Having a WordPress website stuck in maintenance mode can be a frustrating experience for website owners and administrators.
In this troubleshooting guide, we will explore the causes behind this issue and provide you with step-by-step instructions to resolve it promptly.
By following the outlined steps, you’ll be able to bring your WordPress website back online and ensure its smooth operation.
Why a WordPress Stuck in Maintenance Mode?
Before diving into the solutions, let’s take a moment to understand why a WordPress website gets stuck in maintenance mode.
This mode is activated when WordPress is updating or making changes to the site. However, if the process is interrupted or encounters an error, the website can remain stuck in maintenance mode, rendering it inaccessible to visitors.
Several common causes can lead to a website being stuck in maintenance mode. These include conflicts with plugins or themes, corrupted core files, improper updates, or incomplete installations. By identifying the root cause, you can take the necessary steps to fix the issue effectively.
Step-by-Step Guide to Fix WordPress Stuck in Maintenance Mode
1. Access Website Files
To begin troubleshooting, you’ll need to access your website files. Access your hosting Cpanel File Manager and locate the root directory of your WordPress installation.
After opening the file manager, navigate to the root directory and locate the .maintenance file, which may be a hidden file.
2. Delete the .maintenance File
Within the WordPress root directory, you will find a file named “.maintenance”. This file is responsible for triggering and maintaining the maintenance mode.
Read More: What is WordPress .maintenance File?
By deleting it, you can disable the maintenance mode and restore access to your website.
3. Clearing Browser Cache
After deleting the .maintenance file, it’s essential to clear your browser cache to ensure you can see the changes.
Cached files can prevent you from accessing your website even after the maintenance mode is disabled. Clearing the cache will force your browser to fetch the latest version of your site.
Clearing cache varies depending on the browser you use. Generally, you can find the option to clear the cache in the browser settings or preferences.
4. Troubleshooting Plugins and Themes
Conflicts with plugins or themes can often trigger maintenance mode issues. Check for any recently installed or updated plugins or themes that may be causing the problem.
Start by deactivating these plugins or themes to identify the one causing the conflict.
To do this, access your WordPress installation directory via Cpanel and navigate to the “wp-content” folder. Rename the “plugins” folder to something like “plugins_disabled”.
This action will deactivate all plugins at once. Similarly, rename the active theme’s folder within the “themes” folder to temporarily switch to a default theme.
5. Verify WordPress Core Files
Corrupted core files can also lead to maintenance mode problems. To address this, download a fresh copy of WordPress from the official website. Extract the downloaded file and locate the “wp-admin” and “wp-includes” folders.
Using your FTP client, navigate to the WordPress root directory and overwrite the existing “wp-admin” and “wp-includes” folders with the fresh copies you just downloaded. This step will replace any corrupted core files.
6. Enable WordPress Debugging Mode
Enabling debugging mode in WordPress can help identify and resolve any errors that might be causing the maintenance mode issue.
To enable debugging, locate the “wp-config.php” file in your WordPress root directory.
Open the file in a text editor and find the line that says “/* That’s all, stop editing! Happy blogging. */”.
Just above this line, add the following code:
define( 'WP_DEBUG', true );
define( 'WP_DEBUG_LOG', true );
define( 'WP_DEBUG_DISPLAY', false );Save the file and upload it back to your server. With debugging mode enabled, any errors or warnings will be logged in a file called “debug.log” within the “wp-content” directory.
By analyzing these logs, you can identify and troubleshoot the issues causing maintenance mode.
Best Practices
While troubleshooting your WordPress website stuck in maintenance mode, it’s crucial to follow some best practices:
- Back up your website files and database before making any changes. This ensures that you can revert to a previous working state if needed.
- If you’re uncomfortable with the troubleshooting process, seek professional assistance. Experienced developers or WordPress support forums can provide valuable guidance and help you resolve the issue effectively.
- Regularly update WordPress, plugins, and themes to prevent potential conflicts and errors. Keeping your website up to date ensures a smooth and secure user experience.
Conclusion
Resolving a WordPress website stuck in maintenance mode requires a systematic approach and attention to detail.
By following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this guide, you can effectively address the issue and bring your website back online.
Remember, maintaining a functional WordPress website is essential for user satisfaction, SEO rankings, and overall success.
If you encounter maintenance mode issues, don’t panic. Simply follow the steps provided, and you’ll be well on your way to resolving the problem and ensuring the smooth operation of your WordPress site.