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How to Fix Elementor Update Failed Error

Encountering an “Elementor update failed” error can be incredibly frustrating. You’re ready to embrace the latest features and bug fixes, only to be met with a roadblock. But don’t worry – you’re not alone, and this is a common challenge many WordPress users face. The good news is that most Elementor update failures can be resolved with a few targeted troubleshooting steps.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through various solutions, from simple checks to more advanced fixes, ensuring you can get your Elementor page builder back on track. We’ll cover everything from server limitations and plugin conflicts to manual updates, helping you pinpoint the exact cause and
resolve your Elementor update failed issue effectively. Let’s get started!

Why Does Elementor Update Fail? Understanding the Root Causes

Before diving into solutions, it’s helpful to understand why an Elementor update failed in the first place. Knowing the common culprits can guide your troubleshooting efforts and prevent future issues. Here are the most frequent reasons:

• Server Resource Limitations: Insufficient PHP memory, execution time, or upload limits can halt an update mid-process.
• Plugin or Theme Conflicts: Other plugins or your active theme might clash with Elementor or the update process, leading to a failure.
• Caching Issues: Aggressive caching (both server-side and plugin-based) can sometimes prevent WordPress from recognizing new files or completing updates properly.
• File Permissions Problems: Incorrect file and folder permissions can block WordPress from writing new files or replacing existing ones during an update.
• Corrupted Files: Occasionally, core WordPress files or Elementor files themselves can become corrupted, affecting updates.
• Unstable Internet Connection: A dropped or unstable internet connection during the update process can lead to incomplete file transfers.
• Outdated PHP Version: Elementor, like WordPress, requires a minimum PHP version to function correctly and receive updates.

Preliminary Checks Before Troubleshooting an Elementor Update Failed Error

Before you dive into more complex solutions, it’s wise to perform a few quick checks. These often resolve the Elementor update failed problem without much effort.

1. Back Up Your Website (Crucial Step!)

2. Clear Your Cache

Caching can sometimes interfere with updates. Clear all types of cache:

• WordPress Caching Plugins: If you use plugins like WP Super Cache, W3 Total Cache, or LiteSpeed Cache, clear their caches.
• Server-Side Cache: Many hosting providers (like Hostinger) offer server-level caching. Clear this from your hosting control panel (e.g., hPanel, cPanel).
• Browser Cache: Clear your browser’s cache and cookies, or try updating from an incognito/private browsing window.

3. Check Your Internet Connection

A simple check, but an unstable internet connection can interrupt file downloads during the update. Ensure you have a stable connection.

Comprehensive Solutions for “Elementor Update Failed”

Now, let’s explore the multi-pronged approach to fix your Elementor update failed error. We’ll start with server-related issues and move to plugin-specific solutions.

1. Increase PHP Limits for Elementor Update Success

One of the most common reasons an Elementor update failed is insufficient PHP memory or execution time. WordPress operations, especially updates, can be resource-intensive. You need to increase key PHP limits.

How to Increase PHP Memory Limit

You can usually adjust the PHP memory limit via your hosting control panel, the wp-config.php file, or the php.ini file.

1. Via Hosting Control Panel (Recommended):
   • Log in to your hosting control panel (e.g., hPanel, cPanel).
   • Look for a section related to “PHP Configuration,” “PHP Manager,” or “PHP Settings.”
   • Find the memory_limit option and increase it to at least 256M or 512M. Save changes.
2. Via wp-config.php File:
   • Connect to your website via FTP/SFTP or use your hosting provider’s File Manager.
   • Locate the wp-config.php file in your WordPress root directory.
   • Add the following line just before the /* That's all, stop editing! Happy publishing. */ line:

     define( 'WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M' );

   • Save and upload the file.
3. Via .htaccess File:
   • Connect to your website via FTP/SFTP or use your hosting provider’s File Manager.
   • Locate the .htaccess file in your WordPress root directory.
   • Add the following line at the top of the file:

     php_value memory_limit 256M

   • Save and upload the file.

How to Increase PHP Execution Time and Max Input Vars

Similarly, increase max_execution_time and max_input_vars.

1. Via Hosting Control Panel: (Follow the same steps as increasing memory limit, just look for these specific options). Increase max_execution_time to 300 or 600 seconds, and max_input_vars to 5000 or 10000.
2. Via .htaccess File: Add these lines to your .htaccess file:

   php_value max_execution_time 300
   php_value max_input_vars 5000

2. Resolve Plugin and Theme Conflicts to Fix Elementor Update Failed

Conflicts are a major cause of an Elementor update failed message. Another plugin or your theme might be interfering.

1. Deactivate All Other Plugins:
   • Go to your WordPress Admin Dashboard > Plugins > Installed Plugins.
   • Select all plugins except Elementor and Elementor Pro (if you have it).
   • Choose “Deactivate” from the Bulk Actions dropdown and click “Apply.”
2. Switch to a Default Theme:
   • Go to Appearance > Themes.
   • Activate a default WordPress theme like Twenty Twenty-Three or Twenty Twenty-Four.
3. Attempt Elementor Update: Try updating Elementor again.
4. Reactivate:
   • If the update succeeds, reactivate your original theme and other plugins one by one, checking your site after each to identify the culprit.
   • If a specific plugin or theme causes the issue, contact its developer for support or seek an alternative.

3. Manually Update Elementor (The Reliable Method)

If automatic updates consistently result in an Elementor update failed error, a manual update is a highly effective way to overcome the hurdle.

Manual Update for Elementor (Free Version):

1. Download Latest Version: Go to the Elementor plugin page on WordPress.org and click “Download.”
2. Deactivate & Delete Current Elementor:
   • Go to your WordPress Admin Dashboard > Plugins > Installed Plugins.
   • Deactivate the Elementor plugin.
   • Delete the deactivated Elementor plugin. Don’t worry, your pages and templates built with Elementor are stored in the database and won’t be lost.
3. Upload & Install New Version:
   • Click Add New at the top of the Plugins page.
   • Click Upload Plugin.
   • Choose the downloaded elementor.zip file and click Install Now.
   • Once installed, activate the plugin.

Manual Update for Elementor Pro:

The process is similar but involves accessing your Elementor Pro account.

1. Download Latest Version:
   • Log in to your Elementor account.
   • Navigate to the “Downloads” section.
   • Download the latest version of Elementor Pro.
2. Deactivate & Delete Current Elementor Pro:
   • Go to your WordPress Admin Dashboard > Plugins > Installed Plugins.
   • Deactivate the Elementor Pro plugin.
   • Delete the deactivated Elementor Pro plugin.
3. Upload & Install New Version:
   • Click Add New at the top of the Plugins page.
   • Click Upload Plugin.
   • Choose the downloaded elementor-pro.zip file and click Install Now.
   • Once installed, activate the plugin.

4. Check File Permissions

Incorrect file permissions can prevent WordPress from writing or updating files, leading to an Elementor update failed error. The correct permissions are:

• Folders: 755
• Files: 644

1. Connect via FTP/SFTP: Use an FTP client like FileZilla or your hosting provider’s File Manager.
2. Navigate to your WordPress Root Directory: This is usually public_html or www.
3. Change Folder Permissions:
   • Right-click on the wp-content folder (or any folder if you suspect issues elsewhere).
   • Select “File permissions” or “Change permissions.”
   • Enter 755 in the numeric value field.
   • Check “Recurse into subdirectories” and select “Apply to directories only.”
   • Click “OK.”
4. Change File Permissions:
   • Repeat the process, but this time enter 644 in the numeric value field.
   • Check “Recurse into subdirectories” and select “Apply to files only.”
   • Click “OK.”

5. Update Your PHP Version

Elementor and WordPress constantly evolve, and they often require recent PHP versions for optimal performance and security, including successful updates. An outdated PHP version can be a reason why an Elementor update failed.

1. Check Current PHP Version:
   • Many hosting providers display this in their control panel.
   • Alternatively, install a plugin like “Display PHP Version” to see it in your WordPress dashboard.
   • Elementor usually recommends PHP 7.4 or higher.
2. Update PHP Version:
   • Log in to your hosting control panel.
   • Look for “PHP Configuration,” “PHP Selector,” or “Select PHP Version.”
   • Choose a newer, stable version (e.g., PHP 8.0, 8.1, or 8.2).
   • Save your changes.

6. Review Error Logs for Clues About Elementor Update Failed

If you’re still facing an Elementor update failed error, the server’s error logs can provide invaluable insights.

1. Enable WordPress Debugging (Temporarily):
   • Connect to your site via FTP/SFTP or File Manager.
   • Edit the wp-config.php file.
   • Find the line define( 'WP_DEBUG', false ); and change false to true.
   • Add the following lines immediately below it to log errors to a file:

     define( 'WP_DEBUG_LOG', true );
     define( 'WP_DEBUG_DISPLAY', false );

   • Save the file.