How to Fix Database Update Required Loop – Clear Cache and Repair Database

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If you’ve ever tried logging into your WordPress dashboard and got stuck on a message saying “Database Update Required” over and over again, you’re not alone.
This frustrating loop can prevent you from accessing your site, updating content, or even performing essential maintenance tasks.
Don’t worry — this issue is fixable! In this detailed guide, we’ll explain why it happens and how to fix the database update required loop using easy, beginner-friendly methods.

What Causes the “Database Update Required” Loop?

This issue usually occurs when WordPress detects a mismatch between the database version and the WordPress core files.
In other words, the system thinks your site’s database needs an update — even though it may already be up-to-date.
Here are the most common causes:

• Corrupted or outdated wp_options table.
• Cache or cookie conflicts (browser or server-side).
• Failed or interrupted WordPress core updates.
• Conflicts caused by plugins or themes.
• Incorrect database credentials in wp-config.php.

Step-by-Step Guide to Fix Database Update Required Loop

1. Clear Your Browser Cache and Cookies

Sometimes, your browser keeps old cache data that forces the site to reload the same “Database Update Required” screen repeatedly.

• Open your browser settings.
• Go to Privacy and Security.
• Clear cache and cookies for your WordPress site.
• Restart your browser and try logging in again.

If the issue persists, it might not be your browser cache — move to the next step.

2. Clear WordPress and Server Cache

Caching plugins like WP Rocket, W3 Total Cache, or LiteSpeed Cache often store outdated database data.
Clear all caches from your WordPress dashboard if you still have access.
If not:

• Access your hosting account or cPanel.
• Open the File Manager or use FTP.
• Delete all files inside the wp-content/cache/ folder.
• Also clear any CDN or server cache if enabled (e.g., Cloudflare).

3. Disable Plugins and Themes Temporarily

A plugin or theme conflict can trigger false database update loops.
To test this, disable all plugins:

• Access your website via FTP or File Manager.
• Navigate to wp-content/.
• Rename the plugins folder to plugins_old.

Refresh your website — if it loads normally, a plugin was causing the issue.
Rename the folder back to plugins and activate plugins one by one to find the culprit.

4. Repair the WordPress Database

WordPress has a built-in database repair feature that can fix corrupted tables causing this loop.

• Open your site’s root folder using FTP or File Manager.
• Edit the wp-config.php file.
• Add this line just before /* That's all, stop editing! */:

  define('WP_ALLOW_REPAIR', true);

• Now visit: https://yourdomain.com/wp-admin/maint/repair.php
• Click on Repair and Optimize Database.

Once the repair is done, remove the above line from wp-config.php for security reasons.

5. Check the wp_options Table

The db_version value inside your database may not match your WordPress core version.
To fix it:

• Go to your hosting panel and open phpMyAdmin.
• Locate your WordPress database and open the wp_options table.
• Search for db_version in the “option_name” column.
• Compare its value with the $wp_db_version in /wp-includes/version.php.
• If they don’t match, update the database version number manually.

6. Reinstall or Update WordPress Core Files

Sometimes incomplete updates lead to a version mismatch.
You can fix this by reinstalling core files:

• Download the latest version of WordPress from WordPress.org.
• Extract the ZIP file on your computer.
• Upload everything except the wp-content folder and wp-config.php file.
• Overwrite the existing files via FTP or File Manager.

This ensures all WordPress core files are clean and up to date.

7. Check File and Folder Permissions

Incorrect permissions may prevent WordPress from saving the updated database version.
Make sure:

• Folders are set to 755 permissions.
• Files are set to 644.

You can adjust permissions via cPanel or FTP client like FileZilla.

8. Contact Your Hosting Provider

If none of the above steps work, the problem might be at the server level.
Reach out to your hosting support team and explain that your site is stuck in a Database Update Required loop.
They can help check server cache, MySQL settings, and user permissions.

Preventing the Issue in the Future

• Always backup your site before updates.
• Keep your WordPress, plugins, and themes updated.
• Use a reliable hosting provider with stable MySQL support.
• Install a monitoring plugin to detect database errors early.
• Regularly optimize your database using tools like WP-Optimize.

Final Thoughts

The “Database Update Required” loop can seem intimidating, but with the right steps — clearing cache, repairing the database, and verifying your settings — it’s usually easy to fix.
Always remember to create backups before editing core files or database entries.

If you’re managing multiple WordPress websites and want peace of mind, consider hiring experts like Next Level Design Agency.
Their professional web developers and maintenance team ensure your site remains secure, fast, and error-free — so you can focus on growing your business, not troubleshooting errors.

Tags: Fix WordPress Error, Database Update Required Loop, Repair WordPress Database, WordPress Troubleshooting, Clear Cache