WordPress Update Failed? Here’s Your Step-by-Step Solution
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You’re in the middle of updating your WordPress site when, all of a sudden, the screen shows that dreaded message: “Update Failed.” This can leave you scratching your head, wondering what to do next.
While it might seem like a minor issue, brushing it off could cause your site to run slowly or become less secure.
The bright side is you’re not alone in this, and there are simple steps to get everything back on track. In this guide, we’ll explain exactly what you should do to fix the issue and have your website running smoothly again.
TL;DR: A WordPress update failed error can happen due to reasons like a weak connection or plugin conflicts, among others. Begin with simple solutions: stabilize your internet connection, clear your cache, and turn off problematic plugins. To avoid these issues down the road, regularly back up your site with a reliable backup plugin and keep everything updated.
Understanding the “WordPress update failed” message
When you try to update your WordPress site and see the “update failed” message, it means something went wrong during the update. This can be frustrating, but don’t worry, it’s usually not too hard to fix.

Updates are important because they keep your site secure and make sure everything works smoothly. Ignoring updates could lead to security problems or glitches.
There are a few reasons this error might pop up, like server issues, plugins conflicting with other elements on the site or problems with file settings. The first step is figuring out why the update didn’t work.
Easy fixes for the WordPress Update failed problem
1. Check your internet connection: Make sure your internet is working. A weak or lost connection can mess up the update.
2. Verify your site’s URL: Double-check that you’re using the correct website address. Using the wrong one can cause update problems.

3. Try different devices and browsers: Sometimes, the issue is with your device or browser. Try accessing your site from another device or a different browser to see if the update works.
4. Update from the dashboard: Go to your WordPress dashboard and try the update again. Often, a simple retry can fix things.

5. Manual update: If automatic updates don’t work, you can update manually by downloading the latest WordPress version and uploading it to your site.
6. Clear your browser cache: Your browser could be showing old data. Clearing the cache can help you see the latest version of your site.

7. Check disk space: Make sure your server has enough space available. Not enough disk space can interrupt the update.
Dealing with server and API issues
Check site health
Use WordPress’s site health tool to see if there are any server or setup issues affecting updates.

Look at REST API status
This helps your site communicate with plugins and services. Errors here might block updates.

Review server resources
Make sure your server has enough power, like processing capacity and memory. If you’re on shared hosting, resource limits could be the issue. You might need to increase your memory limit.
Check PHP version
Ensure your server is running a PHP version that WordPress supports. An outdated version can cause problems. Changing PHP version could help.
Firewall or security plugin issues
Temporarily turn off your firewall or security plugins. Sometimes they accidentally block updates. Adjust their settings if needed to allow updates.
Plugin and theme troubleshooting
Turn off plugins and themes
Disable all plugins and switch to a default theme like Twenty Twenty-One. If you can’t access the dashboard, use FTP to rename the plugins and themes folders. This helps find out if a plugin or theme is causing the issue.


Identify conflicting plugins
Reactivate plugins one at a time and try the update after each. Note which one causes a problem; it might need an update or replacement.
Fix file permissions
Use FTP to access your server. Set folders to 755 and files to 644. These settings help WordPress update files correctly.

Switch editors
If you use a Gutenberg plugin, try switching to the classic editor. Sometimes it’s simpler and can solve update problems.
Getting help
If none of these fixes work, get in touch with your hosting provider’s support. Let them know what you’ve tried. They might have solutions you haven’t considered yet.
Best practices to avoid this issue
To keep your WordPress site running smoothly and avoid problems when updating, here are some easy tips:
Regularly back up your website: Frequently save copies of your site. This way, if something goes wrong, you can quickly restore it to its previous state.

Keep plugins and themes updated: Always update your plugins and themes. This helps keep your site secure and functioning correctly.

Use reliable hosting services: Choose a host you can trust. A good hosting service can greatly improve your site’s performance and security.
Monitor your website’s performance: Regularly check how your site is performing. If you notice any slowdowns or odd behavior, address them promptly.
Limit the number of active plugins: Don’t overwhelm your site with too many plugins. Only keep what you truly need to avoid conflicts and slow speeds.
Check compatibility before updates: Before updating anything, make sure it’s compatible with your current WordPress version to prevent issues.
With BlogVault, you can use the Safe Updates feature to check if updates will work well with your site before making any changes. This way, you can make sure everything runs smoothly after you update.
Ensure file permissions are correct: Proper file permissions prevent unauthorized changes to your site, helping to keep it secure.
Regularly review your security settings: Frequently check your security settings to protect your site from potential threats.
Parting thoughts
Remember these key points: troubleshoot when issues arise, update your site regularly, and adjust your settings as needed. Regular maintenance can greatly improve your site’s performance.
Stay proactive by keeping up with the latest updates, and don’t hesitate to seek help if problems occur.
FAQs
How to fix updating failed WordPress?
To fix a failed WordPress update, first check your internet connection and make sure there’s enough space on your server. Then, clear your browser cache and disable any plugins that might be causing issues. If these steps don’t work, consider updating WordPress manually with an FTP client.
Why is WordPress not letting me update?
If WordPress isn’t allowing updates, it could be due to plugin conflicts, limited server resources, or incorrect file permissions. Check your plugins for any problems, make sure your server has enough resources, and double-check that file permissions are set properly.
How to fix an automated WordPress update that has failed to complete?
If an automated update fails, locate and delete the .maintenance file from your WordPress directory using an FTP client. This should clear the “failed update” message. Afterward, try updating your site manually.
How do I force WordPress to update?
To force an update, manually download the latest WordPress version from WordPress.org and upload it to your site using an FTP client, bypassing the automatic update process.
How do I skip a WordPress update?
To skip a WordPress update, you can choose to ignore the update notification. However, it’s best not to skip updates as they often contain critical security fixes and enhancements.
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