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Unsticking a WordPress Site Stuck in Maintenance Mode

If your WordPress website has been stuck in maintenance mode for too long, you’re not alone. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the process of resolving a WordPress site that is stuck in maintenance mode.

Identify the Root Cause

The first step is to identify why your WordPress site got stuck in maintenance mode. This could be due to an update that didn’t complete, or some custom code affecting the site’s functionality.

Access Your Website Files

To make changes, you’ll need access to your website files. If your website is hosted on a managed WordPress platform like WordPress.com or Bluehost, login to your account and navigate to the file manager.

Edit the wp-config.php File

Locate the wp-config.php file in your site’s root directory. Open this file in a text editor. Look for the line of code that defines the ‘maintenance’ constant, which should look like this:

define('MAINTENANCE', true);

Change ‘true’ to ‘false’ to turn off maintenance mode.

Save and Re-Upload the File

Save your changes and re-upload the wp-config.php file back to your website. This should resolve the issue, allowing you to access your WordPress site normally again.

Clear Browser Cache (Optional)

In some cases, your browser cache may still be serving an outdated version of the page. To ensure you’re seeing the latest changes, clear your browser cache and try reloading your website.

Backup Your Site

Always remember to backup your WordPress site before making any significant changes. This ensures that you can easily restore your site if something goes wrong.

Conclusion

Resolving a WordPress site stuck in maintenance mode is usually a simple process of editing the wp-config.php file and re-uploading it back to your website. By following these steps, you can quickly get your site up and running again.