Uncover effective solutions to tackle the "Another Update is Currently in Progress" error in WordPress and regain smooth updating functionality.
What is the "Another Update is Currently in Progress" Error
The "Another Update is Currently in Progress" error in WordPress is encountered when attempting to update a plugin, theme, or WordPress core while there is already an ongoing update process in the background. This error message is displayed to prevent simultaneous updates that could potentially lead to conflicts or data inconsistencies.
WordPress has a built-in mechanism that sets a flag in the database during updates to indicate that an update is in progress. This flag ensures that only one update process can occur at a time to maintain data integrity.
When you encounter the "Another Update is Currently in Progress" error, it means that a previous update process is still running or was interrupted without completing successfully. This can happen if the update process is interrupted due to server issues, internet connectivity problems, or manual termination of the update process.
Reasons for "Another Update is Currently in Progress" error in WordPress
The "Another Update is Currently in Progress" error in WordPress occurs for several reasons. Here are some common causes:
1. Interrupted Update Process:
If a previous update process was interrupted or terminated unexpectedly, WordPress may still recognize it as an ongoing update. This can happen due to server issues, internet connectivity problems, or manual termination of the update process.
2. Stuck Update Lock:
Occasionally, an update lock can get stuck in the WordPress database, preventing new updates from being initiated. This can happen if a previous update did not complete properly or if there was a conflict during the update process.
3. Slow or Unresponsive Server:
If the server is experiencing high traffic, resource limitations, or performance issues, it may take longer for an update process to complete. In such cases, WordPress may mistakenly assume that an update is still in progress, even if it has actually finished.
4. Maintenance Mode Issues:
WordPress enters maintenance mode during updates to prevent access to the site and ensure data integrity. If the maintenance mode is not properly enabled or disabled, it can result in the "Another Update is Currently in Progress" error.
While WordPress automatically checks and removes this field after 15 minutes, if you're stuck with this error for longer, you may need to manually resolve the issue.
Solutions to Resolve the Error
There are two primary ways to resolve this issue: using a plugin to access and modify the database, or directly interacting with your site's database using phpMyAdmin.
Method 1: Using a Plugin
For those not comfortable dealing with databases directly, a plugin like "WP-Optimize" can provide a user-friendly interface to resolve the error.
Install and Activate WP-Optimize:
From your WordPress dashboard, navigate to Plugins > Add New and search for 'WP-Optimize' install and activate the plugin.
Access the Database:
Once activated, go to WP-Optimize > Database on your WordPress dashboard.
Locate and Delete the Database Field:
Scroll down and find the 'core_updater.lock' option. Select it and then click on Run optimization to delete it.
Method 2: Using phpMyAdmin
If you're comfortable interacting directly with your website's database, you can use phpMyAdmin, a popular tool for managing MySQL databases.
Access phpMyAdmin:
This can typically be done from your hosting account's cPanel. Choose phpMyAdmin from the list.
Locate Your WordPress Database:
Once you're in phpMyAdmin, select your WordPress database from the list on the left.
Find the 'wp_options' Table:
In your WordPress database, locate the 'wp_options' table.
Search for 'core_updater.lock':
Inside the 'wp_options' table, look for the 'core_updater.lock' option.
Delete the Database Field:
Click 'Delete' to remove this field from the database.
Final Thoughts
Resolving the "Another Update is Currently in Progress" error in WordPress is relatively straightforward by following the provided steps. However, it's important to take a backup of your website before making any changes to ensure data safety. If you're uncomfortable with database manipulation, consider using plugins or seeking professional assistance. If the issue persists, contact your hosting provider for additional support. With patience and the right approach, you can overcome this error and maintain a smooth WordPress website management experience.