Fixing WordPress Update Errors: A Simple Guide for Non-Tech Users
Keeping your WordPress website updated is essential for staying secure, fast, and compatible with the latest features. But when updates fail—especially if you’re not a tech expert—it can feel frustrating and even risky.
The good news? Most update failures are common, predictable, and fixable without needing advanced coding knowledge. This guide will walk you through the most frequent reasons WordPress updates fail and how to resolve them safely and confidently—even if you’re not “techy.”
Why WordPress Updates Sometimes Fail
Before diving into solutions, it helps to know why things go wrong. WordPress is made up of the core platform, plugins, and themes. When any part of that system is out of sync, updates can fail.
Here are the most common causes:
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✅ Poor internet connection
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✅ Plugin conflicts
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✅ Incompatible themes
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✅ Server resource limits (like low memory)
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✅ Incorrect file permissions
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✅ Corrupted or incomplete update files
Once you know the cause, you’re halfway to the solution.
How to Fix WordPress Update Failures – Step by Step
1. Always Start with a Backup
Even if nothing seems broken, backing up your site is the smartest first step. Use plugins like UpdraftPlus or BackupBuddy to save your full site (files + database). That way, you can restore everything if anything goes wrong during troubleshooting.
2. Clear Your Cache (Browser and WordPress)
Sometimes the update goes through—but your browser still shows the old version.
Here’s what to do:
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Clear your browser cache.
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If you use caching plugins (like WP Super Cache or W3 Total Cache), clear your site cache too.
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Then try updating again.
3. Troubleshoot Plugin Conflicts with Safe Mode
Conflicting plugins are a common culprit. To test this safely:
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Install the free Health Check & Troubleshooting plugin.
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Enable “Troubleshooting Mode.” This temporarily disables all plugins for your session only.
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Try updating again. If it works, re-enable plugins one at a time to find the one causing the issue.
This protects your live site while you debug.
4. Check Hosting Resource Limits
Some shared hosting plans have tight restrictions that block larger updates.
Check with your hosting provider:
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Is your PHP memory limit too low? (It should be at least 256MB)
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Is the maximum execution time too short?
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Can they upgrade your hosting plan or adjust settings?
Your host can often resolve this quickly with a simple support request.
5. Manually Update WordPress (It’s Not as Hard as It Sounds)
If the automatic update isn’t working, do it manually:
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Download the latest WordPress version from wordpress.org.
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Unzip it on your computer.
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Connect to your site using FTP (FileZilla is a good option).
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Upload the new wp-admin and wp-includes folders, replacing the old ones.
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Do NOT touch your wp-content folder (your themes/plugins are safe there).
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Visit your site—WordPress may prompt you to update your database.
Follow each step carefully, and your site will be updated safely.
6. Check File Permissions
Wrong file permissions can block updates.
To fix:
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Use the WP File Manager plugin or your hosting control panel.
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Set folders to 755 and files to 644.
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If you’re unsure, ask your host’s support team to help.
These settings ensure your site stays secure and functional.
7. Stuck in Maintenance Mode? Here’s How to Exit
If your site says “Briefly unavailable for scheduled maintenance,” the update process got interrupted.
Fix it like this:
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Log into your hosting account (via cPanel or file manager).
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Open your site’s root directory.
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Delete the .maintenance file.
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Refresh your site—it should be back to normal.
When You Should Ask for Help
Sometimes, even after trying all the steps, the issue persists. That’s okay.
You can contact:
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Your hosting provider’s support team
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A professional WordPress developer
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A trusted WordPress maintenance company
If your website is important for your business, it’s worth having someone reliable to handle technical issues so you can stay focused on running your operations.
Conclusion: You’re Not Alone—Websenor is Here to Help
WordPress update failures can feel intimidating, but you don’t need to be a developer to fix them. With the right approach, tools, and guidance, most issues can be resolved quickly—no coding required.
Always start with a backup, clear your cache, check for plugin conflicts, and review your hosting environment. These simple steps can save you time, money, and stress.
If you're feeling stuck or don’t want to go it alone, Websenor is here for you. As a trusted WordPress development and maintenance company, we help non-tech users manage, protect, and grow their websites without the headaches.
With Websenor by your side, WordPress becomes simpler—so you can focus on what really matters: growing your brand.
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