# Fixing the 'Scheduled Maintenance' message in WordPress

> Remove the stuck 'Briefly unavailable for scheduled maintenance' message by deleting the .maintenance file after a failed WordPress update.

Source: https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/wordpress/guides/fixing-the-scheduled-maintenance-message-in-wordpress/

When updating WordPress, plugins, or themes, your site may display the message:

```
Briefly unavailable for scheduled maintenance. Check back in a minute.
```

Normally, this disappears once the update completes. However, if the update is interrupted or fails, the message can remain and block access to your site. On **ruachost.com**, you can fix this issue manually.

## Why Does This Happen?

- WordPress creates a temporary `.maintenance` file during updates.
- If the update fails or is interrupted, the file is not removed.
- As long as the `.maintenance` file exists, visitors see the scheduled maintenance message.

## Steps to Fix the Issue

1. **Log in to cPanel.**

   - In the **Files** section, click **File Manager**.
2. **Show Hidden Files.**

   - In File Manager, click **Settings** (top right).
   - Check **Show Hidden Files (dotfiles)**.
3. **Locate the** `.maintenance` **File.**

   - Navigate to your WordPress root directory (usually `public_html`).
   - Look for a file named `.maintenance`.
4. **Delete the File.**

   - Right‑click `.maintenance` → **Delete**.
   - Confirm deletion.
5. **Reload Your Site.**

   - Open your WordPress site in a browser.
   - The maintenance message should be gone, and your site should load normally.
6. **Retry the Update.**

   - Log in to WordPress as the administrator.
   - You may see a message:

     ```
     An automated WordPress update has failed to complete – please attempt the update again now.
     ```
   - Click the link to retry the update.

> **Note:**
- Always back up your site before running updates.
- If the problem persists, disable plugins temporarily and retry.
- Ensure your hosting account has sufficient resources (disk space, PHP memory) to complete updates.