Are you experiencing a “plugin update failed” error on your WordPress website? In other words, when trying to update the plugins on your WordPress site, do you see a “plugin update failed” message?
In this blog post, I will share a few easy steps to diagnose and repair your WordPress website when it’s unable to update the plugins.
Possible Reasons for WordPress “Plugin Update Failed” Error?
Before we dive into the fixes, let’s quickly go over some common reasons why the WordPress “plugin update failed” error occurs:
- Insufficient Permissions: Incorrect file permissions on your server can block updates.
- Outdated PHP Version: Running an older version of PHP can cause compatibility issues with newer plugins.
- Internet Connectivity: A dropped connection during an update can result in an incomplete process.
- Server Timeout: Some hosting servers may time out during large or complex plugin updates.
- Memory Limit Exhaustion: WordPress may run out of memory if your plugin is resource-heavy.
- Plugin Conflicts: Updating one plugin might clash with other installed plugins or your theme, leading to errors.
- File Corruption: In rare cases, the plugin’s update files may be corrupted or incomplete.
Steps to Fix WordPress “Plugin Update Failed” Error
Follow these steps to resolve the “plugin update failed” error and ensure smooth functionality on your WordPress site.
1. Backup Your WordPress Website
Before making any changes, it’s essential to back up your site. Use plugins like UpdraftPlus or BackupBuddy to store your WordPress database, themes, and plugins safely.
2. Check and Update PHP Version
Many modern plugins require a recent version of PHP to function correctly. Check your site’s PHP version under Tools → Site Health or by contacting your hosting provider. If it’s outdated, upgrade to the latest PHP version supported by your hosting service.
How to update PHP:
- Login to your hosting account’s cPanel.
- Find Select PHP Version or ask your hosting provider to do it.
- Choose the latest stable version and apply the changes.
3. Disable and Re-enable Plugins
Sometimes, simply deactivating and reactivating your plugins can fix WordPress plugin update issues.
Steps to fix:
- Go to Plugins → Installed Plugins.
- Select the plugin causing the issue.
- Click Deactivate, then Activate it again.
If this doesn’t work, try deactivating all your plugins, updating the one with the issue, and then reactivating the rest.
4. Clear Your WordPress Cache
A cached version of your site can cause conflicts with plugin updates. If you’re using a caching plugin like W3 Total Cache or WP Super Cache, clear your cache after attempting an update.
Steps to fix:
- Go to your caching plugin settings.
- Select the option to clear or purge all cache.
5. Increase WordPress Memory Limit
WordPress can sometimes run out of memory during updates, especially with larger plugins. You can manually increase the memory limit by editing your wp-config.php file.
Steps to fix:
- Access your WordPress files through FTP or your hosting cPanel.
- Locate the wp-config.php file and edit it.
- Add the following line:
define( ‘WP_MEMORY_LIMIT’, ‘256M’ );
- Save and close the file.
6. Manually Update the Plugin
A manual update is a viable solution if the plugin update continues to fail. This can be done through FTP or uploading the plugin’s latest version directly through the WordPress dashboard.
Steps to fix via FTP:
- Download the latest version of the plugin from the WordPress Plugin Repository.
- Connect to your site via FTP using a client like FileZilla.
- Navigate to /wp-content/plugins/ and delete the plugin folder for the one you wish to update.
- Upload the new version of the plugin in its place.
- Once uploaded, go to Plugins in your WordPress dashboard and activate it.
7. Check File Permissions
Incorrect file permissions on your server may prevent WordPress from updating plugins. Ensure that the file permissions are set correctly.
Steps to fix:
- Use FTP or cPanel File Manager to access your site.
- Navigate to the wp-content folder.
- Set folder permissions to 755 and file permissions to 644.
If you’re unsure how to adjust these settings, contact your web developer for assistance.
8. Check for Plugin Conflicts
Sometimes, a plugin update may clash with another plugin or your active theme.
Steps to fix:
- Deactivate all plugins.
- Switch to a default WordPress theme.
- Try updating the plugin again.
Once updated, reactivate your theme and plugins individually to identify the conflict.
9. Enable Debug Mode
WordPress has a built-in debug mode that can help you identify errors during plugin updates. Enabling debug mode will show you detailed error messages.
Steps to fix:
- Open your wp-config.php file.
- Find the line that says “define( ‘WP_DEBUG’, false );”
- Change false to true and save the file.
- Check for error messages on your site and use them to fix the WordPress “plugin update failed” error.
10. Contact a Developer
If all else fails, it’s best to consult a professional WordPress developer or an agency that provides website repair services. They can assist you in diagnosing server-related issues or bugs within the plugin itself.