This article explains how to fix the error “Briefly unavailable for scheduled maintenance” in WordPress.
This error indicates that WordPress updated and generated a temporary file called .maintenance, which displays an error message to anyone attempting to access your website while the upgrade was happening.
You can see this message following a WordPress theme, plugin, or software update.
This file usually gets immediately removed when the update is finished. That might not occur in some circumstances (compatibility problems, stopped updates, low RAM), in which case the error would be stranded on your WordPress website.
Follow the steps to solve the issue:
- Wait for a Few Minutes:
Initially, give it some time. The maintenance message should disappear on its own once the updates are completed. If the message persists for more than 10–15 minutes, further action is needed.
- Check for failed updates:
After deleting the “.maintenance” file, log in to your WordPress dashboard and verify that all updates have completed successfully. If any updates have failed, try running them again.
- Clear Browser Cache:
Your browser may have cached the maintenance page. Clear your browser cache and refresh the site to see the most up-to-date version. - Check File Permissions:
Ensure that the file permissions for your WordPress files and directories are set correctly. Incorrect file permissions can prevent updates from completing. The recommended settings are 755 for directories and 644 for files.
- Restore from Backup:
If the issue persists and your site is still not functioning properly, restore your website from a backup. Always remember to back up your site before performing any updates. - Seek professional help:
If you are not comfortable with these steps or if the problem continues, consider reaching out to a WordPress professional or your hosting provider’s support team for assistance.
Maintenance mode is a normal part of the WordPress update process and typically resolves itself quickly. Manual intervention is only necessary if the message remains for an unusually long time.
That is it!
Additionally, you can enable maintenance mode via .htaccess file. This approach will help you control when and how your site goes into maintenance mode to ensure a smooth experience for you and your visitors.
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