress version, this process will be interrupted. For example, when Elementor was updated to version 3.4.0, many users encountered issues with this process.

Step 1: Rollback the plugin update

If you’re faced with the “Elementor data updater database update process is running in the background. Taking a while?” error in your Elementor settings page, the first step is to roll back the Elementor plugin to a previous version. Elementor has a built-in version control feature that makes this process relatively straightforward. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Log in to your WordPress admin panel.
2. In the WordPress sidebar, hover over Elementor and click on Tools.
3. Once you’re in the Tools section, you’ll see several tabs. Click on the Version Control tab.
4. In the Version Control section, you’ll see an option to roll back to a previous version of Elementor. Select a version that was stable for your site (ideally, the version before the update causing the error).

5. Click Save Changes.

Step 2: Take a backup

We always recommend that you take a backup before any change to your site. It’s a great resource to fall back on. 

A complete backup acts as a safety net, ensuring that all your data, is safe from loss or corruption.

Backups make recovery easy. If an update causes issues or plugin conflicts, you can quickly revert to a working version of your site. Knowing that you have a backup ready provides peace of mind, allowing you to troubleshoot and make necessary changes confidently.

For best results, consider using BlogVault. BlogVault offers automatic daily backups, one-click restore options, and secure offsite storage. It ensures that your site’s performance isn’t affected during the backup process. 

To take a backup, simply install BlogVault, sign up and add your site. With BlogVault, you can be confident that your site is protected and can be quickly restored if needed.

Step 3: Create a staging site

Using a staging site when updating or troubleshooting your WordPress site is a best practice you shouldn’t skip. A staging site is a clone of your live website, where you can safely test updates, plugins, and custom changes without affecting the actual site that visitors see.

Creating a staging site has never been easier thanks to BlogVault. With BlogVault, you can build a staging site with just one click from the dashboard. It will automatically creates an exact copy of your live site, hosted on its own secure servers, so it doesn’t impact your main site’s resources or performance. You can then make changes, test new plugins, or experiment with design modifications without any risk.

To set up a staging site on BlogVault, simply log into your BlogVault dashboard and click Add Staging. Within moments, your staging site will be ready for you to use. 

Step 4: Fix the incompatibility

After rolling back the Elementor plugin, it’s essential to identify why the update process got stuck and fix it. This involves systematically checking for potential issues such as plugin conflicts and outdated WordPress versions. We’re going to run the update on the staging site first and troubleshoot. 

1. Click WP-ADMIN in the Staging section of the BlogVault dashboard
2. Update the Elementor plugin on that dashboard
3. The error is likely to be back, so we can start troublshooting.

1. Check for incompatible plugins

1. Go back to the plugins dashboard and deactivate all the plugins, except for Elementor.Check to see if the error disappears.
2. Then reactivate one plugin at a time, checking each time to see if the error reappears.
3. If the error does reappear, reach out to the plugin developers and wait till they fix the issue to update Elementor on your live site.
4. If deactivating plugins didn’t remove the error, try the next few things.

2. Check if your WordPress is up to date

Next up, let’s check if your WordPress version is the issue. Navigate to Dashboard and then click Updates. Here, you’ll see if there are any updates available for the WordPress core. If an update is available, it will be listed at the top of the page. Click the Update Now button to update your WordPress to the latest version. 

Once you’re done, test the site thoroughly.Then, you’re done!

Step 5: Push the changes to your live site

It’s now time to push the changes to your live site. We recommend that you replicate the changes you made on the staging site to your live site.  Then test every page, post and element thoroughly.

Best practices for plugin updates in WordPress

Keeping your plugins up to date is crucial for the health and security of your WordPress site. However, you must manage updates carefully to avoid conflicts and other issues. Here are some best practices:

Disable auto-updates

While auto-updates can be convenient, they may cause unexpected compatibility issues. It’s better to disable auto-updates and manually update your plugins to maintain control over your site’s environment.

Regularly check for updates

Make it a habit to regularly check for plugin updates, at least once a week. This ensures your site remains secure and performs optimally with the latest plugin enhancements and security patches. BlogVault automates these for you, so you can see available updates right on your dashboard.

Take a backup before updating plugins

Always take a full backup of your site before updating any plugins. This provides a safety net, allowing you to revert your site to its previous state if the update creates issues.

Test updates in staging

Test plugin updates on a staging site before applying them to your live site. This lets you catch and resolve potential problems in a safe environment, protecting your live site from disruptions.

Use reputable plugins only

Opt for plugins that are reputable and well-supported. This means looking for plugins with good reviews, frequent updates, and a large user base to ensure they are reliable and well-maintained.

Read the plugin update changelog

Before updating, read the plugin’s changelog. This helps you understand what changes have been made and any potential impacts on your site.

Update one plugin at a time

Update plugins one at a time rather than all at once. This makes it easier to identify and troubleshoot any issues that arise during the update process.

Monitor the site’s performance after an update

After updating a plugin, monitor your site’s performance closely. Use a plugin like BlogVault that tracks downtime and make sure your site continues to work normally. 

Keep plugin versions compatible

Ensure that your plugins are compatible with your WordPress version and other installed plugins by checking reviews on forums or the changelog. Compatibility issues can lead to site malfunctions and security vulnerabilities.

Remove unused or outdated plugins

Regularly clean up your site by removing unused or outdated plugins. Keeping your plugin list lean helps enhance site performance and reduce security risks.

Final thoughts

An Elementor update can be nerve-wracking, especially if it impacts your live site. Your priority should be to reduce downtime and ensure your site remains functional. Start by rolling back the Elementor plugin to its previous version. Next, create a staging site to troubleshoot the problem without affecting your live site. This approach helps you identify and resolve issues safely, ensuring a smoother update process in the future. Finally, merge your staging site with your live site once you have troubleshot the issue.

FAQs

How do I stop Elementor from updating?

To stop Elementor from updating automatically, you need to disable auto-updates. Navigate to your WordPress dashboard, go to Plugins, find Elementor, and click Disable Auto-Updates under the plugin options.

What is the meaning of Elementor data updater?

The Elementor data updater is a process that runs to make necessary changes to your database when you update the Elementor plugin. This ensures that new features and functionalities work properly with your existing site data.

Why is Elementor stuck on loading after an update?

Elementor may be stuck on loading after an update due to several factors, including plugin conflicts, outdated WordPress or PHP versions, or insufficient server resources. Troubleshooting these issues on a staging site can help identify the cause.

Why is my Elementor not updating?

If Elementor is not updating, it could be due to several reasons, such as plugin conflicts, server restrictions, network issues, or insufficient permissions. Ensure your WordPress core, themes, and other plugins are up-to-date and compatible. If the problem persists, consider contacting Elementor support for assistance.