Fix WordPress “Another Update is Currently in Progress” – 3 Easy Ways

Have you ever logged into your WordPress dashboard to update your plugins, themes, or core software, only to be greeted by a frustrating error message: “Another update is currently in progress”?

This is a common hiccup that usually occurs when an update process was interrupted—perhaps your browser closed prematurely, your connection dropped, or a script timed out. When this happens, WordPress automatically locks the database to prevent concurrent updates from corrupting your site, leaving that lock in place until you manually clear it.

Don’t panic! At SiteSuraksha, we help website owners keep their platforms secure and running smoothly every day. Here are three easy and effective ways to resolve this error and get your site back on track.

Method 1: Clear the Database Lock via phpMyAdmin (Recommended)

Because this error is controlled by a flag in your database, the most direct and reliable fix is to remove that flag using your hosting control panel’s database manager (usually phpMyAdmin).

1. Log in to your hosting account control panel (like cPanel or Plesk).
2. Locate and open phpMyAdmin.
3. Select your WordPress database from the sidebar on the left.
4. Look for the table named wp_options (note: your prefix might be different, such as site_options).
5. Use the search function or browse the table to find the option named core_updater.lock.
6. Once you find it, simply click the Delete or Drop button next to it.

Head back to your WordPress dashboard and refresh the page. The error should now be gone, allowing you to resume your updates.

Method 2: Use a WordPress Plugin

If you aren’t comfortable poking around your database via phpMyAdmin, you can let a plugin handle the heavy lifting. However, this method only works if you still have access to your WordPress dashboard.

1. Navigate to Plugins > Add New in your dashboard.
2. Search for a plugin like Fix Another Update In Progress.
3. Install and activate the plugin.
4. Once activated, the plugin will automatically clear the stuck database lock for you.
5. Deactivate and delete the plugin once the issue is resolved to keep your site lean and secure.

Method 3: Edit Your functions.php File

Another quick temporary fix involves adding a line of code to your active theme’s functions file to clear the transient.

1. Access your site via an FTP client or your host’s File Manager.
2. Navigate to /wp-content/themes/your-active-theme/.
3. Locate the functions.php file, download a backup copy, and then open it for editing.
4. Add the following line of code to the very top of the file (right after the opening <?php tag):
   delete_site_transient('maintenance_lock');
5. Save the file and visit your WordPress dashboard.
6. Once the error is gone, remember to remove this line of code from your functions.php file to prevent unnecessary database queries.

Keep Your Site Safe and Updated with SiteSuraksha

While fixing the “Another Update is Currently in Progress” error is relatively simple, dealing with routine maintenance, updates, and security patches can sometimes feel like a full-time job. If you want total peace of mind and expert protection for your digital presence, you don’t have to do it alone.

Partner with SiteSuraksha for comprehensive WordPress security, proactive monitoring, and expert maintenance solutions tailored to keep your enterprise platform secure, fast, and always online.