WordPress Maintenance Mode: How to Enable, Disable, & Troubleshoot It

If you’ve ever needed to take your WordPress site offline for updates or improvements, you’ve probably encountered maintenance mode. It’s a useful tool to temporarily hide your site while you make necessary changes. 

However, like any feature, it can sometimes cause unexpected issues. 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to enable and disable WordPress maintenance mode, troubleshoot common problems, and ensure everything runs smoothly during your updates. 

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced user, this guide will help you manage your WordPress site efficiently and without unnecessary hassle. Let’s get started!

Table of Contents

• What is WordPress Maintenance Mode?
• When Should You Put WordPress into Maintenance Mode
• Why is it Important to Put WordPress into Maintenance Mode
• How to Put WordPress Website on Maintenance Mode Manually?
• How to Put WordPress in Maintenance Mode with a Plugin
• Alternatives to Maintenance Mode Using a Staging Site:
• Troubleshooting WordPress Maintenance Mode Issues
• What To Consider When You Put Your Site in Maintenance Mode?
• What Information Should You Include On The Maintenance Page?
• Conclusion: Keep Your WordPress Site Running Smoothly
• WordPress Maintenance Mode FAQs

What is WordPress Maintenance Mode?

WordPress maintenance mode is a built-in feature that temporarily hides your website from visitors while you make updates or technical changes in the background. Instead of displaying a half-broken page or an error screen, it shows a simple message letting people know that your site will be back shortly.

Behind the scenes, you can still log in and work as usual. You can update plugins, install themes, fix bugs, or test new features without disrupting your visitors’ experience.

Whenever WordPress runs automatic updates for its core files, plugins, or themes, it briefly switches on maintenance mode by itself. You might have seen the default notice:

However, this maintenance mode message is very basic. You cannot control the design, wording, or timing.

By turning on maintenance mode yourself, you can customise the page, keep visitors informed, and maintain a professional image while updates are in progress.

Want to learn more about keeping your WordPress site in top shape? Check out our comprehensive WordPress maintenance guide.

When Should You Put WordPress into Maintenance Mode

Not every update requires downtime.

But when you make changes that may temporarily break your site, it is best to switch on maintenance mode.

This keeps visitors away from errors while you safely work behind the scenes.

1. Core, Theme, or Plugin Updates

Regular updates keep your website secure and performing well. Turning on maintenance mode during updates stops visitors from seeing layout errors or broken pages if something fails mid-update.

2. Fixing Bugs or Major Errors

If your website is showing errors or broken functions, maintenance mode lets you troubleshoot safely. Visitors see a clear message instead of a broken page, and you can work without pressure.

3. Redesigning Your Site

During a redesign, sections of your site may look messy or incomplete. Maintenance mode hides those changes until the new design is ready to launch, keeping your site looking professional.

4. Migrating Servers or Databases

When moving your site to a new host or server, short downtime is often unavoidable. Maintenance mode keeps users informed while the migration takes place and prevents confusing error messages.

5. Implementing New Functionality

Adding new plugins or features can temporarily disrupt your site. Maintenance mode gives you space to test everything properly before it goes live, ensuring a smooth experience for visitors.

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Why is it Important to Put WordPress into Maintenance Mode

Maintenance mode is not just about hiding updates. It is about protecting your visitors’ experience, your website’s reputation, and your search visibility. Turning it on shows that you care about professionalism and quality.

1. Avoid Broken User Experiences

Without maintenance mode, visitors might land on incomplete or broken pages. A simple message keeps their experience smooth and shows that your site is being cared for.

2. Maintain SEO Rankings

When maintenance mode is activated with an HTTP 503 status code, search engines know your site’s downtime is temporary. This helps preserve your rankings and avoids unnecessary indexing issues.

3. Communicate Professionalism

A custom maintenance page shows that you manage your website responsibly. It reassures visitors that you are improving their experience, not abandoning the site.

4. Reduce Downtime Confusion

Unexpected downtime can frustrate users. Maintenance mode clearly explains what is happening and when your site will be back online, reducing confusion and maintaining trust.

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How to Put WordPress Website on Maintenance Mode Manually?

Using WordPress maintenance mode without plugin gives you more control and you can turn maintenance mode on whenever you need and take it off once everything is tested and ready.

Method 1: Create .maintenance File

The .maintenance file is the simplest way to enable maintenance mode using WordPress’s built-in system. It shows the default maintenance mode page to visitors and prevents them from seeing unfinished changes. Since it does not support branding or custom messaging, it is best for short maintenance tasks.

1. Access your website files.
Connect to your server through FTP (using a tool like FileZilla) or open your hosting File Manager.

2. Find your WordPress root directory.
This is usually the folder named /public_html or /www, containing files such as wp-config.php and wp-content.

3. Create a new file named .maintenance.
Make sure to include the dot at the beginning of the filename.

4. Add the following code inside the file:

<?php
$upgrading = time();

Save and upload the file. WordPress will immediately display its default maintenance message to visitors.

5. Remove the .maintenance file when you’re done.

Once updates or changes are complete, delete the file from your root directory to bring your site back online.

Method 2: Add Code in functions.php

You can also enable maintenance mode in WordPress by adding a short piece of code to your theme’s functions.php file. This method gives you full control over what visitors see, without needing any plugins.

Before you start, make sure you back up your website. A small error in this file can break your site, so it’s best to work carefully or use a staging environment.

1. Open your theme’s functions.php file

• Go to Appearance in your WordPress dashboard and select Theme File Editor.
• Find and open the functions.php file for your active theme.

(If you’re using a block-based theme, you’ll find the editor under Tools → Theme File Editor.)

2. Add the maintenance mode code
Scroll to the bottom of the file  and paste this code:

// Activate WordPress Maintenance Mode

function wp_maintenance_mode() {
    if (!current_user_can('edit_themes') || !is_user_logged_in()) {
        wp_die(
            '<h1>Website Under Maintenance</h1><p>We are currently performing updates. Please check back soon.</p>',
            'Maintenance Mode',
            array('response' => 503)
        );
    }
}
add_action('get_header', 'wp_maintenance_mode');

This code hides your website from visitors who aren’t logged in and displays a simple maintenance message instead. Logged-in admins can still view and work on the site normally.

Tip: You can customise the wording inside the quotes to match your branding.

3. Save your changes.

• Click Update File to activate maintenance mode.
• Open your site in an incognito window to confirm that visitors see the maintenance message.

4. Disable maintenance mode

When you’re done updating your site, remove the code snippet you added and save the file again. Your website will go back to normal instantly.

Important: Always make these edits using a child theme or through your hosting file manager, so you don’t lose changes during a theme update. Editing functions.php incorrectly can break your site. If anything goes wrong, restore your backup or contact your hosting support.

Method 3: Use .htaccess Redirect

You can also enable maintenance mode by adding a temporary redirect in your .htaccess file. This method sends visitors to a custom maintenance page while you work in the background.

Because this file controls how your website communicates with the server, always create a backup before editing it. A small mistake can make your site temporarily inaccessible.

1. Create a maintenance page

• Access your site’s files via FTP (using a client like FileZilla) or your web host’s File Manager.
• Then, find your site’s root directory, typically called /public_html.
• Inside this folder, create a new file named maintenance.html.
• Add a simple, friendly message inside the file, such as:

<h1>Website Under Maintenance</h1>
<p>We’re updating our website to serve you better. Please check back soon.</p>

• Save this file and upload it to the root directory of your WordPress site (usually /public_html).

2. Edit the .htaccess file

• In the same root directory, locate your .htaccess file.
• Right-click the file and choose Edit (or open it directly in your FTP editor).

3. Add the redirect code

• At the top of the file, paste the following lines of code:

RewriteEngine On
RewriteBase /
RewriteCond %{REQUEST_URI} !^/maintenance\.html$
RewriteRule ^(.*)$ https://example.com/maintenance.html [R=307,L]

• Replace example.com with your actual domain name.

This code tells the server to redirect all visitors to your maintenance page, except those who are already on maintenance.html. The [R=307] flag indicates a temporary redirect, which signals to search engines that your site will be back soon.

4. Save and test your site

Save the changes to your .htaccess file, then open your website in a new or incognito browser window. You should see your custom maintenance message displayed.

5. Disable maintenance mode
Once you’re ready to go live again, open the .htaccess file and remove the redirect code you added. Save the file and refresh your website; it should now load as normal.

This method is ideal for developers or hosting environments where server-level control is preferred. It also keeps your message fully customisable and SEO-safe while you update your site.

Method 4: Use WP-CLI Commands

WP-CLI is a command-line tool for managing WordPress directly from the server. It is fast and efficient, but it is not commonly used unless you are comfortable working with terminal commands or managing a developer-level hosting environment.

1. Open your terminal or SSH access

Connect to your server via SSH using your hosting credentials. Navigate to your WordPress installation directory.

2. Turn on maintenance mode
Run this command:

wp maintenance-mode activate

This creates the .maintenance file in your root directory and enables WordPress’s native maintenance mode.

3. Check if it is active

To confirm that maintenance mode is active, run:

wp maintenance-mode status

You’ll see a message confirming whether your site is currently in maintenance mode.

4. Turn off maintenance mode

Once your updates are complete, turn maintenance mode off by running:

wp maintenance-mode deactivate

This removes the .maintenance file and brings your website back online immediately.

This method is ideal for developers or advanced users who want full control and prefer server-level management. It uses WordPress’s native maintenance feature and automatically creates or removes the .maintenance file behind the scenes.

How to Put WordPress in Maintenance Mode with a Plugin

There are numerous plugins available for putting your WordPress site into maintenance mode, and choosing the right one depends on your needs and preferences. However, if you’re looking for user-friendly maintenance mode options that don’t require any technical skills, these two plugins are our favourite choices:

1. WP Maintenance Mode & Coming Soon (LightStart)

LightStart is a free and easy-to-use plugin for creating maintenance mode or coming soon pages on your WordPress site. This plugin is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a simple solution that doesn’t require complex setup or design.

Unlike other plugins with advanced drag-and-drop features, LightStart works with the standard WordPress page editor, which means you can customise your maintenance page without needing any coding skills.

Key Features:

• Customisable Landing Page Templates
• Contact Form & Newsletter Subscription
• Customisable colours, texts, and backgrounds
• Countdown Timer
• Coming soon page
• Landing page templates
• WordPress Multisite Support
• Responsive design
• Social media icons
• Works with any WordPress theme
• SEO-Friendly
• Exclude URLs from maintenance
• Bot functionality 
• GDPR Compliance

How to Set It Up:

Step 1: Install and Activate the Plugin

• Go to Plugins > Add New in your WordPress dashboard.
• Search for LightStart, click Install Now, then Activate.

Step 2: Choose a Template for Maintenance Mode

• After activation, go to Settings > LightStart.
• You will see several template options: Maintenance Mode, Coming Soon, and Landing Page. For this purpose, select the Website is under maintenance template.
• Click Continue to proceed.

Step 3: Customise the Template

• LightStart automatically generates a simple page using the default template. Click View Page to see what it looks like.
• If you want to customise the design, head to Settings > LightStart > Design Tab and use the WordPress editor to change text, colours, and images.

Step 4: Add Social Media Links

• LightStart includes placeholders for social media icons. Simply click on each icon and enter the corresponding URL to link to your social media profiles.

Step 5: Configure Maintenance Mode Settings

In the General Tab under Settings > LightStart, adjust the settings to suit your needs:

• Bypass for Search Bots: If you want search engines to bypass your maintenance page (which is helpful for SEO), select “Yes” in the dropdown.
• Allow Access to Backend: You can grant access to the WordPress dashboard for specific user roles if needed. This allows you to work on the backend while the front-end remains in maintenance mode.
• Frontend Settings: Here, you can define whether you want to allow access to specific pages, like booking or contact pages, even when the site is in maintenance mode.

Step 6: Integrate Google Analytics

• Under the Modules Tab, enable Google Analytics and enter your tracking code to monitor site traffic during maintenance.

Step 7: Activate Maintenance Mode

• Once you’ve finished customising the page and configuring your settings, go to the General Tab and switch the status to Activated.
• Don’t forget to Save Settings. Now, when you visit your site in an incognito window, the maintenance page will be visible to visitors.

Step 8: Deactivate Maintenance Mode

When you’re done with the maintenance work, return to the General Tab in Settings > LightStart, switch the status to Deactivated, and click Save Changes to take your site out of maintenance mode.

Not sure whether you need WordPress maintenance or technical support? Check out our blog post.

2. SeedProd (Maintenance Mode & Coming Soon Page Builder)

SeedProd is a powerful and user-friendly page builder designed to create stunning maintenance mode pages, coming soon pages, and landing pages for WordPress. With a drag-and-drop builder, it allows you to easily design custom maintenance mode pages, making it ideal for users looking for a simple yet powerful solution.

Key Features:

• Drag & Drop Page Builder
• 200+ Pre-designed Templates
• Fully Customisable Design
• Mobile Optimised
• SEO Friendly
• Premium Integrations (MailChimp, ActiveCampaign, ConvertKit, etc.)
• Countdown Timer
• Subscriber Management
• GDPR Ready
• Access Control
• Custom CSS
• Google Analytics Integration

How to Set Up Maintenance Mode with SeedProd

1. Install and Activate SeedProd

Navigate to Plugins > Add New in your WordPress dashboard, search for SeedProd, install, and activate it.

2. Set Up Maintenance Mode

After activation, go to SeedProd > Pages, and under the Maintenance Mode section, click Set up a Maintenance Mode Page.

3. Choose a Template

Browse through SeedProd’s templates and select a Maintenance Mode template that suits your needs. Simply hover over a template and click the checkmark to select it.

4. Customise the Page

Use the drag-and-drop builder to personalise the template. You can add:

• Your logo
• Countdown timer
• Contact form
• Social media icons
• Any other elements to match your branding
• Adjust fonts, colors, and background to create a unique design

5. Set Up Important Features

• SEO Settings: Ensure the page is optimised for SEO (this is available in SeedProd settings).
• Google Analytics: If you want to track visitors, integrate your Google Analytics tracking ID.
• GDPR Compliance: Make sure to add a GDPR-compliant subscription form (if necessary).
• Custom CSS: If needed, apply custom styles to further tweak the design.

6. Activate Maintenance Mode
Once you’re happy with your design, go to SeedProd > Landing Pages, and toggle Maintenance Mode to Active. This will enable your maintenance page for visitors.

7. Preview the Page

Open a new incognito browser window to check how your page looks. If everything looks good, you’re set!

8. Deactivate Maintenance Mode

Once your updates are complete, return to SeedProd > Landing Pages and toggle Maintenance Mode to Inactive to make your site accessible again.

If you prefer other WordPress maintenance mode plugins, you can also check out:

1. CMP – Coming Soon & Maintenance Plugin
   A simple and customisable plugin with various templates, countdown timers, and SEO-friendly features.
   
2. Under Construction Page
   A quick and easy plugin to create coming soon or maintenance pages with basic customisation options and Google Analytics integration.

Alternatives to Maintenance Mode Using a Staging Site:

While maintenance mode can be handy for minor fixes or short-term downtime, it’s not the best option for major changes or updates. A staging site provides a much more reliable and safer way to test and implement larger changes without interrupting your visitors’ experience or affecting your site’s SEO.

When to Choose a Staging Site:

• When you’re redesigning your site or switching themes.
• When you’re testing new plugins or making major updates, it could take several hours or days.
• When you need to test out features without impacting live visitors.

Troubleshooting WordPress Maintenance Mode Issues

Putting your WordPress site into maintenance mode is usually a smooth process, but sometimes things can go wrong. If you’re encountering issues, here’s a guide to help you troubleshoot and resolve common maintenance mode problems.

1. WordPress Stuck in Maintenance Mode

If your site is stuck in maintenance mode, it may be due to an incomplete update or a plugin issue. WordPress creates a .maintenance file in the root directory when maintenance mode is activated. If the file isn’t deleted after updates, it can keep the site in maintenance mode.

How to Fix it:

• Access your site via FTP or your hosting file manager.
• Go to the root directory and delete the .maintenance file.
• Refresh your browser to check if the site is back online.
  

If the problem persists, clearing your browser cache might help.

2. WordPress Maintenance Mode Not Working

Sometimes, maintenance mode doesn’t activate properly, or the page doesn’t display as expected. This could be caused by plugin conflicts or incorrect settings.

How to Fix it:

• Ensure Plugin/Themes Are Compatible:
  Ensure the maintenance mode plugin is compatible with your WordPress theme and other plugins. Check the plugin’s documentation for any known issues or compatibility requirements.
  
• Avoid Updating All Plugins at Once:
  Updating multiple plugins at once can sometimes cause conflicts. It’s better to update one plugin at a time and check your site’s functionality after each update to identify the problematic plugin.
  
• Disable the Maintenance Mode Plugin:
  Temporarily disable your maintenance mode plugin by renaming its folder via FTP to see if that resolves the issue.
  
• Test if Maintenance Mode Displays:
  After disabling the plugin, check if the maintenance mode page shows correctly. If it does, the plugin may be causing the issue.
  
• Reactivate Plugins One by One:
  If the issue was resolved by disabling the maintenance mode plugin, reactivate your plugins one by one to pinpoint the conflict.
  
• Switch Themes:
  If deactivating plugins doesn’t resolve the issue, try switching to a default WordPress theme (e.g., Twenty Twenty-One) to check if your active theme is causing the problem.
  

3. Browser/Server Caching Issues

After enabling or disabling maintenance mode, cached versions of the page might still show the maintenance screen.

How to Fix it:

• Clear your browser cache.
• Clear the cache in any caching plugins you’re using, as well as server-side cache and CDN cache.
• Reload the page in an incognito window to check if it’s working correctly.
  

4. Plugin/Theme Conflict

A conflict between your theme or plugins can cause maintenance mode to malfunction, often resulting in a broken or incomplete maintenance page.

How to Fix it:

• Switch to a default WordPress theme like Twenty Twenty-One to check if the issue is theme-related.
• If the problem is resolved, the issue lies with your active theme.
• Disable all plugins by renaming the plugins folder via FTP and reactivate them one by one to isolate the culprit.

5. Redirect Loops

If your site keeps redirecting between the maintenance page and the main site, it may be caused by incorrectly configured .htaccess rules.

How to Fix it:

• Check your .htaccess file for any rules related to maintenance mode.
• Remove or correct any redirection rules that may be causing the loop. 
• Ensure the standard WordPress rules are intact and no conflicting custom rules exist.

6. White Screen of Death (WSOD)

A white screen typically indicates a conflict between the maintenance mode plugin and your WordPress theme or plugins. This can also happen due to PHP errors or memory limits.

How to Fix it:

• Switch to the default theme: This helps isolate if the issue is theme-related.
• Deactivate plugins: If changing the theme doesn’t resolve the issue, try disabling all plugins via FTP and reactivate them one by one.

7. Database Issues

Changes to your site’s database during maintenance could cause connection problems or errors related to maintenance mode.

How to Fix it:

• Verify that your database credentials in wp-config.php are accurate.
• Use the WordPress built-in repair function by adding define(‘WP_ALLOW_REPAIR’, true); to your wp-config.php file.
• Visit http://yoursite.com/wp-admin/maint/repair.php to repair and optimise your database.

Is website maintenance worth the investment? Get all the answers in our detailed blog post.

What To Consider When You Put Your Site in Maintenance Mode?

When putting your WordPress site in maintenance mode, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• SEO Impact: 
  Use the correct HTTP status code (503) to inform search engines that the site is temporarily down. This prevents search engine crawlers from indexing your maintenance page and protects your rankings.
  
• Communication with Visitors:
  Clearly explain why your site is down and provide an estimated return time. A simple message like “We’ll be back shortly” works for brief downtimes, but for longer periods, a countdown timer can help manage expectations.
  
• Backup Before Updates:
  Always back up your site before entering maintenance mode to safeguard your data during plugin or core updates.
  
• Control User Access:
  Decide who needs access to the backend of your site during maintenance. Admins may need access to continue working, while others should be restricted from the front-end.
  
• Duration:
  Be mindful of how long you plan to keep the site in maintenance mode. Setting a clear duration helps prevent visitors from waiting longer than necessary.

Want to learn more about website maintenance? Check out our in-depth guide on website maintenance.

What Information Should You Include On The Maintenance Page?

Your maintenance page serves as the face of your site while it’s down, so it’s important to provide visitors with useful information. Here’s a breakdown of what should be included:

1. A Simple, Clear Message

Let visitors know why your site is down. A message like “We’re undergoing maintenance and will be back shortly” keeps them informed and reassured.

2. Estimated Time to Relaunch

If maintenance takes longer, display an estimated time of completion or a countdown to help manage visitor expectations.

3. Contact Information

Provide contact details to ensure your visitors can reach you if needed. Include support emails, phone numbers, or a contact form.

4. Social Media Links

Adding social media icons is a great way to stay connected with your audience while your site is down. Make these links visible and easy to find so visitors can follow your updates on social platforms.

5. Newsletter Subscription

Allow visitors to sign up for updates or notifications when your site is live again. Not only does this help keep them engaged, but it also grows your email list, which can be valuable for future marketing.

6. Progress Updates

For extended maintenance periods, provide periodic updates to inform visitors about your progress and reduce frustration.

Wondering about website maintenance costs? Check out our blog post for a detailed breakdown.

Conclusion: Keep Your WordPress Site Running Smoothly

By now, you’ve got the basics of WordPress maintenance mode down. You know when and how to activate it, what to include on your maintenance page, and how to handle any hiccups that might come your way. 

Whether you choose to manage WordPress maintenance mode manually, use a plugin, or work with a staging site, you’re now prepared to keep your site in top shape without compromising user experience or SEO.

If you’d prefer to skip the hassle, let us take care of it for you. At WP Creative, we offer expert WordPress maintenance services, ensuring your website is always secure, up-to-date, and running smoothly. Focus on your business, and we’ll handle the rest.

Get in touch with us today to learn how we can help!

WordPress Maintenance Mode FAQs

What is the Difference Between Coming Soon and Maintenance Mode?

Coming Soon mode is typically used when a website is being built or launched for the first time, displaying a page that informs visitors that the site is coming soon. 

Maintenance Mode, on the other hand, is used when a WordPress site is temporarily down for updates or fixes, allowing admins to work on the site without showing errors to visitors.

How to enable maintenance mode in WordPress cPanel?

To enable maintenance mode via cPanel, you can use the built-in “Maintenance Mode” feature or manually edit the .maintenance file via cPanel’s file manager. Alternatively, a WP maintenance mode plugin can simplify the process by adding a temporary page for visitors while you make changes.

How long does WordPress Maintenance take?

The duration of maintenance depends on the scope of the changes you’re making. Small updates might take only a few minutes, while more significant changes, like updates to WordPress core or plugins, can take several hours. Always plan for downtime based on the complexity of the updates.

Does maintenance mode affect SEO?

When correctly configured with an HTTP 503 status code, maintenance mode does not negatively affect search engine rankings. This status tells search engines that the downtime is temporary and prevents the maintenance page from being indexed while it’s down.

How to disable maintenance mode in WordPress?

To disable maintenance mode, simply delete the .maintenance file from the root directory via an FTP client or through your hosting file manager. If you’re using a maintenance plugin, you can turn off the maintenance mode directly in the plugin’s page settings to return your site to normal.

What to do if you can’t log in during WordPress maintenance mode?

If you can’t log in while in WordPress site maintenance mode, try these steps:

1. Remove the .maintenance File: Use an FTP client to delete the .maintenance file in your site’s root directory.
   
2. Clear Cache: Clear your browser and caching plugin cache.
   
3. Disable Plugins: Deactivate all plugins via FTP by renaming the plugins folder, then reactivate them one by one to find the conflict.

What is WordPress Default Maintenance Mode?

WordPress default maintenance mode activates automatically during updates, displaying a simple message that your site is temporarily down. It’s basic and cannot be customised. To add features like a countdown or custom messages, use a maintenance mode plugin.

Want to save on WordPress website maintenance? Check out these 3 cost-reduction strategies for WordPress website maintenance.