Update Failed: Could Not Remove The Old Plugin. WordPress (6 Easy Fixes)

You’re trying to keep your WordPress site in tip-top shape, but then you see this frustrating message: “Update failed: could not remove the old plugin.” 

This WordPress error feels like hitting a wall when you’re doing everything right. Often, it means WordPress doesn’t have the right permissions to delete old plugin files, making it impossible to update. This roadblock can be infuriating, but understanding the cause can help you unlock the solution and push past the frustration. Let’s explore what’s going wrong and how you can fix this.

TL;DR: Fixing the “Update failed: could not remove the old plugin” error could disrupt your site. WordPress backups are vital as they let you restore everything in case something goes wrong.

What causes the “​​Update failed: could not remove the old plugin” error?

Navigating WordPress can sometimes feel like solving a puzzle, especially when errors pop up unexpectedly. The “update failed: could not remove the old plugin” message is one of those frustrating moments every WordPress admin dreads. Yet, uncovering the reasons behind this error is the first step toward an easy fix. Knowing what triggers this problem empowers you to make informed decisions and keeps your site running smoothly.

• File permissions: Incorrect file or folder permissions can stop WordPress from deleting or updating files, leading to errors.
• Insufficient disk space: If your server runs out of space, it can’t complete file operations, like plugin updates.
• Plugin conflicts: Sometimes plugins clash with each other, or with failed theme update, blocking updates and causing errors.
• Server configuration: Certain server settings, like a restrictive .htaccess file, can halt the update process.

Fixes for “Update failed: could not remove the old plugin” error?

We’ve been there—staring at the “update failed: could not remove the old plugin” error. It can feel like you’re stuck. But don’t worry; you can solve this. We;ll go through tried-and-tested solutions together. 

1. Enable debugging

Dealing with errors like “update failed: could not remove the old plugin” can be tricky, but server error logs can really help. These WordPress logs give you detailed info about what’s going wrong, whether it’s file permissions or server settings. Learning to access and read these logs can help you find the exact problem.

1. For starters, connect to your server using an FTP client, like FileZilla, or through your hosting provider’s file manager. Ensure you have the necessary FTP credentials or access to the hosting control panel.
2. Once connected, navigate to the root directory of your WordPress installation. Here, you’ll find the wp-config.php file, which contains critical configuration settings for your site.
3. Open the wp-config.php file for editing. Look for the line that reads as follows:

define('WP_DEBUG', false);. 

If it isn’t present, you can add it manually.

4. Change the line to:

define('WP_DEBUG', true); 

This will activate the debugging mode, which will log all PHP errors and warnings.

5. Save the changes to wp-config.php and re-upload it to your server if you’re using an FTP client.
6. Perform the plugin update again to trigger the error, which will be logged into the debug.log file for detailed analysis.
7. Return to the wp-content directory on your server using your FTP or file manager. Open or download the debug.log file to examine entries related to the error. Pay special attention to messages indicating file permissions or server configuration issues.
8. Once you’ve resolved the issue, remember to disable debugging. For this, set it to:

define('WP_DEBUG', false); 

2. File and folder permissions

Errors like “update failed: could not remove the old plugin” often boil down to file permissions. At first glance, file permissions might seem like a minor detail, but they play a big role in how your WordPress site operates.

Setting the correct permissions ensures that WordPress can update or delete files without a hitch. In this section, we’ll look at how adjusting file permissions can solve this error.

1. Open the Cyberduck application on your computer. Make sure you have your FTP credentials ready, as you’ll need them to connect to your WordPress hosting server. Click on “Open Connection” in Cyberduck. Enter your FTP credentials—Host, Username, Password, and Port (usually 21 for FTP connections). Click “Connect” to access your server files.
2. Once connected, navigate through your WordPress installation to locate the wp-content/plugins directory. This is where all your plugin files are stored.
3. Right-click on the plugins folder and select “Info” to open the Info panel. In the Permissions section, ensure that the folder permission is set to 755. If it’s not, click on the permission setting and enter 755. Don’t forget to apply changes recursively to subfolders if prompted.

3. Plugin conflicts

WordPress plugin conflicts are often the hidden culprits behind errors like “update failed: could not remove the old plugin.” With many plugins being used, it’s easy for them to bump heads, causing unexpected issues. Understanding these conflicts is key to resolving errors and maintaining harmony on your site.

One effective way to tackle this issue is by deactivating all your plugins. This step can help identify if a specific plugin is causing the error. By reactivating each plugin one at a time, you can pinpoint the troublemaker and take action to avoid future conflicts.

4. Check disk space

Insufficient disk space might not be the first thing you think of with plugin errors.But it can often be the cause of common errors like this one or WordPress database disk is full. When your hosting account runs low on space, WordPress can struggle with updates, leading to errors like “update failed: could not remove the old plugin.” 

To start checking your disk space, log into your hosting account and access the control panel. Most hosting providers offer a user-friendly dashboard where you can easily monitor account details, including disk space usage. Once inside, look for a section labeled “Disk Usage” or “Resource Usage.” This area will show how much space is used and what remains. Evaluate what you see; if your usage is nearing or has exceeded the limit, it might cause plugin update failures.

If disk space is high, here are some things you can do:

• Delete any unnecessary files, backups, or unused themes and plugins.
• Consider compressing or removing unused images and media files 
• Move large files or backups to cloud storage solutions
• If you’re persistently running into disk space limitations, upgrading your hosting plan could be a more sustainable solution. 

5. Manually update the plugin

Sometimes, when automatic updates hit a snag, manually updating the plugin is your best bet. This method provides you with more control and can bypass errors like “update failed: could not remove the old plugin.” By taking matters into your own hands, you ensure that the update process is completed smoothly, without interference from lingering issues. Let’s go through how you can manually update your WordPress plugin and keep things running without a hitch.

1. Start by visiting the WordPress Plugin Repository, or the plugin’s official website, to download the latest version of the plugin you wish to update. Ensure you save the file on your computer in a location where you can easily find it.
2. If the plugin comes in a compressed ZIP format, extract the files onto your computer. This will be the folder that you will upload to your WordPress installation.
3. Launch your FTP client and connect to your website using your FTP credentials. Navigate to the wp-content/plugins directory where your existing plugins are stored.
4. Before making any changes, it’s a good idea to back up the existing plugin folder. You can do this by downloading it to your local machine or renaming the folder online (e.g., adding “_old” to the folder name).
5. Once backed up, delete the current plugin folder from the plugins directory. With the deletion complete, upload the new, extracted plugin folder into the same location using your FTP client or file manager.
6. Check the plugin’s features and monitor for any abnormalities. This step is crucial to confirm that the manual update achieved the desired results without introducing any new issues.

6. Review Server Configurations:

Server configuration can be a key factor in resolving the “update failed: could not remove the old plugin” error. Sometimes, it’s not your files or plugins causing trouble but rather how your server is set up. Certain settings or restrictions can block updates, leaving you puzzled. Tweaking these configurations can pave the way for successful updates and a smoother WordPress experience. Let’s explore how adjusting your server settings can fix these errors and get your site back on track.

1. Access your WordPress admin panel to get started. You’ll be using this interface to reset the .htaccess file, so ensure you have administrative privileges.
2. On the left-hand menu, find “Settings” and hover over it to reveal a drop-down menu. Click on Permalinks to access the permalink settings page.
3. Before making any changes, make note of your current permalink structure. This ensures that you can revert to the same structure after resetting the .htaccess file.
4. You don’t need to change any settings on this page to reset the .htaccess file. Simply scroll to the bottom and click the Save Changes button. This action prompts WordPress to regenerate the .htaccess file automatically.
5. After saving, WordPress will have rewritten the .htaccess file with default settings tailored for your current permalink structure. This can often resolve issues related to server restrictions and correct any misconfigurations.
6. With the .htaccess file reset, attempt to update your plugins again. This step helps to verify if resetting the .htaccess file resolved the “update failed” error.

Preventing “Update failed: Could not remove the old plugin” error

Errors like “update failed: could not remove the old plugin” can be really frustrating to fix. That’s why it’s even more important to prevent them in the first place. By taking simple steps now, you can avoid headaches and keep your site working smoothly. In this section, we’ll learn easy ways to stop these errors before they happen, making sure your plugins update without any trouble.

• Set directories to 755 and files to 644 to avoid update issues.
• Regularly check your server space to prevent update interruptions.
• Keep WordPress, themes, and plugins updated to avoid errors.
• Backups let you restore your site quickly if errors occur.
• Test new plugins in a staging site to catch conflicts early.
• Choose a reliable host for fewer update problems.
• Use tools to spot and fix issues before they grow.

Final thoughts

Facing the “update failed: could not remove the old plugin” error can be frustrating, but it’s fixable with the right approach. Though changes to core files and configurations might seem daunting, patience and guidance can restore your site. Regular backups are crucial; they ensure you can quickly recover from errors. By using good backup plugins, you reduce these errors and limit their impact.

FAQs

How do I fix the issue when a plugin update fails in WordPress?

To resolve a failed plugin update in WordPress, begin by checking your file permissions. These settings need to be correct to allow WordPress to modify and delete old files during updates. Directories should typically have permissions set to 755, and files should be set to 644. Next, ensure there is enough disk space available on your server, as insufficient space can halt operations, including updates. Also, look for any plugin conflicts, which occur when different plugins interfere with each other. Deactivating other plugins temporarily may help you identify and fix such issues. If the usual methods don’t work, consider manually updating the plugin by downloading the new version from the plugin repository and uploading it via FTP, which gives you greater control over the update process.

Why am I unable to delete a plugin in WordPress?

When you cannot delete a plugin in WordPress, it’s often a permission issue or server configuration problem. File permissions on your server determine who can read, write, or execute files and directories. If these permissions restrict deletion, you won’t be able to remove plugins. Make sure directories are set to permissions of 755 and files to 644, allowing WordPress the necessary access. Additionally, your server configuration might be blocking such actions. Check your .htaccess file or server settings if there are restrictions. Addressing these issues should enable plugin deletion.

What steps can I take to fix the “WordPress updating failed publishing failed” error?

When faced with the “WordPress updating failed publishing failed” error, several avenues exist for troubleshooting. First, ensure your internet connection is stable; an unstable network can cause publishing errors. You should also consider increasing your PHP memory limit through your hosting control panel or by adding a line to your wp-config.php file, which can preempt issues if the current memory is insufficient. The REST API is another key component, so opt to check its access, ensuring no server settings or plugins are blocking the API calls that WordPress relies on for publishing processes. These measures should help you overcome publishing failures.

How can I resolve an issue where an automated WordPress update fails to complete?

If an automated WordPress update fails, it often leaves your site in a state of limbo. Start by accessing your site via FTP and check for the presence of a .maintenance file in the root directory. This file indicates an ongoing update and can keep your site stuck if not removed. Deleting this file usually restores site access. Next, verify whether any additional updates need manual attention by checking core files and update logs. If all else fails, backups are invaluable here, allowing you to revert your site to a pre-update state and try updating again with a clean slate.

What actions should I take if my WordPress site remains in maintenance mode following an update?

When your WordPress site gets stuck in maintenance mode after an update, the first step is to log in to your hosting account and access the site files via FTP or the file manager. Look for the .maintenance file in the root directory of your WordPress installation; deleting this file should exit maintenance mode, restoring functionality. If the site remains stuck, clear your cache both server-side and browser-side, as cached versions can sometimes worsen the problem. Finally, check for any hanging updates and ensure they have been applied completely. Taking these steps will typically restore your site to normal.