How to Fix ‘Another Update in Process’ Error in WordPress

Last modified: October 10, 2020

FAQ

Updating your WordPress website is vital for the success of your website. Not only will it ensure that you’re able to have access to the latest features and functions, it keeps your WordPress website completely secure. Updates usually fix errors that can allow hackers access to your site, therefore not updating can be a risk.

However, not all updates can work well. Sometimes there’s a conflict between plugins and themes or even the main WordPress coding. This can cause errors like the white screen of death. However, there are also other problems that can happen, including the warning ‘Another Update in Process’ error.

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Why does the ‘Another Update in Process’ Error Occur?

This message usually displays when there is a core WordPress update happening within the background and you’ve attempted to initiate a plugin or theme update. During the core update, WordPress will automatically lock the option for any other changes to be made in the database or website. Therefore, you aren’t able to complete any other updates on WordPress websites at the same time.

The message will automatically disappear within 15 minutes unless the update process has finished earlier. But sometimes the message gets stuck. This is when you need to manually reset the website.

Fixing the ‘Another Update in Process’ Error

There are simple and quick ways to fix this error. Follow these examples below.

1. Use A Plugin

The first option to fix the error is to install and activate the ‘Fix Another Update In Progress’ plugin. Installing a plugin onto your website is fairly easy and you can follow the instructions on how to do that here.

You can search for the plugin within the Plugin Directory on your WordPress website or click here to download and install it via FTP.

Once the plugin has been installed, you can activate it. Once done, go to ‘Settings’ and then ‘Fix Another Update In Progress’ page. If there are updates that are locking the website, there will be a message with a button that can fix the error.

2. Manually Fix the Error

You can also manually fix the error. This will require you to use phpMyAdmin. So, if you’re not used to using this system and don’t know how to run a query within your WordPress database, this plugin might be the best option for you.

The first step for this is to visit the cPanel dashboard within your WordPress hosting account. Then under the database section, find and click on the phpMyAdmin icon. This will display all the tables that are used on your WordPress database. Find and click on the browse button, this should be next to the WordPress options table (wp_options).

This will display the rows that are inside the options table. There will be a row within the table that has the option name ‘core_updater.lock’. You need to click on the ‘Delete’ button that is next to this.