Stuck in Maintenance Mode? Here's How to Fix It in WordPress

To show the maintenance mode message, WordPress makes a temporary file called ‘.maintenance’ in your website’s main folder.

If everything goes well, you’ll see this notice for just a short time. Once the update is done, WordPress will delete the maintenance file and turn off maintenance mode automatically.

However, there are times when the update process gets interrupted because of a slow server response or not enough memory. When this occurs, WordPress can’t turn off the maintenance mode on its own.

In simple terms, your WordPress site will keep showing the maintenance message, and you’ll have to fix it manually.

How to Fix the WordPress Maintenance Mode Error

 

Fixing the Error Using Hostinger’s hPanel

 

Hostinger users can use hPanel’s File Manager to start resolving this WordPress problem. But please remember that the general steps are pretty much the same no matter which platform you’re using.

1. After you’ve signed in to your hPanel dashboard, go to the ‘Files’ section and click on ‘File Manager’.

 

   2. In the File Manager window, go to your main folder (usually called     ‘public_html’) and look for the file named ‘.maintenance’. 

 

3. Right-click on the file, select ‘Delete,’ and remove it. This will bring your WordPress website back to normal, and you’ll be able to access it again.

Resolving the Problem with an FTP Client

 

If you know how to use an FTP client, you might find it easier to use this method to delete the ‘.maintenance’ file and remove the ‘Briefly unavailable for scheduled maintenance. Check back in a minute.’ message.

For this guide, we’ll use FileZilla. Before we start, ensure you set up FileZilla correctly.

• After you’ve reached your website files using the FTP client, go to the ‘Remote Site’ section. There, you’ll find a list of your website files in the ‘public_html’ folder. Now, search for the ‘.maintenance’ file.

• If you can’t locate the file, it might be hidden. If that’s the case, click the ‘Server’ button in the menu bar and select the ‘Force showing hidden files’ option.

• After you’ve removed the file, your WordPress site should go back to working like it should. Remember, these steps will also apply if you’re using different FTP programs.
  Access Your WordPress Site Using SFTP

To begin, you’ll have to use an FTP program to link up with your WordPress site through SFTP. You can locate your Kinsta site’s SFTP login details in your Kinsta dashboard. If you require assistance, there’s a thorough guide available on how to connect via SFTP at Kinsta.

After you successfully connect to your site, you will see a list of all your website’s files in the ‘public’ folder:

Delete .maintenance File

 

To resolve the issue and take your site out of maintenance mode, simply remove the file named .maintenance.

That’s all there is to it! Once you’ve deleted the file, your WordPress site should return to its normal operation. If you can’t locate the .maintenance file, you may need to enable the display of hidden files. In applications like FileZilla, for instance, you can do this by clicking on ‘Server’ at the top and then selecting ‘Force showing hidden files.’

How to Prevent the “Briefly Unavailable For Scheduled Maintenance” Error in the Future

 

As a leading IT services provider in Kakkanadu, Ernakulam, (Kochi), we understand the challenges posed by the ‘Briefly Unavailable for Scheduled Maintenance’ error. This issue can arise from a slow server response or insufficient memory on your web hosting server. To prevent this error, we recommend a straightforward solution: consider upgrading to a more robust hosting plan. Explore managed WordPress hosting providers for enhanced performance and seamless website management. Trust in our IT services to optimize your online presence and prevent disruptions caused by server-related issues.

If upgrading to a more advanced hosting plan is not feasible, our suggestion is to proceed with plugin and theme updates individually, one at a time.

Frequently, users tend to rapidly click on the update link for each plugin, causing WordPress to stagger the update process. Nevertheless, even a minuscule delay in the connection could potentially result in a conflict that leaves your site stuck in maintenance mode.

Rather than hastily clicking the ‘Update’ link, we advise taking your time to update one plugin at a time.

How to Customize the Maintenance Mode Notification

 

As a distinguished IT services provider in Kakkanadu, Ernakulam (Kochi), we advocate a proactive approach to prevent the default maintenance mode notification. A simple and effective method is to manually enable maintenance mode using the highly regarded SeedProd plugin for WordPress. This popular plugin offers a user-friendly drag-and-drop builder, allowing you to personalize your maintenance mode page effortlessly and integrate various email marketing tools seamlessly.

To implement this strategy, start by installing and activating the SeedProd plugin on your website. If you require assistance with the installation process, consult our comprehensive step-by-step guide on how to install a WordPress plugin. Trust in our expertise to enhance your website’s functionality and user experience with advanced IT services.

Once the plugin is activated, navigate to SeedProd » Pages within your WordPress admin panel, and then click on the ‘Set Up a Maintenance Mode Page’ button.

Next, you should choose a template for your maintenance mode page. Just hover your cursor over the template you wish to utilize, and then click on the checkmark icon.

Following that, you have the option to personalize your maintenance mode page with the SeedProd drag-and-drop builder. The plugin provides a selection of standard blocks for text, images, and buttons, as well as advanced blocks like a countdown timer, contact form, and social sharing buttons.

To add a block to your page, simply drag and drop it from the menu on the left onto the template on the right.

SeedProd simplifies the process of arranging the blocks within the template according to your preferences. Additionally, you can click on any element to modify attributes such as colour, size, text, font, and more.

After you’ve customized the maintenance mode page to your satisfaction, click the ‘Save’ button to save your alterations. Following that, navigate to the ‘Page Settings’ tab and toggle the Page Status to ‘Publish’ your page.

From now on, when you need to update your website, just activate the maintenance mode page on your WordPress site. To enable this page, go to SeedProd » Pages in your WordPress dashboard and switch the Maintenance Mode to ‘Active.’

You can then visit your website to observe the maintenance mode page in operation.

How We Can Support You?

 

With over 12 years of expertise, we’re a premier IT services provider in Kakkanad, Kochi, offering advanced and reliable solutions. Whether initiating new projects, requiring assistance, or seeking expert IT consultation, we’re your dedicated collaborators for success. Our tailored services encompass Website Development, Software Development, Mobile App Development, and expert consultation. Contact us to harness technology’s potential and elevate your projects to greater heights with our IT services in Kakkanadu, Ernakulam (Kochi).