How to Fix the WordPress Updating Failed / Publishing Failed Error: A Comprehensive Guide

As a WordPress expert with over 15 years of experience, I’ve seen countless website owners struggle with the frustrating “WordPress updating failed” or “publishing failed” error. This error can be incredibly perplexing, especially for beginners. The message itself provides little to no clues, leaving you wondering what went wrong and how to fix it. But don’t worry, this comprehensive guide will walk you through every step needed to diagnose and resolve this common issue.

The good news is, in most cases, this error can be easily fixed. By understanding the underlying causes and following the troubleshooting steps outlined below, you can get back to creating and publishing your content with ease.

Let’s dive into the world of WordPress errors and conquer this one together!

Understanding the Root Cause

The “WordPress updating failed” or “publishing failed” error typically occurs when WordPress encounters a problem communicating with its REST API.

Think of the REST API as a messenger system. WordPress uses it to send and receive requests to its database, handling tasks like:

• Saving changes to posts and pages
• Publishing new content
• Updating media files
• Managing user accounts

If the REST API encounters issues, these tasks can fail, resulting in the error message you’re seeing.

Why is WordPress Unable to Use the REST API?

The REST API can malfunction due to various factors:

• Internet Connection Issues: The most common cause is a lost or unstable internet connection. If your computer loses connectivity while working on a post, WordPress won’t be able to save your changes.
• Outdated WordPress Core: An outdated WordPress core can contain bugs that interfere with the publishing process. Regularly updating your core version is crucial for a stable site.
• Conflicting Plugins: Plugins often interact with the REST API. A poorly coded or incompatible plugin can disrupt the communication, triggering the error.
• Website Firewall: Security services like Cloudflare or Sucuri can sometimes block REST API requests, mistaking your IP address for a threat or encountering a DDOS attack.
• Misconfigured Site URL: A wrong Site Address or WordPress Address setting can cause the API to malfunction.
• PHP Memory Limit: WordPress relies on memory to perform tasks. When your PHP memory limit is exceeded during the publishing process, it can lead to this error.
• Third-Party Services: Some third-party services can interfere with the REST API calls, blocking them.

Troubleshooting Steps: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now that we understand the causes, let’s tackle them head-on with these troubleshooting steps:

Step 1: Check Your Internet Connection and Site URL

Always start by checking the basics! Make sure your internet connection is stable and functioning. Visit other websites in a new browser tab to verify connectivity.

Next, review your WordPress site URL settings:

1. Go to Settings » General in your WordPress dashboard.
2. Verify that the ‘Site Address’ and ‘WordPress Address’ fields are correct. For most websites, these should match.

Step 2: Update Your WordPress Software

Keeping your WordPress core updated is essential for security and performance. An outdated core can often lead to issues with the REST API.

1. Go to Dashboard » Updates.
2. If a WordPress core update is available, click “Update Now”.

Step 3: Check REST API Status Using WordPress Site Health

WordPress has a built-in site health tool that provides valuable insights into your website’s performance and security. You can use this to check if the REST API is functioning properly.

1. Go to Tools » Site Health.
2. Look for the “REST API” section. If there are issues, you’ll see a warning message.
3. The site health tool may provide additional debugging information to help pinpoint the problem.

Step 4: Disable All Your WordPress Plugins

A plugin conflict is a common culprit behind this error. Disabling all your plugins temporarily allows you to isolate the issue.

1. Go to Plugins » Installed Plugins.
2. Select all plugins using the checkbox at the top.
3. From the “Bulk Actions” dropdown, choose “Deactivate”, then click “Apply” to disable all plugins.
4. Try updating or publishing a post. If the error disappears, you’ve found the culprit plugin.
5. Reactivate plugins one by one, testing after each activation to identify the conflicting plugin.

Step 5: Check Website Firewall Service

If you use a website firewall service like Sucuri or Cloudflare, they might be blocking REST API requests. This can happen if your IP address is flagged as suspicious or if your site is facing a DDOS attack.

1. Cloudflare: Temporarily disable Cloudflare from your hosting account’s Domains section.
2. Sucuri: Contact Sucuri support for assistance. They can help whitelist your IP address or diagnose the problem.

Step 6: Enable and Review WordPress Debug Log

WordPress has a debug log that records errors and warnings. While it doesn’t log REST API errors directly, it can offer insights into other potential issues causing the error.

1. Open your wp-config.php file. You’ll find this in the root directory of your WordPress installation.
2. Add the following code to enable debug mode and logging:

   “`php
   define( ‘WP_DEBUG’, true );
   define( ‘WP_DEBUG_LOG’, true );
   “`

3. Save the changes to your wp-config.php file.
4. Try to publish or update a post to trigger the error again.
5. Connect to your hosting account using an FTP client and go to the /wp-content/ folder.
6. Download the debug.log file to your computer.
7. Open the debug.log file in a plain text editor (Notepad, TextEdit, etc.).
8. Look for any errors, warnings, or notices that might indicate a problem with a plugin, theme, or other part of your website. These clues can be helpful when seeking support.

Step 7: Temporarily Switch to the Classic WordPress Editor

The classic editor, the pre-Gutenberg editor, doesn’t rely on the REST API to update or publish content. This can be a temporary workaround if you’re in a hurry to publish.

1. Install and activate the Classic Editor plugin.
2. Edit the post you were working on, and you should be able to save and publish it without encountering the error.

Step 8: Increase Your PHP Memory Limit

The publishing process in WordPress can be memory-intensive. If the PHP memory limit is reached, it can prevent WordPress from completing the publishing process, leading to the error.

Increasing the PHP memory limit can provide WordPress with more resources to handle the publishing task.

To increase the PHP memory limit, you can typically edit the php.ini file on your server. However, the exact method depends on your hosting provider. You might need to contact your hosting support for instructions on how to increase the memory limit.

Final Step: Ask for Support

If none of the above steps resolve the issue, it’s time to seek expert help. Contact your hosting provider first, as they have access to server logs and can often diagnose server-side issues.

You can also reach out to the WordPress community for assistance:

• WordPress.org forums: Ask for help in the relevant support forums.
• WPBeginner Facebook Group: Join the WPBeginner community for support from experts and other WordPress users.

Conclusion

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Remember, troubleshooting WordPress errors requires patience and a systematic approach. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can effectively identify and resolve the “WordPress updating failed” or “publishing failed” error. And if you need more advanced help, don’t hesitate to reach out to the WordPress community or your hosting provider. Happy blogging!

If you’re interested in learning more about tech news, feel free to visit my website: www.naveedahmed.me.