Fix WordPress Stuck in Maintenance Mode

Why it happens

During an update of the core, a plugin or a theme, WordPress puts the site in maintenance mode so visitors do not see broken pages. For that it creates a temporary file named .maintenance in the root folder. After the update, WordPress deletes it.

If the update is interrupted, the file stays. Typical reasons are low server memory, a slow server, a closed browser tab, or a plugin or theme conflict. The site then keeps showing the message.

Fix it with FTP or File Manager

1. Connect to your site with an FTP client, or open the File Manager of your hosting panel.
2. Go to the main folder of WordPress, usually public_html. It is the folder that holds wp-config.php.
3. Files that start with a dot are hidden. Turn on Show hidden files.

   

4. Right-click .maintenance and choose Delete.

   

5. Clear the cache of your browser, your caching plugin and your server. Reload the site.

Fix it in cPanel

1. Log in to cPanel and open File Manager in the Files section.

   

2. Open the folder of WordPress, usually public_html.

   

3. Click Settings in the top right corner, tick Show Hidden Files (dotfiles) and click Save.

   

4. Find .maintenance, right-click it and choose Delete.

   

5. Open the site. It should be live again.

If the problem stays

The update may have failed half way.

• Update the plugin or theme again by hand, or deactivate it via FTP by renaming its folder.
• Check that wp-content/upgrade is empty. Delete leftovers there.
• Restore a recent backup if the site is still broken.

How to avoid it

• Do not close the browser or leave the page while an update runs.
• Update plugins and themes one at a time and not all together.
• Make a backup before updates.
• Use a host with enough memory and a stable connection.

Quick recap

• A leftover .maintenance file keeps the site in maintenance mode.
• Delete it in the root folder of WordPress (show hidden files first).
• Clear the caches and avoid interrupting updates.