How to fix Updating failed The response is not a valid JSON response in wordpress.

Key Takeaway

Your .htaccess file might have conflicting rules that cause the “Updating failed: The response is not a valid JSON” error.

Here’s how to fix it:

1. Connect to your site via FTP or File Manager.
2. Backup the current .htaccess file before making changes.
3. Replace its content with the default WordPress configuration: perlCopyEdit# 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
4. Save and upload the modified file.
5. Check if the error is resolved.

If you’ve encountered the dreaded “Updating failed: The response is not a valid JSON” error in WordPress, don’t worry you’re not alone. This error can be super frustrating, especially when you’re just trying to update a page or post. Luckily, fixing it isn’t as complicated as it seems. In this post, we’ll dive into what causes the error and give you simple solutions to fix it.

What Does “Updating failed: The response is not a valid JSON” Mean?

This error typically pops up when WordPress tries to communicate with your server, but the response it gets back isn’t in the correct JSON format. JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) is used to transfer data between your WordPress site and the server. If the server sends back something unexpected, WordPress gets confused hence the error.

Common Causes of the JSON Error

Before jumping to fixes, it’s helpful to know why this error happens. Here are some common reasons:

1. Permalink Issues: Broken permalinks or custom structures might be messing things up.
2. SSL Settings: Mixed content (HTTP vs. HTTPS) can lead to communication issues.
3. Plugins or Themes Conflicts: Outdated or poorly coded plugins/themes may interfere.
4. REST API Disabled: WordPress relies on REST API for JSON responses. If disabled, it breaks updates.
5. Server Configuration: Misconfigured .htaccess or hosting settings could be the culprit.

How to Fix “Updating failed: The response is not a valid JSON”

Let’s walk through some easy fixes!

1. Check Your Permalink Structure

One of the most common fixes is simply resetting your permalinks.

• Go to Settings → Permalinks in your WordPress dashboard.
• Without making any changes, click Save Changes to refresh the permalink structure.
• Try updating your post again to see if the error is gone.

2. Disable Plugins Temporarily

A conflicting plugin might be causing the issue.

• Deactivate all plugins and check if the error disappears.
• If it does, reactivate them one by one to identify the troublemaker.
• Update or replace the problematic plugin if needed.

3. Switch to a Default Theme

Sometimes, the theme itself could be the problem.

• Switch to a default theme like Twenty Twenty-Three.
• Check if the issue persists.
• If fixed, consider updating or replacing your current theme.

4. Fix Mixed Content Issues (HTTP/HTTPS)

If you recently moved to HTTPS, some content might still be loaded over HTTP.

• Use a plugin like Really Simple SSL to force HTTPS.
• Clear your browser cache and check your site again.

5. Check REST API Status

Your WordPress site relies on the REST API to function correctly.

• Go to Tools → Site Health → Status and look for REST API errors.
• If the REST API is disabled or showing errors, investigate the root cause, which could be a security plugin or server issue.

6. Modify .htaccess File

Your .htaccess file might have conflicting rules.

• Connect to your site via FTP or File Manager.
• Backup the current .htaccess file.
• Replace its content with the default WordPress .htaccess configuration: perlCopyEdit# 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
• Save and upload the file. Check your site for any changes.

Wrapping Up

The “Updating failed: The response is not a valid JSON” error can feel daunting, but with a few troubleshooting steps, you can fix it without breaking a sweat. Whether it’s permalinks, plugins, themes, or SSL settings, the solutions above will help you get back to creating content without the hassle.

If you’re still stuck, consider reaching out to your hosting provider or a professional developer to take a deeper look.

Got any questions or more tips on fixing this error? Drop them in the comments below! Happy blogging