How to Fix ‘WordPress Failed to Auto-Update’ Error

Last modified: December 26, 2020

FAQ

When it comes to WordPress, it is important that you update regularly. A WordPress website that is regularly updated is safer from being hacked by criminals. It is also less prone to plugin conflicts and errors. Some WordPress plugins, themes and even at times the core software can be automatically updated. This provides you with less to do.

Some WordPress hosting plans will also include these updates for you. But that isn’t always the case, so be sure that you know what plan you’re on.

Sometimes, however, there is a problem and the automatic update will not work. This can leave your website with a security flaw.

* This button will show the rest of the post and open up an offer from a vendor

What Might Cause the Auto-Update Failure

There are several reasons why your website might have failed to automatically update. Usually it is to do with an error within the server’s connection and your WordPress files or there are incorrect file permissions. Or there could be an unreliable internet connection.

Whatever the reason, there are simple ways that you can fix the problem and provide your site with the latest coding for success. Here are some suggestions for you on how to fix the problem.

When will you Know there is a Problem?

If you want to know if there is an auto-update error, you can check your WordPress dashboard. Normally, there is a WsoD error or notices that errors have happened. These will appear as you log into your WordPress website.

You might also notice that your WordPress website has said it is running an older version or a newer version is available.

How to Fix the Auto-Update Error in WordPress

To fix the issue, all you need to do is to download the latest version of the WordPress software from your website and install it on your site’s server using an FTP client like FileZilla. It is that easy.

However, what might happen is that you find the reason for the error. For instance, there might be a conflict between your core software and a plugin/theme. Or you might not have enough PHP memory allocated to your WordPress website. These will also need to be corrected before you can do anything else.

Stopping the Error from Happening Again

To stop the problem from happening again you might need to check a few things. The first is the file permissions. Make sure that all the file permissions are set to the top level. Otherwise nothing can access your site’s files without using FTP clients like FileZilla to access the website files and make changes.

Another thing to check is that you have a good internet connection. And finally, check that your server is configured properly for your WordPress website. An incorrect setting can affect more than just the auto-update.

If you’re worried about your website being updated, you can also use a staging website to check that the update doesn’t cause problems before installing it on your website.

Final Word: How to Fix ‘WordPress Failed to Auto-Update’ Error

Keep your WordPress website updated to protect it from criminals. Most hosting providers ensure that your website is automatically updated, but this doesn’t always work. When it doesn’t, look at the fixes above to help you correct the errors to get your WordPress website updated quickly and effortlessly in the future.

Recap: