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How to Fix ‘Another Update is Currently in Progress’ Error in WordPress

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Do you want to fix the ‘another update is currently in progress’ error?

This error stops you from updating WordPress. Normally, it should automatically go away. But if it doesn’t, then you will need to fix it manually. 

In this article, we will show you how to fix the ‘another update is currently in progress’ error in WordPress, step by step.

How to fix 'another update is currently in progress' error

Why Does the ‘Another Update is Currently in Progress’ Error Happen?

This message usually appears when a core WordPress update is running in the background and a user tries to start another update process.

During the core update process, WordPress automatically sets an update lock on your WordPress database. This database lock prevents you from running simultaneous updates on your website, which could cause WordPress errors or destroy important data.

Another update in progress error

This message is set to automatically disappear in 15 minutes or when the update process has finished. However, if you are stuck on this message, then you will need to remove it manually. 

With that said, let’s take a look at how you can fix the ‘another update is currently in progress’ error in WordPress.

Fixing the ‘Another Update in Progress’ Error in WordPress

When you are experiencing the ‘another update in process’ error, you need to delete the ‘core_updater.lock’ file from your WordPress database. The easiest way to do this is by using phpMyAdmin.

Note: Before you make changes to your database or WordPress theme files, it’s a good idea to create a full website backup using a plugin like Duplicator.

To learn more, see our guide on how to back up your WordPress site.

First, you need to log in to the cPanel dashboard of your WordPress hosting account to navigate to phpMyAdmin.

We are using Bluehost, so your screen may look a bit different if you are using another hosting company. If you don’t see any phpMyAdmin option in your hosting dashboard, then you should contact your hosting company’s support for help.

From your Bluehost dashboard, you’ll need to navigate to the ‘Websites’ tab. Then, click the ‘Settings’ button on the website that’s experiencing the error.

Bluehost site settings

Next, scroll down to the Quick Links section.

Then, click ‘phpMyAdmin.’

Navigating to the phpMyAdmin in Bluehost

This will launch the phpMyAdmin app, where you need to select your WordPress database. Once you click your database, it will display all of the tables inside it.

Then, you need to click the ‘Browse’ button next to the WordPress options tables (wp_options).

Select database and wp-options

This brings up all of the rows inside the options table. 

You need to find the row with the option name ‘core_updater.lock’ and click on the ‘Delete’ button next to it.

Click wp-options in phpMyAdmin

Now, phpMyAdmin will automatically delete the row from your database. 

When you go back to your WordPress website, the ‘another update in progress’ error will be gone, and you can continue updating your site. 

If you are still seeing other errors, then you can see our beginner’s guide on troubleshooting WordPress errors to get more help.

We hope this article helped you learn how to fix the ‘another update is currently in progress’ error in WordPress. You may also want to see our article on how to fix WordPress updating failed error or our ultimate guide on how to speed up a WordPress website.

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Editorial Staff

Editorial Staff at WPBeginner is a team of WordPress experts led by Syed Balkhi with over 16 years of experience in WordPress, Web Hosting, eCommerce, SEO, and Marketing. Started in 2009, WPBeginner is now the largest free WordPress resource site in the industry and is often referred to as the Wikipedia for WordPress.

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7 CommentsLeave a Reply

  1. Syed Balkhi says

    Hey WPBeginner readers,
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    • WPBeginner Support says

      Glad that solved the issue for you, if the process did not get stuck then refreshing the page can sometimes solve the issue :)

      Admin

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