WordPress Update Problems? Here’s How to Fix Them (No Tech Skills Needed)

Keeping your WordPress website up to date is critical for security, speed, and access to new features. But let’s face it—when an update fails, it can feel like the whole site is crashing down, especially if you don’t have a technical background.

Don’t panic.

Most WordPress update errors are easy to fix with a bit of guidance. In this beginner-friendly guide, we’ll break down why updates fail and what you can do to resolve them—no developer required.

🛑 Why Do WordPress Updates Fail?

WordPress runs on a system of interconnected parts: the core platform, themes, and plugins. If one of these components doesn’t align properly during an update, things can break.

Here are some of the most common causes:

• 📡 Poor internet connection that interrupts the update

• 🔌 Conflicts between plugins

• 🎨 Theme incompatibility

• 💾 Insufficient server memory or time limits

• 🔐 Incorrect file and folder permissions

• 🧩 Corrupted or incomplete update files

The first step toward fixing any problem is understanding where it’s coming from.

🛠️ How to Fix WordPress Update Errors (Step by Step)

✅ 1. Back Up Your Site First

Before trying anything, create a full backup of your website using a plugin like UpdraftPlus or BackupBuddy. This gives you a safety net in case something goes wrong during the troubleshooting process.

✅ 2. Clear Your Cache (It Might Be That Simple)

Sometimes, your browser or caching plugin is the culprit—not the update itself.

• Clear your browser cache (Ctrl+Shift+R or Command+Shift+R on most browsers

• If you use a caching plugin (like WP Super Cache or W3 Total Cache), clear your site cache too

Now try updating WordPress again.

✅ 3. Use Troubleshooting Mode to Find Plugin Conflicts

Conflicting plugins are a frequent reason for failed updates.

You can use the Health Check & Troubleshooting plugin to safely test your site:

• Install and activate the plugin

• Enable troubleshooting mode—this disables all plugins temporarily (just for you)

• Try updating again

• If it works, re-enable plugins one by one until the error returns

That last plugin activated is your likely culprit.

✅ 4. Check Your Hosting Settings

Shared hosting plans often limit memory and execution time, which can stop updates mid-process.

Ask your host:

• What’s the PHP memory limit? (It should be at least 256MB)

• What’s the maximum execution time? (Aim for 300 seconds)

• Can they increase these limits for better stability?

Sometimes, simply switching to a better hosting plan solves everything.

✅ 5. Try a Manual WordPress Update

If automatic updates aren’t working, a manual update might do the trick.

Here’s a simple guide:

1. Download the latest WordPress version from WordPress.org

2. Unzip the files on your computer

3. Use FTP software like FileZilla to connect to your website

4. Replace the wp-admin and wp-includes folders with the new ones

5. Do not touch the wp-content folder (it holds your themes and plugins)

6. Open your site—if needed, it will ask to update the database. Just click the button

Done right, this is a safe and effective fix.

✅ 6. Adjust File Permissions (If You’re Getting Permission Errors)

WordPress needs the correct file permissions to update itself.

Use a plugin like WP File Manager or ask your hosting provider to set:

• Folders to 755

• Files to 644

These permissions allow WordPress to work smoothly without opening security risks.

✅ 7. Stuck in Maintenance Mode? Here’s How to Exit

Sometimes an update gets interrupted, leaving your site stuck in maintenance mode with this message:

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

To fix this:

1. Log into your hosting account (e.g., cPanel or via FTP)

2. Go to the root folder of your WordPress site

3. Delete the file named .maintenance

4. Refresh your site—it should return to normal

This is one of the easiest fixes on the list.

💬 When You Should Call in the Experts

If you’ve tried everything and the update still won’t work—or if you're unsure about any step—it’s perfectly okay to ask for help.

Here’s who you can turn to:

• Your web hosting support team

• A WordPress specialist

• Or a reliable web development company like Websenor

✅ Final Thoughts: Keep WordPress Simple with Websenor

WordPress update errors can seem intimidating, but most are fixable with a calm, step-by-step approach—even if you're not a tech expert. The key is to:

• Back up first

• Rule out the simple causes

• Test safely before changing live settings

• Know when to ask for help

If managing updates or troubleshooting problems ever feels like too much, Websenor is here to take the weight off your shoulders. Our team specializes in WordPress maintenance, bug fixing, and website performance tuning—so you can focus on growing your brand while we handle the backend.

Let Websenor be your WordPress safety net. With us, your website stays secure, updated, and stress-free.