If your WordPress website is suddenly stuck in Recovery Mode, don’t panic — this is a common issue, and thankfully, completely fixable. Recovery Mode is actually a lifesaving feature introduced by WordPress to prevent your site from breaking due to plugin or theme errors.
But sometimes, instead of helping, it becomes a problem itself:
You can’t exit recovery mode
The site keeps auto-loading recovery mode
You get repeated email links
Errors return even after disabling plugins
This guide from WPThrill.com will walk you through every working method to fix a WordPress site stuck in Recovery Mode — even if you can’t access wp-admin.
This is a detailed, 2500+ word guide written for beginners and professionals — so you can fix the issue confidently and keep your site running smoothly.
What Is WordPress Recovery Mode?
Recovery Mode is a feature that activates when WordPress detects a fatal error. Instead of showing the white screen of death (WSOD), it lets you enter a safe admin area with this message:
“WordPress has detected a technical issue on your site and has paused any plugins/themes that were causing the problem.”
Recovery Mode gives you a special login URL (sent to admin email) so you can fix the issue.
But there are times when:
– You fix the plugin, but still can’t exit recovery mode
– The site keeps going back into recovery mode
– The recovery mode link expires
– Auto email loop keeps happening
That’s when you need advanced fixes.
Why Does WordPress Get Stuck in Recovery Mode?
Here are the most common triggers:
1. Plugin Update Failure
This accounts for 70%+ cases.
A plugin update may fail due to:
– Corrupted files
– PHP incompatibility
– Outdated plugin code
– Missing dependencies
2. Theme Causing Fatal Errors
A theme update or custom modification can cause fatal errors — especially functions missing or syntax errors.
3. PHP Version Conflict
Example:
– Your plugin requires PHP 8.1
– Your hosting is on PHP 7.4
Boom → Recovery mode loop.
4. Corrupted .htaccess File
This can cause admin and front-end to break.
5. Auto-Core Update Errors
If WordPress updated automatically and failed mid-way, recovery mode often gets stuck.
How to Fix WordPress Stuck in Recovery Mode (Proven Solutions)
Below are all working solutions — start from the first.
Solution 1: Delete the Recovery Mode Cookie
When you enter recovery mode, WordPress stores a special cookie in your browser.
If this cookie doesn’t clear, you stay stuck.
How to fix:
-
Open your browser’s Developer Tools
-
Go to → Application tab
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Open the Cookies section
-
Find cookie named:
-
Delete it
-
Reload your site
If the cookie was the issue, recovery mode will disappear instantly.
Solution 2: Disable the Faulty Plugin (Using File Manager / FTP)
Most of the time, a plugin is the reason.
How to fix via File Manager:
-
Login to cPanel → File Manager
-
Open:
-
Rename the folder of the suspected plugin:
From:
To:
-
Refresh your site.
How to identify the faulty plugin?
Check your wp-content/debug.log (enable logging if needed):
Add this in wp-config.php:
Reload site → check:
You will see something like:
Remove or rename that plugin.
Solution 3: Disable the Active Theme
If the error mentions:
Then your theme is broken.
How to fix:
-
Go to:
-
Rename your theme folder:
-
WordPress will auto-switch to Twenty Twenty-Five theme.
If the site loads normally → theme was the issue.
Solution 4: Delete the Error Log Triggering Recovery Mode
WordPress stores technical errors in:
Or:
If errors keep triggering new logs, recovery mode continues.
Delete or rename logs:
Refreshing the site may stop recovery mode from relaunching.
Solution 5: Clear Object Cache / Hosting Cache
Old cache files can keep loading recovery mode.
Clear all caches:
-
WP Rocket → Clear Cache + Preload
-
LiteSpeed Cache → Purge All
-
Cloudflare → Purge Everything
-
Host-level cache → Clear
Then reload your site in Incognito.
Solution 6: Fix PHP Version Mismatch
Many plugins require PHP 8.0 or higher now.
To fix:
-
Login to cPanel
-
Go to Select PHP Version
-
Switch to:
PHP 8.1 (recommended)
or
PHP 8.2 stable
-
Reload the site
If your site works normally → PHP version was the cause.
Solution 7: Regenerate a Fresh .htaccess File
A corrupted .htaccess can trap admin and front-end both.
Step 1 – Delete .htaccess
Location:
Step 2 – Create a new blank .htaccess
Paste this default WordPress code:
Save → refresh the site.
Solution 8: Disable Recovery Mode Completely (Rare Case)
If a plugin or theme keeps forcing recovery mode even after fixing the issue:
Add this to wp-config.php:
This disables recovery mode completely.
⚠ Note: Only use if you fully know what caused the initial error.
Solution 9: Repair the WordPress Core Files
If core files are corrupted:
Steps:
-
Download fresh WordPress zip from wordpress.org
-
Extract
-
Upload only these folders:
DO NOT touch /wp-content/
-
Upload
index.php&wp-settings.php(overwrite)
This repairs core without harming themes/plugins.
Solution 10: Restore Backup (If Nothing Works)
If your hosting provides backups:
-
cPanel JetBackup
-
UpdraftPlus
-
BlogVault
-
ManageWP
-
WP Time Capsule
Restore your site to last working state.
This is the 100% guaranteed fix.
Prevent WordPress from Getting Stuck in Recovery Mode Again
Update Plugins Safely
Never update 10 plugins at once.
Update 1 by 1.
Avoid nulled themes/plugins
They break sites frequently.
Use PHP 8+
Old PHP versions cause fatal errors.
Regular backups
Always backup before major updates.
Use staging environment
Test updates safely.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. How long does WordPress Recovery Mode last?
The recovery link lasts 24 hours. After that, you need another email.
2. How do I exit recovery mode?
Fix the cause → clear cookies → refresh the site.
3. Recovery mode link not working — what to do?
You must delete or disable the faulty plugin/theme manually via File Manager or FTP.
4. What causes repeated recovery mode emails?
A plugin/theme is repeatedly causing fatal errors.
5. Can I disable recovery mode permanently?
Yes, by adding:
But only recommended for developers.
