How to Fix the ‘Another Update in Progress’ Error in WordPress: A Comprehensive Guide
As a WordPress expert with over 15 years of experience, I’ve encountered countless website issues, and the “Another Update in Progress” error is one that frequently pops up. This error message can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you’re eager to keep your site up-to-date and secure. This guide will equip you with the knowledge to tackle this obstacle head-on and get your site back on track.
I’ll break down the “Another Update in Progress” error in WordPress, explaining why it happens and providing a step-by-step solution. I’ll also share practical tips to prevent this error from recurring, along with other troubleshooting guides for common WordPress errors. Let’s dive in!
Understanding the “Another Update in Progress” Error
This error usually occurs when a WordPress core update is running in the background, and a user attempts to initiate another update process, such as updating a plugin or theme. To prevent conflicts and potential data corruption, WordPress safeguards your website during core updates by placing an update lock on your database. This lock is essential for maintaining the integrity of your site.
Typically, the “Another Update in Progress” message automatically disappears within 15 minutes or once the background update completes. However, if you’re stuck with this message, it signifies that the update lock is preventing you from initiating any further updates. To resolve this, you need to remove the update lock manually.
How to Fix the ‘Another Update in Progress’ Error
The most effective way to fix the “Another Update in Progress” error is by manually deleting the “core_updater.lock” file from your WordPress database. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Secure Your Website
Before making any changes to your database, it’s crucial to safeguard your website with a backup. Using a plugin like Duplicator will create a complete backup of your site, ensuring you have a safety net in case something unexpected happens.
Step 2: Access phpMyAdmin
To access your database, you’ll need to log in to the cPanel dashboard of your WordPress hosting account. Look for the phpMyAdmin option. If you can’t find it, contact your hosting company’s support for assistance.
Step 3: Locate Your WordPress Database
Within phpMyAdmin, select your WordPress database from the list. It will display all the tables within the database.
Step 4: Delete the Update Lock
Click on the “Browse” button next to the “wp_options” table. You’ll see a list of rows. Find the row with the option name “core_updater.lock” and click the “Delete” button next to it.
phpMyAdmin will automatically remove the row from your database. Now, return to your WordPress website. The “Another Update in Progress” error should be gone, and you can proceed with updating your site.
Preventing Future “Another Update in Progress” Errors
While knowing how to fix this error is valuable, preventing it is even better. Implementing these best practices can help you avoid encountering this error in the future:
1. Update One at a Time
Be patient and update your WordPress core, themes, and plugins one at a time. This minimizes the risk of conflicts that can occur when multiple updates are running concurrently. Consider updating your WordPress core first, followed by themes, and finally plugins. You can find a comprehensive guide on the order of updates on our website.
2. Clear Your Browser Cache
Sometimes, the error message persists due to cached data in your browser. Clearing your browser’s cache can often resolve this issue.
3. Use a Staging Site
Before implementing updates on your live site, always test them on a staging environment. This allows you to identify and fix potential issues without affecting your live site’s visitors.
4. Use a Plugin Update Manager
Plugins like Easy Updates Manager can help you manage your automatic updates more efficiently. They provide greater control over the update process, reducing the chances of encountering this error.
Troubleshooting Other WordPress Errors
The “Another Update in Progress” error is common, but it’s not the only one you might face. Here are some additional guides to help you troubleshoot other prevalent WordPress errors:
* **How to Fix WordPress Updating Failed / Publishing Failed Error:** This error can occur due to various factors, including server issues, plugin conflicts, or insufficient memory. This guide provides solutions for addressing these issues.
* **How to Fix the WordPress White Screen of Death:** This error signifies a critical failure, often caused by plugin conflicts or theme issues. This guide offers steps to diagnose and fix the white screen of death.
* **How to Fix the Error Establishing a Database Connection in WordPress:** This error occurs when your WordPress website can’t connect to your database. This guide explains how to resolve this issue by verifying database credentials and checking server settings.
* **How to Fix ‘The Link You Followed Has Expired’ Error in WordPress:** This error often arises when you’re trying to access a page that no longer exists or has been moved. This guide helps you understand this error and find the correct page.
* **How to Fix ‘Destination Folder Already Exists’ Error in WordPress:** This error typically occurs during file uploads or theme installations. This guide outlines how to troubleshoot this error and ensure files are uploaded successfully.
* **How to Fix ‘413 Request Entity Too Large’ Error in WordPress:** This error occurs when you try to upload a large file that exceeds the server’s upload limit. This guide explains how to increase the upload limit and resolve the error.
* **How to Fix ‘Upload: Failed to Write File to Disk’ Error in WordPress:** This error typically occurs due to file permission issues or insufficient disk space. This guide provides solutions to resolve these issues.
Conclusion
FAQs
What causes the ‘Another Update in Progress’ error?
This error typically occurs when a core WordPress update is running in the background, and a user tries to initiate another update process. The update lock placed on your database by WordPress during core updates prevents simultaneous updates to ensure website integrity.
How long does the update lock last?
The update lock is designed to automatically expire after 15 minutes or when the update process completes. However, if you’re stuck with the error message, it indicates that the lock is still active.
Why can’t I update my plugins or themes?
The “Another Update in Progress” error message is a result of the update lock, which prevents you from updating anything on your site until the background update is finished or you manually remove the lock.
How can I prevent this error in the future?
The best way to prevent this error is to update your WordPress core, themes, and plugins one at a time. This minimizes the risk of conflicts, ensuring smoother updates. Additionally, clearing your browser cache, using a staging site, and implementing a plugin update manager can further reduce the chances of encountering this error.
What if the error persists even after deleting the lock?
If the error remains even after deleting the “core_updater.lock” file, it could indicate a more complex issue. Consider contacting your hosting company’s support for assistance. They can investigate the problem and provide tailored solutions.
Is it safe to delete the ‘core_updater.lock’ file?
Yes, it’s safe to delete the “core_updater.lock” file if you’re experiencing the “Another Update in Progress” error. This file is a temporary lock used during core updates, and deleting it will remove the lock, allowing you to proceed with updates.
Can I manually trigger an update after deleting the lock?
Yes, you can manually trigger an update after deleting the “core_updater.lock” file. However, it’s always recommended to update one item at a time to avoid potential conflicts.
What are the potential risks of updating multiple items at once?
Updating multiple items simultaneously can lead to conflicts between different plugins or themes, causing website crashes or data loss. It’s essential to update one item at a time to ensure a smooth update process.
Should I always use a staging site for updates?
It’s highly recommended to use a staging site whenever possible, especially for significant updates or when implementing new plugins or themes. This allows you to test changes in a controlled environment before applying them to your live site.
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