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.
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’ll 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’re 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. To learn more, see our guide on how to backup your WordPress site.
First, you need to log in to the cPanel dashboard of your WordPress hosting account. We’re using Bluehost, so your screen may look a bit different if you’re using another hosting company.
From your Bluehost dashboard, you’ll need to click on the Advanced tab on the left. Next, navigate to the ‘Databases’ section and click on the ‘phpMyAdmin’ icon. If you don’t see a phpMyAdmin option in your hosting dashboard, you should contact your hosting company’s support for help.
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 the database.
Then, you need to click the ‘Browse’ button next to the WordPress options tables (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.
Now, phpMyAdmin will automatically delete the row from your database.
When you go back to your WordPress website, the another update in process error will be gone, and you can continue updating your site.
