WordPress Maintenance Mode Troubleshooting, troubleshooting and customizing

Jul 8, 2023
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This WordPress maintenance mode webpage an automated page that is shown to visitors temporarily when you make updates on your site, such as changing themes, plugins, or even the main. It prevents your site from appearing out of sync as the files are patched.

However, there are some issues this.

One of the reasons is that your WordPress website may get stuck on maintenance. It shuts the entire site offline until you can fix it manually.

Another reason is that the maintenance message/page that is displayed to you by default doesn't come with a design, it's quite unpleasant and has only a small scope of manner it communicates with visitors and clients. This might not be ideal for your brand or reputation. In this article, we'll discuss solutions to these issues.

Check out our Video Tutorial on WordPress Maintenance Mode:

What is WordPress maintenance mode? Mode?

Default WordPress Maintenance screen
The screen for WordPress maintenance that defaults to the user

In the course of updating and installing process, certain backend functions can be stopped for a small amount of time (usually only a few minutes, dependent on the frequency and magnitude of the updates). WordPress utilizes the wp_maintenance()function and creates a temporary .maintenance file on your site which contains the alert you see above. Once the updates are complete and the file is deleted, it is taken off and your website goes back to normal.

Is Your WordPress Website stuck on Maintenance Mode?

Tips to avoid getting stuck in Maintenance Mode

Being stuck in maintenance mode typically occurs from issues, where the .maintenance file might think that there are still pending operations and/or updates that need to be finished. It results in the file remaining and never removing itself.

Do not refresh or navigate away from your monitor during an update

The most frequent causes of a site getting stuck in maintenance mode is after the update screen has been changed or deleted following an update.

The best way to stop this from happening is to resist the temptation to do anything in the period when updates are happening. Make sure you keep a distance until the updates have been completed prior to refreshing or turning away from the screen as also scrolling down to verify that plugins further to the left are being updated.

Don't Update Multiple Plugins simultaneously

What is the reason for this? Based on our own experience that we've had, this happened when the user clicks "update immediately" for a range of plugins at the rate of light. WordPress generally staggers updates in order, but when there is just one millisecond delay between two connections this could cause unexpected conflicts that could result in the"stuck maintenance" mode.

In order to ensure that this does not occur, make sure you select the option "Update available," and click "Update" in the dropdown of bulk actions. After that, click "Apply." This will initiate the process according to your sequence and will make your more likely to be able to avoid conflicts.

Updating WordPress plugins
Updates to WordPress plugins

Install the Plugins you want and then update the plugins as they're updated

Automatically Update plugins

If you're not able to update your plugins regularly, or you think you'll forget, make use of a plugin that will automatically upgrade them or alter the WordPress settings to enable this.

What can I do to fix it? WordPress website that's stuck in Maintenance Mode?

If you discover that your WordPress website is stuck on maintenance, it is quite simple to switch out and return your site to its regular state. Simply delete the .maintenance files that were created.

Step 1.

Step 2.

Navigating to maintenance.php in a FTP client
Accessing maintenance.php within a FTP-based client

Once the site has been deleted, you will be able to restart your website within your web browser. Your website should return to regular. Also, it is suggested to delete your cache on your WordPress site.

How to fix it the most efficient way to fix you can fix it. WordPress site Stuck in Maintenance Mode

Extension of the Lifetime of the WordPress Maintenance Mode

Another reason why you might need a more efficient maintenance mode web page, aside from running updates, is that perhaps you are migrating modifications manually to production.

We always recommend testing on a development site first but there are times when you'll need to create an update site for your site's production within a matter of one hour or less.

Manually Extending WordPress Maintenance Mode With Code

The default maintenance page can't be altered (it is also dynamically generated) that's why you'll have to make sure it's styled in accordance to the style and branding of your website. It's a fantastic way to create a custom page.

When you upgrade WordPress themes, core or plugins, it'll utilize an updated version of the file, with your modifications, not. The file that checks for this can be found in the load.php file, which is located in /wp/includesthe directory, so you don't need to do anything other than add it. The format of the file is:

if ( the file exists( WP_CONTENT_DIR . '/maintenance.php' ) ) require_once( WP_CONTENT_DIR . '/maintenance.php' ); die();

Utilizing WordPress Maintenance Mode plugin

Coming Soon Pages, Maintenance Mode and Landing Pages created by SeedProd

Much of it is due to the fact that there's two versions: a paid and free. It is a good thing to have two versions guarantees you get greater update choices.

Coming Soon Page, Maintenance Mode & Landing Pages by SeedProd
Coming Soon Pages, Maintenance Mode and Landing Pages created by SeedProd

The plugin currently has more than 1 million users with an astounding 5 out of 5 stars rating. It's possible to download the coming Soon page and Maintenance Mode by visiting the WordPress repository, or look for it in the WordPress dashboard, under "Add New" plugins. The additional functions include:

  • Compatible with all WordPress theme, and responds to every request.

Modify the look and style

  • Just add CSS and HTML
  • Multisite and BuddyPress Support

Maintenance Mode for WP

The WP Maintenance Mode plugin is a single of the plugins that are downloaded most frequently for putting the simplest and fastest maintenance mode information on your WordPress website. It is completely free and was created by the design team at Designmodo that is known as a website design and development blog.

WP Maintenance Mode
WP Maintenance Mode

It is currently in use with more than 700,000 active installation and it has a 4.5 from a 5-star rating. It is possible to download WP Maintenance Mode through the WordPress repository, or by searching for it in the WordPress dashboard, under "Add New" plugins. Some of its additional functions are:

  • Ability to change color, text, and backgrounds
  • Contact form, subscription form, as well as a timer
  • Templates are available on the page of landing.

CMP - Coming Soon and Maintenance

CMP - Coming Soon and Maintenance plugin CMP - Coming Soon & Maintenance plugin is offered for over 100,000 downloads and a mean of five stars. The plugin hasn't been made available in English however, it's compatible on a site that is English-speaking as it's only the front-end of the website that's been translated to English, it's not the screen for maintenance.

CMP – Coming Soon & Maintenance
CMP is Coming Soon, and Maintenance

For a free plugin It has a wide variety of options that permit you to create a customised maintenance site without having to buy premium software.

These features are:

  • The themes are bundled in three bundles. There are also extra premium themes available to download
  • Stock photos are available to purchase.
  • Custom subscribe form to collect email addresses
  • Redirect to a different website
  • Ability to specify Search engines response codes

Slim Maintenance Mode

This Slim Maintenance Mode plugin does exactly as you'd expect. It creates exactly the same type of page that we explained in the previous article how to make with code. Just activate the plugin and only administrators will be able to gain access to the website. If you're looking for a plugin which is fast, free and light, you must look into this plugin.

There's no additional options and there's nothing to do other than turn on the light - at this time, your website will be visible to administrators. But, there's no way to modify the content.

Slim Maintenance Mode
Slim Maintenance Mode

There are currently over 1000 users with an active installation and it has a 5 star from 5 stars. In the moment of writing review, there isn't one negative review! The reason is that it's working. It is possible to download The slim Maintenance Mode from the WordPress repository, or search for it on the WordPress dashboard, in the section called "Add New" plugins. Additional functions include:

  • Small, simple, lightweight
  • There's nothing else to worry about. Simply activate then you're ready to go
  • It works seamlessly with any WordPress theme.
  • Backend message as a reminder that you know it is in use
  • Response to HTTP 503 header
  • Supported by well-known caching plugins

Maintenance of WP

This maintenance plugin boasts more than 3000 installed and has a 4.5-star average rating. It's not been translated to English at the moment, but it can make a fantastic option for sites which are geared towards English, as each word that's read by visitors can be entered by users.

WP Maintenance
WP Maintenance

It offers a variety of choices for personalization and customizing, like:

  • Choice of colors and fonts to your page of maintenance
  • Upload of the logo or image as well as the option to include the slider
  • Timer to countdown
  • Link to social media as well as google analytics
  • Edit access via user role

Minimal Coming Soon and Maintenance Mode

The Minimal coming soon and Maintenance Mode WordPress plugin was developed by the Web Factory team. Web Factory, who also manages the well-known blog WP Loop. Web Factory currently manages more than 5 plugins that are available in the repository. They aren't new when it comes to generating needed solutions for WordPress.

Minimal Coming Soon & Maintenance Mode
Minimal Coming Soon and Maintenance Mode

The plugin currently has more than 90,000. The plugin has a five-star rating. You can download the minimal maintenance mode and Coming Soon to WordPress via the WordPress repository or searching for it on your WordPress Dashboard, which is under "Add New" plugins.

The plugin is updated regularly.

Other features are:

  • Perfectly compatible perfectly with every WordPress themes and plugins.
  • You can change each and every element you see including the background color, pictures to cover the page, and fonts.
  • Review the maintenance pages prior to activating
  • The caching plugin has adequate service.
  • Work with login URLs that are custom-designed for you.
  • Visible to only non-logged in Users. Only visible to those who have not signed in.
  • Google Fonts

Making use of this WPBuffs Maintenance Service

WPBuffs
WPBuffs

WPBuffs can keep your website up to date and make sure updates are happening in times of the day when your website is not in use They'll also ensure that your site isn't locked in maintenance mode while it's being updated.

How to redirect visitors to WordPress Maintain Mode Screen

The maintenance plugins listed below will offer a different maintenance page you can manually activate if you're currently working on your site as well as being available whenever WordPress is running maintenance.

So, instead of seeing the bland default screen, the users will see an impressive maintenance screen which you're in a position to customize and personalize using the interface of plugins.

How to personalize your Maintenance Mode Display within WordPress

What are the steps to enable and disable WordPress Maintenance Mode?

There are times when you'll need to enable maintenance mode manually within WordPress while you're working on your site, however you aren't necessarily performing the necessary updates to themes or plugins. If that's the situation, WordPress won't automatically trigger maintenance mode, so you have to execute the process manually.

There are two methods for doing it: either using code, or by making use of a plugin.

How to Manually Enable WordPress Maintenance Mode by using code

It's possible to activate the WordPress maintenance mode manually with codes by putting the following into the functions.php file. It is even better if you implement it using your custom plugin.

// Activate WordPress Maintenance Mode function wp_maintenance_mode() add_action('get_header', 'wp_maintenance_mode');

It will lead to an announcement in front of your site to visitors who have not been logged in. Administrators are still able to use the dashboard since it's made using the integrated users_logged_in() function.

Manual maintenance screen
Screen to allow Manual maintenance

If you're planning to create something more intricate however, keep in mind that because you're not able to access the stylesheet of your theme, all styles added to your design must be added to your code.

How to Manually Enable WordPressMaintenance Mode using a plugin

You can also activate maintenance mode using our plugins, which are described in the previous paragraphs. Examples:

  • Through Coming Soon and Maintenance Mode, both developed by Seedprod you can switch off the maintenance mode and on, and also modify the screen for maintenance, in addition to creating "coming shortly" websites or landing pages that notify users of when the website is scheduled to launch and also collect email addresses.
  • Through WP Maintenance Mode it is possible to configure the customized screen of maintenance for users other than the administrator.
  • With CMP coming soon and Maintenance, you'll be capable of creating a custom-designed maintenance screen with themes. You can turn it on manually at times you require.
  • With Slim Maintenance Mode, you just need to activate the plugin and allow a simplified maintenance screen.
  • Through WP Maintenance, you can make a maintenance site featuring an countdown clock, as well as customizable fonts and colors or manually allow it via the interface of the plugin.
  • With the Minimal Coming Soon and Maintenance Mode, it's possible to design a custom maintenance mode website, connect it to an analytics program or manually turn it on.
Creating a maintenance page with Coming Soon & Maintenance by Seedprod
The creation of a Maintenance page, with coming Soon and Maintenance, by Seedprod

Each of them lets the user manually turn maintenance mode on as well as make your site secure. They differ in the ease with which they allow this feature as well as how flexible the screen for maintenance is.

When is the ideal time to apply WordPress Maintenance Mode

What is the best time to use this mode?

This is when you'll most likely require it.

  • When you're making edits to the content you wish people to read.
  • When your site is in construction, prior to its debut or launch in the future, it is possible to switch to maintenance mode. The plugin can be utilized to create a coming soon site that is more effective and more effective in terms of SEO.

Maintenance mode could be beneficial but not just when performing an update. This is why it's crucial to understand how to activate it.

Summary

As you can see, the WordPress maintenance mode built into the default version of WordPress is great. The feature can, however, be extended and tweaked to suit your brand.

Do you have any additional suggestions regarding the WordPress maintaining mode?

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