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How to Fix WordPress Updating Failed / Publishing Failed Error

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How to Fix “Updating Failed” / “Publishing Failed” Error in WordPress (Step-by-Step Guide)

If you’re trying to update or publish a post in WordPress and see the error “Updating Failed” or “Publishing Failed”, don’t worry — you’re not alone. This is a common issue that can be fixed with a few simple steps.

In this article, we’ll explain what causes the error and provide complete step-by-step solutions to help you fix it and get back to publishing your content smoothly.

What Causes the “Updating Failed” or “Publishing Failed” Error in WordPress?

The error usually happens due to communication issues between your browser and the WordPress REST API, which is the system WordPress uses to connect your browser to the server when you’re editing posts.

Common causes include:

  • WordPress REST API is disabled or blocked.
  • Plugin conflicts (especially security, caching, or REST API-related plugins).
  • Theme conflicts.
  • Incorrect site URL settings.
  • Outdated WordPress core or plugins.
  • SSL/HTTPS misconfigurations.
  • Server or firewall blocking requests.

How to Fix the “Updating Failed” / “Publishing Failed” Error

Follow these steps one by one to fix the problem.

1. Check the REST API Status

Go to:
Tools > Site Health > Status
Look for any errors under the “REST API” section. If WordPress cannot connect to the REST API, it will give a message like:

“The REST API encountered an error.”

Fix:
If the REST API is blocked by a plugin or firewall, disable it and test again. Sometimes hosting security rules can also block it.

2. Disable All Plugins Temporarily

Plugins often conflict with WordPress’s REST API, especially security and caching plugins.

Steps:

  1. Go to Plugins > Installed Plugins
  2. Select all and choose Deactivate.
  3. Try to update/publish a post again.

If the error is gone, reactivate your plugins one by one to find the one causing the problem.

3. Switch to a Default Theme

Sometimes themes interfere with post publishing.

Steps:

  1. Go to Appearance > Themes
  2. Activate a default theme like Twenty Twenty-Four
  3. Test publishing again.

If the problem is fixed, your theme might need to be updated or replaced.

4. Check Site URL Settings

An incorrect WordPress Address (URL) and Site Address (URL) can cause API connection issues.

Steps:

  1. Go to Settings > General
  2. Make sure both WordPress Address (URL) and Site Address (URL) are correct.
  3. If your site uses HTTPS, both URLS should start with https://.

Also make sure there’s no trailing slash (i.e., use https://yourdomain.com not https://yourdomain.com/)

5. Check HTTPS and SSL Settings

If your SSL certificate is not properly set up, your browser might block REST API requests.

Fixes:

  • Use a plugin like Really Simple SSL to fix SSL settings.
  • Make sure all content is being loaded over HTTPS (no mixed content).

6. Clear Your Cache

Caching plugins (like WP Super Cache, W3 Total Cache, etc.) may cause this issue by serving outdated or broken scripts.

Steps:

  1. Clear plugin cache.
  2. Clear browser cache.
  3. Disable server-side cache (like Cloudflare) if necessary.

7. Check Developer Console for JavaScript Errors

Press F12 in your browser and go to the Console tab.
Look for red errors that might say “Failed to load resource” or REST API errors.

These can point to the exact plugin or script causing the problem.

8. Check .htaccess File (For Apache Servers)

Sometimes .htaccess rules block the API.

Steps:

  1. Backup your current .htaccess
  2. Replace it with this default WordPress code:
# BEGIN WordPress
<IfModule mod_rewrite.c>
RewriteEngine On
RewriteBase /
RewriteRule ^index\.php$ - [L]
RewriteCond %{REQUEST_FILENAME} !-f
RewriteCond %{REQUEST_FILENAME} !-d
RewriteRule . /index.php [L]
</IfModule>
# END WordPress
  1. Save the file and test your site again.

9. Check Firewall or CDN Settings

If you’re using a CDN like Cloudflare, or your hosting has a firewall (like SiteLock, Imunify360), it might block API requests.

Fix:

  • Temporarily pause or disable the CDN.
  • Whitelist REST API endpoints.
  • Contact your hosting provider for help.

10. Update Everything

Old or buggy code can trigger REST API errors.

Make sure to:

  • Update WordPress core to the latest version.
  • Update all themes and plugins.
  • Check PHP version (use PHP 7.4 or higher).

11. Use the Classic Editor Plugin (Temporary Fix)

If nothing works, and you urgently need to post content, install the Classic Editor plugin as a temporary solution.

Steps:

  1. Go to Plugins > Add New
  2. Search for Classic Editor
  3. Install and activate it.

This editor doesn’t use the REST API in the same way as Gutenberg, so it may bypass the error temporarily.

Bonus Tips

  • Check your browser extensions (like ad blockers or script blockers) that might interfere.
  • Always keep backups before making changes.
  • Use staging environments to test fixes before going live.

Final Thoughts

The “Updating Failed” or “Publishing Failed” error in WordPress is usually caused by issues with the REST API. With careful troubleshooting — like disabling plugins, checking site URL settings, switching themes, or reviewing firewall rules — you can resolve this error in just a few steps.

Once fixed, your WordPress site will be back to normal and you can focus on what matters most: publishing great content!

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