Maintenance mode shows visitors a friendly “we will be back soon” page while you make changes behind the scenes. It keeps your site looking professional during updates or redesigns. This guide explains how to enable it.
When to use maintenance mode #
- While making significant design changes.
- During major updates or migrations.
- When preparing content before a launch.
Option 1: Use a maintenance mode plugin (easiest) #
- Install a maintenance or “coming soon” plugin.
- Design your holding page with a message and your branding.
- Enable maintenance mode.
- Disable it when you are done to bring the site back.
Most such plugins let logged-in admins still see the real site while visitors see the holding page.
Option 2: Built-in short maintenance #
WordPress automatically shows a brief maintenance message during updates, then removes it. If a failed update leaves the site stuck in maintenance, delete the .maintenance file in your site’s root folder via File Manager to release it.
Conseils #
- Add an estimated return time and a contact method to your holding page.
- Keep maintenance windows short and during quiet periods.
- Remember to disable it afterwards.
Dépannage #
- Stuck in maintenance after an update: delete the .maintenance file in the root folder.
- Visitors still see the site: confirm the plugin is enabled and caches are cleared.
Besoin d'aide ? #
If your site is stuck in maintenance mode, our support team can help release it over live chat.
