> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.mainwp.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# MainWP fails to update all items on child sites

> Troubleshoot failed updates caused by server requirements, plugin conflicts, or MainWP settings. Check PHP memory, execution time, cURL timeout, and adjust simultaneous request settings for your setup.

When bulk updates fail to complete on some or all child sites, the cause is typically insufficient server resources, plugin conflicts, or settings that don't match your hosting environment.

## What You'll Learn

* Check if system requirements are met
* Identify plugin conflicts blocking updates
* Adjust MainWP settings for your setup
* Troubleshoot premium plugin and theme update failures

## Prerequisites

* MainWP Dashboard installed and activated
* Admin access to Dashboard and child sites
* Ability to modify PHP settings (or host support)

***

## Check System Requirements

Bulk updates require sufficient time and memory on both your Dashboard and child sites. These values often need increasing from defaults.

### Key Settings to Check

| Setting | Recommended Minimum | Where to Check |
| - | - | - |
| PHP Memory Limit | 256M | MainWP > Info > Server |
| WordPress Memory Limit | 256M | MainWP > Info > Server |
| PHP Max Execution Time | 300 seconds | MainWP > Info > Server |
| cURL Timeout | 300 seconds | MainWP > Info > Server |

### How to Increase These Values

<Steps>
  <Step title="Check current values">
    Go to **MainWP > Info > Server** to see current PHP and WordPress settings.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Update Dashboard settings">
    Contact your Dashboard hosting provider or edit php.ini/wp-config.php to increase limits.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Update child site settings">
    Repeat the same increases on child sites experiencing update failures.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Warning>
  Running MainWP on shared hosting often causes update failures due to strict resource limits. Consider VPS or managed WordPress hosting for better performance. [Read more about hosting considerations](https://managers.mainwp.com/t/why-are-you-still-using-shared-hosting-in-2023/2873).
</Warning>

***

## Check for Plugin Conflicts

Security and caching plugins sometimes interfere with update processes.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Identify problem sites">
    Note which child sites fail to update.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Temporarily disable plugins">
    On a failing child site, temporarily deactivate security and caching plugins.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Test updates">
    Run updates again from your Dashboard.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Identify the conflict">
    If updates succeed, re-enable plugins one at a time to identify which one causes the conflict.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Configure the plugin">
    Adjust the conflicting plugin's settings to allow MainWP operations, or contact the plugin developer for guidance.
  </Step>
</Steps>

### Common Conflicting Plugin Types

* Security plugins (Wordfence, Sucuri, Solid Security)
* Caching plugins (WP Rocket, W3 Total Cache, LiteSpeed Cache)
* Firewall plugins (NinjaFirewall, BulletProof Security)

***

## Adjust MainWP Settings

If system requirements are met and plugins aren't the issue, fine-tune MainWP's request handling.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open Advanced Settings">
    Go to **top-right user menu > MainWP Settings > Advanced Settings** (`/wp-admin/admin.php?page=SettingsAdvanced`).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Reduce simultaneous requests">
    Lower the **Global request limit** value. Try reducing by half.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Reduce simultaneous update requests">
    Lower the **Maximum simultaneous install and update requests** value.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add delays between requests">
    Increase the **Minimum delay between requests in milliseconds** value.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Test and iterate">
    Save settings and test updates. Repeat the process, adjusting values until you find settings that work reliably for your setup.
  </Step>
</Steps>

| Setting | What It Does |
| - | - |
| Global request limit | How many sites MainWP contacts at once during sync |
| Maximum simultaneous install and update requests | How many sites receive updates at once |
| Minimum delay between requests in milliseconds | Pause between batches of requests |

***

<a id="troubleshoot-premium-plugin-failures" />

## Troubleshoot Premium Plugin and Theme Failures

If only premium products fail, try updating the affected item separately and check the vendor's requirements on that child site.

| Issue | Solution |
| - | - |
| License or registration not activated | Activate it on the affected child site |
| License expired | Renew it with the vendor if required for downloads |
| Vendor account or API credentials missing | Reconnect the account or enter the required keys in the product's settings |
| Update server unreachable | Check the vendor's status and whether the child site's host can reach the download server |
| Additional compatibility needed | Check **top-right user menu > MainWP Settings > Premium Updates** (`/wp-admin/admin.php?page=PremiumUpdates`) and add the correct custom identifier if needed |

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/mainwp/5VG99MIaueCXys8l/images/dashboard/premium-updates-overview-dark.svg?fit=max&auto=format&n=5VG99MIaueCXys8l&q=85&s=70d09b62afe43ebab22b8a6afd6aa7c7" alt="Premium Updates licensing notice and custom identifier controls" width="1587" height="364" data-path="images/dashboard/premium-updates-overview-dark.svg" />

MainWP Dashboard 6.2 includes built-in compatibility for many premium products. Adding an identifier helps detection and update requests; it does not activate a license or guarantee that the vendor will deliver the download. Check whether the update works directly in the child site's **Dashboard > Updates**, then sync MainWP again.

See [Premium Updates](/sites/updates/premium-updates), [Premium Plugin Updates Not Detected](/troubleshooting/premium-plugin-updates-not-detected), or [Premium Theme Updates Not Detected](/troubleshooting/premium-theme-updates-not-detected) for the relevant workflow.

***

## Get Support

If you've tried all steps and updates still fail, [open a helpdesk ticket](https://mainwp.com/my-account/get-support/) with:

* Screenshots of Server Information page
* List of plugins on the failing child site
* Description of which updates fail (all, specific plugins, premium only)

***

## Self-Check Checklist

* [ ] Server Information shows adequate PHP memory and execution time
* [ ] Child sites also have adequate resource limits
* [ ] Security and caching plugins temporarily disabled for testing
* [ ] Advanced Settings adjusted for fewer simultaneous requests
* [ ] Premium plugin and theme licenses are active (if applicable)
* [ ] Updates complete successfully after adjustments

***

## Related Resources

* [Resolve System Requirements](/troubleshooting/resolve-system-requirement-issues) - Fix server configuration
* [Change Simultaneous Update Requests](/sites/updates/how-to-change-the-number-of-simultaneous-update-requests) - Detailed settings guide
* [Premium Plugin Updates Not Detected](/troubleshooting/premium-plugin-updates-not-detected) - Premium update issues


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