WordPress Auto Update Not Working: How to Fix It

If your WordPress auto-update isn’t working, this detailed guide walks you through diagnosing and fixing the issue. From checking server resources, file permissions, and PHP version compatibility to resolving plugin conflicts and manual updates, we cover it all. Learn how to troubleshoot maintenance mode issues, handle incomplete updates, and implement preventive measures like automatic backups and staging environments. Whether it’s a minor update, major release, or security update, this guide ensures your WordPress website stays secure and up to date. Plus, we answer five key FAQs to address common concerns.

Introduction

WordPress offers an automatic updates feature that helps keep your website secure and running smoothly by automatically updating the core files, plugins, themes, and translation updates. However, sometimes these auto-WordPress updates fail, leaving your site vulnerable or outdated.

In this DETAILED GUIDE, we’ll explore why WordPress Automatic Updates may not be working and provide step-by-step solutions to fix the issue.

Understanding WordPress Auto-Update Failures

Types of Auto-Updates

• Core updates: WordPress itself (major releases, minor updates, and security updates)
• Plugin updates: Installed plugins (individual plugin updates)
• Theme updates: Installed themes (Premium themes and Child Theme compatibility)
• Translation file updates

Symptoms of Failed Auto-Updates

• Incomplete updates or broken updates
• Updates stuck in progress
• Website displaying errors post-update
• Dashboard notifications about update issues

Potential Consequences of Update Failures

• Security breaches due to outdated software
• Theme compatibility issues
• Performance improvements not applied
• Maintenance mode issues leading to downtime

Common Causes of Auto-Update Failures

• Insufficient server resources (low server RAM, server script timeout)
• Incorrect permissions on core directories
• Plugin or theme conflicts
• Outdated PHP versions
• Server configuration issues
• Hosting providers limiting auto-feed update operation

Diagnosing the Problem

Checking WordPress Error Logs

1. Navigate to wp-content/debug.log
2. Check for errors related to automatic update process

Identifying Specific Error Messages

Look for messages such as:

• “Could not copy file”
• “Update failed”
• “Permissions denied”

Using WordPress Debug Mode

1. Edit the wp-config file
2. Add the following lines:define(‘WP_DEBUG’, true);
   define(‘WP_DEBUG_LOG’, true);
   define(‘WP_DEBUG_DISPLAY’, false);
3. Check the debug.log file in wp-content

Step-by-Step Solutions

1. Check and Increase Server Resources

Verifying Available Disk Space

1. Log into your hosting server
2. Check disk usage via control panel
3. Free up space if necessary

Increasing PHP Memory Limit

1. Edit wp-config.php
2. Add:define(‘WP_MEMORY_LIMIT’, ‘256M’);

Extending Maximum Execution Time

1. Edit .htaccess and add:php_value max_execution_time 300

2. Correct File Permissions

Recommended File Permissions

File/Folder	Recommended Permission
wp-config.php	400 or 440
.htaccess	644
wp-content	755
wp-includes	755

Updating Permissions via FTP

1. Use File Manager or FTP Client
2. Right-click files/folders > Change Permissions

3. Resolve Plugin and Theme Conflicts

1. Deactivate all plugins
2. Switch to a default theme (Twenty Twenty-One)
3. Reactivate plugins one by one to find conflicts

4. Update PHP Version

1. Check PHP version via Tools > Site Health
2. Recommended: PHP 8.0 or later
3. Update via hosting providers (cPanel/Plesk)

5. Modify Server Configuration

Disabling Maintenance Mode

1. Access root directory via File Manager tool
2. Delete .maintenance file

Adjusting WordPress Configuration

Edit wp-config.php and add:

define('AUTOMATIC_UPDATER_DISABLED', false);
define('WP_AUTO_UPDATE_CORE', true);

6. Manual Update Process

Updating WordPress Core

1. Download the latest version from wordpress.org
2. Upload and replace files via File Transfer Protocol (FTP)

Updating Plugins and Themes Manually

1. Download updated versions
2. Upload via Dashboard > Plugins > Add New

Preventive Measures

• Regular updates and automatic backups (use a backup plugin like UpdraftPlus)
• Testing updates for maintenance releases in a staging environment
• Implementing backup solution before updating

Troubleshooting Specific Scenarios

“Briefly Unavailable for Scheduled Maintenance” Error

• Delete .maintenance file in the root directory

“An Automated WordPress Update Has Failed to Complete”

• Manually trigger the update in Dashboard > Updates

Handling Partial Updates

• Reinstall WordPress manually
• Clear server cache and browser cache, then retry

When to Seek Professional Help

• Frequent critical errors with development updates
• Site breaks after automatic background updates
• No access to admin bar namedUpdatedoptions

Choosing a WordPress Professional

• Check credentials and reviews in community for developers
• Prefer agencies specializing in business-critical sites

FAQs

1. Why does my WordPress site stop updating automatically?

It may be due to server limitations, plugin conflicts, or incorrect permissions.

2. How do I enable auto-updates manually?

Go to Dashboard > Updates and enable automatic update settings for plugins folder and mu-plugins folder.

3. What should I do if an update breaks my site?

Restore from a backup in minutes and identify the conflicting site-specific plugin.

4. Can I disable auto-updates?

Yes, add define('AUTOMATIC_UPDATER_DISABLED', true); in wp-config.php.

5. Is it safe to manually update WordPress?

Yes, but always back up your site before proceeding. Check YouTube Channel video tutorials for guidance.

Conclusion

Keeping WordPress updated is crucial for security improvements, performance improvements, and minor versions stability. By following this guide, you can diagnose and resolve errors with auto update, ensuring your site remains secure and fully functional. Implement constant update notifications, regular maintenance, and control over auto updates to prevent future issues and keep your WordPress Website running optimally.