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The “Plugin Update Failed” error in WordPress usually occurs when WordPress is unable to properly update a plugin. This can happen for several reasons, and each has a specific solution.

Common Causes & How to Fix “Plugin Update Failed” Error

1. File Permission Issues

   Cause: WordPress cannot write to the /wp-content/plugins/ folder.
   Fix:
  - Use FTP or File Manager
  - Set the correct folder permissions:
    • Folders: 755
    • Files: 644

2. Folder Already Exists (Update Collision)

   Cause: WordPress finds an existing plugin folder and can’t overwrite it.
   Fix:
  - Delete the plugin folder manually via FTP or File Manager:
    • Path: /wp-content/plugins/plugin-name
  - Reinstall the plugin from Dashboard or upload the latest .zip file.

3. Plugin Files Are Locked or In Use

   Cause: Server restrictions or file lock from an active process.
   Fix:
  - Temporarily deactivate the plugin, then try updating.
  - Or use SFTP to replace plugin files manually.

4. Incompatible PHP Version

   Cause: Plugin update requires newer PHP than your server provides.
   Fix:
  - Upgrade your server to PHP 8.0+ using cPanel or host dashboard.

5. Low Memory Limit
   Cause: PHP memory limit is too low to complete the update.
   Fix:
  Edit wp-config.php and add:
  php   define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M');   

6. Internet/Timeout Issue (Manual Upload Needed)

   Cause: Server timeout or slow internet.
   Fix:
  - Download the latest version of the plugin as a .zip
  - Go to WordPress Dashboard → Plugins → Add New → Upload Plugin
  - Upload and activate.

7. Plugin Update Failed: Could Not Create Directory

   Cause: WordPress lacks permission to create or replace files.
   Fix:
  - Ensure /wp-content/plugins/ has write permissions
  - Check server user is www-data or correct system user

Optional Debugging

Enable debugging to get detailed error messages:

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

Check the error log: /wp-content/debug.log for the exact failure reason.

Pro Tips

• Always back up your site before updating plugins.
• Use a staging environment to test plugin updates safely.
• Use a reliable hosting provider with automatic update support.

Would you like help generating a plugin update, troubleshooting script or code snippet for wp-config.php?

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