How to Fix WordPress Stuck in Maintenance Mode?

The Maintenance Mode error usually occurs when a WordPress core, theme, or plugin update is interrupted or fails to complete.

During an update, WordPress creates a .maintenance file in the website's root directory. Normally, this file is automatically removed after the update. If the update is interrupted, the file may remain and your website may display:

“Briefly unavailable for scheduled maintenance. Check back in a minute.”

How to Fix It

1. Log in to your cPanel account.
2. Open File Manager.
3. Navigate to your WordPress root directory, usually public_html.
4. Make sure hidden files (dotfiles) are visible.
5. Find the .maintenance file.
6. Delete the .maintenance file.
7. Refresh your website.

Your WordPress website should now be accessible normally.

Note: If the website still shows an error after deleting .maintenance, check whether a WordPress core, plugin, or theme update failed and complete or reinstall the affected update.