Fixing WordPress Stuck in Maintenance Mode

The maintenance mode error is typically resolved by manually deleting the .maintenance file from the root directory via FTP or file manager. high confidence based on 8 community reports

The maintenance mode error is typically resolved by manually deleting the .maintenance file from the root directory via FTP or file manager.

Based on 8 community reports.

Linked sources: 8.

Known Issues

Plugin update interruptions
Incomplete background processes
Server timeout during updates

Community Q&A

How do I fix WordPress stuck in maintenance mode?

Access your site files via FTP or File Manager, locate the .maintenance file in your root directory, and delete it.

Why does my WordPress site get stuck in maintenance mode?

It usually happens when a plugin or theme update is interrupted, leaving the .maintenance file behind instead of deleting it automatically.

Is the maintenance mode error a bug in WordPress?

No, it is a standard feature that triggers during updates; if it persists, it is often due to server timeouts or plugin conflicts.

Reddit Sources

Wordpress gets stuck in in maintenance mode when installing new plugins or updating existing (r/Wordpress)
Admin can’t see pages/posts and editing triggers “Critical Error” (r/Wordpress)
When are the Wordpress devs finally going to fix the “stuck in maintenance mode” bug? (r/Wordpress)
Site stuck in maintenance mode (r/Wordpress)
Maintenance Problem/ Updating Problem (r/Wordpress)
Choppy scrolling (r/Wordpress)
Changing WordPress Database Prefix for Improved Security - Help with Extra Plugins (r/Wordpress)
WordPress Site Stuck in Maintenance Mode w/o Ability to Log In (r/Wordpress)