In this article I’ll show you some possible fixes for the error “Updating Failed” in the WordPress page and post editor. This issue can be caused by different situations, and I am keeping this post updated as we discover more causes.
At the time of this update, we have identified a handful of different causes, and have tried to provide the best solutions.
How To Fix It – A Couple Tricks
This first fix is not ideal if you like using Gutenberg, but if you are using a 3rd party page builder, you can use this option without issue.
Most 3rd party page builders (as listed above) do not use the Gutenberg editor so disabling it isn’t going to effect your site.
Disable the Gutenberg Editor:
- Install the Classic Editor plugin
- Activate the Plugin
- Done!
I have also seen just the activation and deactivation of this plugin work to correct the issue.
jQuery Migration Helper
This solution is not a fix. It is a work around that will get you back up and running. You should still work to identify and resolve the underlining issue. If you need help with that, feel free to contact us or WP Buffs.
As of the WordPress 5.5 update the jquary-migrate tool is disabled by default. As a result, themes and plugins that are not being updated to me the current coding standards will experience issues.
As a result the WordPress team published a plugin to help patch the issue. All you have to do is install it and activate it. There are no settings or configurations.
You can install this plugin from the WP Admin. From in your dashboard go to Plugins => Add New. Then search for Enable jQuery Migrate Helper and activate it.
Toggle Permalinks
This is another simple trick you can try if you prefer to not use the classic editor plugin.
You can try two different approaches this fix.
- Simply go to permalinks in the Settings and click save!
If that doesn’t resolve the issue, then try this.
- Go to Permalinks in Settings
- Select “Plain” (remember you current settings)
- Click Save
- Switch back to your previous setting (ideally “Post Name”)
- Click Save
Unlicensed Premium Plugin Updates
If you had someone build your website for you, or you purchased your theme from a site like Theme Forest (not recommended), you are possibly using premium plugins that are not registered, which means you are not getting update notifications and without a license you’re unable to update the plugins.
These plugins could be causing the conflict and to resolve the issue my need to be updated.
This is what you might see for a premium plugin that needs an update:
In some cases you my not even see the update notice. If that is the case you will need to do one of two things.
- If you bought a theme from Theme Forest.
The developer will often have instructions in the original files on how to update these premium plugins. They likely have purchased a license and then provide an updated file for those that have purchased their work.
- Built for you.
If there is no update notification, you are going to need to do a little research.
First you’ll need to determine what version you have installed, see image below
Once you know your version, you’ll need to find the developers version logs, change logs, or update logs. I have found that they call them different things.
But whatever they call it, you will want to look at these logs to get the info you need to determine the current version of the plugin.
Additional Reading: WordPress 5.5 Breaking Websites: How to Fix
If Those Fixes didn’t Work (techie stuff)
It’s time to do the typical WordPress troubleshooting.
I recommend you use the Site Health Check plugin which will enable you to easily troubleshoot issues without affecting the live version of your site and what visitors are seeing.
Once you have it installed and activated follow this screenshot to find the Site Health tools:
After clicking on “Site Health”, the first screen, “Status” will show you any critical issues. Which may point you to the underlining issue.
If you notice issues with Rest API, or if a specific plugin is listed, I’d recommend starting there.
Use the steps below to use this plugin to help you troubleshoot plugins and theme issues.
You can also try activating debug mode to see if that helps you identify the cause. Here is a quick video to show you how to do that. Note this does require FTP access.
define('WP_DEBUG', true);To turn off debug mode you can remove the code or simply change “true” to “false”
define('WP_DEBUG', false);Still Having issues?
Done-For-You Service
Want us to fix it for you!? If you don’t want to waste time with these tech issues, we’re happy to do-it-for-you! You can feel confident knowing you’ve got an expert fixing it for you!
Have any questions, feel free to leave a comment or use our live chat, or comments below.