# Notifying only administrators about WordPress updates

> Send WordPress update notifications only to administrators so editors and authors are not distracted by them.

Source: https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/wordpress/guides/notifying-only-administrators-about-wordpress-updates/

By default, WordPress sends update notifications to all users with certain roles. This can clutter inboxes and confuse non‑technical users. On **ruachost.com**, you can configure WordPress to notify **only administrators** about updates, ensuring that technical staff handle them.

## Why Restrict Update Notifications?

- Prevents unnecessary alerts for editors, authors, and contributors.
- Ensures only administrators are responsible for updates.
- Improves site security by keeping update management centralized.

## Steps to Notify Only Administrators

1. **Log in to WordPress** with an administrator account.
2. In the dashboard, go to **Appearance → Theme Editor**.
3. Open the **functions.php** file of your active theme (or child theme).
4. Add the following code snippet:

   ```
   // Send update notifications only to administrators
   add_filter('auto_core_update_send_email', 'wp_admin_update_emails', 10, 2);
   function wp_admin_update_emails($send, $type) {
       if ($type == 'success' || $type == 'fail') {
           return true; // Send only to admins
       }
       return false; // Disable for other roles
   }
   ```
5. Click **Update File** to save changes.
6. WordPress will now send update notifications only to administrator accounts.

## Important Notes

- Always back up your theme files before editing.
- Use a **child theme** to preserve changes during updates.
- Administrators should regularly check the dashboard for pending updates.
- Combine this with other security practices (automatic updates, monitoring plugins).