How to Fix the “Update Failed: -1” Error in WordPress: Actionable Tips

The “Update Failed: -1” error in WordPress is a common issue that occurs during updates of themes, plugins, or WordPress itself. Imagine trying to update an app on your phone, but the update fails due to various reasons. This error can affect your website’s functionality; therefore, fixing it is crucial. 

Common causes include server settings, network problems, incorrect file permissions, and conflicts with plugins or themes. By understanding these causes and following the simple troubleshooting steps mentioned below, you can resolve the issue swiftly.

What Exactly is the “Update Failed: -1” Error?

The “Update Failed: -1” error message in WordPress signifies an issue encountered during an update process. This error typically appears when updating themes, plugins, or the WordPress core itself. It may be due to network issues or conflicts with existing plugins or themes. Consequently, this error prevents successful updates, which can hinder your site’s functionality and security.

Common Causes of the “Update Failed: -1” Error

Here are the common “Update Failed: -1” errors in WordPress. These can help you identify the issues and resolve the error promptly.

• Server Configuration Issues: If the server settings, such as memory limits or execution time, are incorrect, it can prevent updates from completing. Here, increasing the PHP memory limit or adjusting server settings can often resolve this issue.

• Network Connectivity Problems: If your internet connection is unstable, updates may fail to download and install correctly. This can happen due to a weak WiFi signal, temporary outages, or firewall settings blocking the update process.

• File Permissions Errors: Imagine not having the right key to unlock a door. Similarly, if WordPress doesn’t have the correct permissions to access certain files, it can block updates. File permissions control who can read, write, or execute files, and incorrect settings can prevent updates from being applied.

• Conflicts with Plugins or Themes: Sometimes, different software components don’t play well together. Outdated or incompatible plugins or themes can conflict with the update process, causing errors. For example, if a plugin hasn’t been updated to work with the latest version of WordPress, it might prevent updates from completing successfully.

Preliminary Checks to Fix the “Update Failed: -1” Error

Before diving into more detailed and advanced troubleshooting tips, here are some preliminary checks that you should undertake to see if the “Update Failed: -1” error gets resolved:

First, ensure your internet connection is stable. Just like you need a clear phone signal to make a call, a strong and steady internet connection is essential for downloading and installing updates without interruptions.

Next, check your server settings. It needs the right settings, such as enough memory and execution time, to handle updates smoothly. Adjusting these settings can often resolve update issues.

Lastly, examine your file permissions. WordPress needs correct file permissions to read, write, and execute updates. Ensuring these permissions are set correctly can prevent errors during the update process.

Read: How to Fix the WordPress Upload Limit

Resolve the “Update Failed: -1” Error: Detailed Troubleshooting Steps

Before attempting to resolve the “Update Failed: -1” error, ensure you take a complete backup of your site using a reliable backup plugin like BlogVault. This precaution protects your data and settings, allowing you to restore your site if anything goes wrong during troubleshooting.

Deactivate All Plugins

To begin, log in to your WordPress dashboard and navigate to Plugins. Here, select all the active plugins by checking the box at the top of the list. 

From the “Bulk Actions” dropdown menu, choose “Deactivate” and click “Apply.” This will deactivate all the plugins on your site. Once this is done, try running the update again. 

If the update is successful, reactivate the plugins one by one to identify which one is causing the conflict. This method helps isolate and resolve the issue.

Learn: Why are Niche WordPress Plugins Essential for Your Business

Switch to Default Theme

To switch to a default theme, go to the “Appearance” section in your WordPress dashboard and click “Themes.” Here, you will see a list of available themes. Locate a default theme, such as Twenty Twenty-Four, and click “Activate.” 

Activating a default theme helps determine if the current theme is causing the issue, as default themes are typically well-tested and less likely to have conflicts. 

Once the default theme is activated, try running the update again. If the update is successful, it indicates that your previous theme might be the source of the “Update Failed: -1” error. You can then troubleshoot the original theme or consider using a different one.

Know more about: Best WordPress Themes: Free + Premium

Increase PHP Memory Limit

This is another way to troubleshoot the “Update Failed: -1” error in WordPress. To increase the PHP memory limit, you need to edit your wp-config.php file, which is located in the root directory of your WordPress installation. 

Add the following line of code to this file: 

define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M');. 

This line increases the memory limit to 256 megabytes, which can help handle larger updates and reduce the chance of errors. 

Alternatively, you can adjust the PHP memory limit through your hosting control panel. Look for the PHP settings or configuration section, where you can set the memory limit to a higher value, such as 256M or 512M. Increasing the PHP memory limit ensures that your WordPress site has sufficient resources to perform updates.

Check for Firewall or Security Plugin Issues

Firewall and security plugins are designed to protect your website, but sometimes they can block legitimate updates. To identify if these plugins are causing the “Update Failed: -1” error, temporarily deactivate any firewall or security plugins. 

After deactivating these plugins, attempt to rerun the update. If the update is successful, it confirms that the firewall or security plugin was blocking the update. 

To prevent future issues, configure these plugins to allow update processes by adding exceptions or adjusting their settings accordingly. This ensures that your site remains secure while allowing necessary updates to proceed without interruption.

Deactivate and Update Specific Plugins

If you suspect the error is related to a specific plugin, such as Starter Templates, you should first deactivate it. To do this, go to Plugins ⟶ Installed Plugins, find the Starter Templates plugin, and click “Deactivate.” 

Once the plugin is deactivated, look for an update notification and click “Update now” to install the latest version. After updating the plugin, reactivate it by clicking “Activate.” Finally, test the update process again to see if the issue is resolved.

Advanced Troubleshooting Tips to Fix the “Update Failed: -1” Error

If the “Update Failed: -1” Error still persist, try these advanced troubleshooting tips to resolve it:

Enable Debug Mode in WordPress

To enable debug mode in WordPress, you need to edit the wp-config.php file located in the root directory of your WordPress installation. 

Add or modify the following lines of code:

define('WP_DEBUG', true);

define('WP_DEBUG_LOG', true);

This will activate debug mode and create a debug.log file in the wp-content directory. This log file records error messages and warnings, providing detailed information about issues occurring on your site. Reviewing this log can help you pinpoint the exact cause of the “Update Failed: -1” error, making it easier to find a solution. 

Once the issue is resolved, remember to disable debug mode by setting WP_DEBUG to false.

Related: WordPress Debugging Tools For Troubleshooting

Check Server Logs

To diagnose the “Update Failed: -1” error, check your server logs for error messages. You can access these logs through your hosting control panel or via FTP. Look for entries related to the update process, as these can provide valuable insights into what might be causing the error. Reviewing the server logs can help identify server-side issues, such as configuration errors or resource limitations, that may be preventing updates from completing successfully.

Know more: Ultimate Guide to WordPress Error Logs

Contact Hosting Provider

If the above steps don’t resolve the issue, contact your hosting provider. They can help identify server-related problems or configuration issues that might be preventing updates. Explain the error and the steps you’ve already taken so they can assist you further.

Seek Professional WordPress Support to Resolve this Error

If the previous troubleshooting steps do not resolve the “Update Failed: -1” error, you can also seek professional WordPress support. Professional WordPress developers and support services have the expertise to diagnose and fix complex issues. They can identify server misconfigurations, plugin conflicts, and other underlying problems that may be beyond typical user capabilities.

Final Thoughts

Dealing with the “Update Failed: -1” error in WordPress can be frustrating, but it’s manageable with the right steps. Start by performing preliminary checks and then move on to detailed troubleshooting, like deactivating plugins, switching to a default theme, and increasing the PHP memory limit. 

For persistent issues, enable debug mode, check server logs, or contact your hosting provider. By following these comprehensive steps, you can resolve the error and maintain a functional website. If needed, don’t hesitate to contact Seahwk’s professional support starting at $59/hour for expert assistance.