Fix ‘the automatic_updater_disabled Filter is Enabled’ in Hostinger WordPress

When managing a WordPress website, maintaining an up-to-date environment is paramount for security, functionality, and performance. If you’re using Hostinger as your hosting provider, you might encounter a warning regarding the “the automatic_updater_disabled filter is enabled” message. This message typically indicates that automatic updates for your WordPress site have been disabled, leaving your site vulnerable to potential security risks. In this guide, we’ll examine the root cause of this issue and provide step-by-step instructions to resolve it efficiently and securely.

What Does the “Automatic Updater Disabled” Warning Mean?

This warning signifies that the automatic_updater_disabled filter in WordPress has been activated, preventing WordPress from applying automatic updates such as updates for core files, themes, and plugins. While some developers disable these updates intentionally to avoid compatibility issues, leaving automatic updates off can compromise site security over time.

In most cases, this filter is enabled via your theme’s functions.php file, a plugin, or through configuration files like wp-config.php. If you are hosting your WordPress website on Hostinger and encounter this issue, follow the actionable troubleshooting steps below to resolve it.

Why Is Fixing This Important?

Ensuring that WordPress, themes, and plugins are updated automatically is a critical part of maintaining a secure and stable website. Here’s why:

• Improved Security: Updates often include patches for vulnerabilities, protecting your site from malware and hackers.
• Better Performance: Updates can enhance speed and reduce bugs, improving user experience.
• Access to New Features: Automatic updates keep your website up-to-date with the latest functionality introduced by WordPress developers.

Now, let’s dive into resolving this issue.

Steps to Fix ‘the automatic_updater_disabled Filter is Enabled’ on Hostinger

Follow the steps below to re-enable automatic updates on your WordPress installation:

1. Check the wp-config.php File

The wp-config.php file is one of the most common culprits for disabling automatic updates. Here’s how to resolve it:

1. Log in to your Hostinger control panel and access the File Manager.
2. Navigate to the root directory of your WordPress installation (usually public_html).
3. Open the wp-config.php file and look for the following line:

   define('AUTOMATIC_UPDATER_DISABLED', true);

4. If you find it, change the value from true to false or delete the line entirely.
5. Save the changes and refresh your site to see if the warning disappears.

2. Inspect the functions.php File

Theme-level customizations can sometimes block automatic updates. To check the functions.php file:

1. From your Hostinger File Manager, navigate to public_html/wp-content/themes/your-active-theme/.
2. Open the functions.php file and look for any lines containing:

   add_filter('automatic_updater_disabled', '__return_true');

3. Remove or comment out this line by adding // before it.
4. Save the file and reload your site.

These changes will restore automatic update functionality unless a plugin or other configuration is still blocking it.

3. Review Plugins

Certain WordPress plugins may also add the automatic_updater_disabled filter. To test for this:

1. Log in to your WordPress admin panel.
2. Navigate to Plugins > Installed Plugins.
3. Temporarily deactivate all plugins and check if the issue persists.
4. If deactivating plugins resolves the warning, reactivate them one by one to identify the plugin causing the problem.
5. Adjust the conflicting plugin’s settings, or contact the plugin developer for support.

4. Verify Hostinger-Specific Settings

Hostinger may apply configuration settings that disable automatic updates. If the above steps don’t resolve the issue:

1. Contact Hostinger support by opening a live chat or submitting a support request through their dashboard.
2. Provide them with details about the warning and ask them to check if their server or environment settings are responsible for the issue.

5. Reenable Automatic Updates Manually

If none of the above methods work, you can force-enable automatic updates using the following code:

add_filter('automatic_updater_disabled', '__return_false');
add_filter('auto_update_plugin', '__return_true');
add_filter('auto_update_theme', '__return_true');

Add this code to your functions.php file and save the changes.

Preventing This Issue in the Future

To avoid encountering the automatic_updater_disabled filter issue in the future:

• Regularly update and audit your WordPress files, plugins, and themes.
• Use trustworthy plugins and themes from reputable developers.
• Monitor your wp-config.php and functions.php files for unnecessary modifications.

Conclusion

Addressing the “the automatic_updater_disabled filter is enabled” warning in Hostinger-hosted WordPress sites is critical for maintaining site security and functionality. By carefully inspecting and correcting your configuration files, plugins, and settings, you can re-enable automatic updates and safeguard your website from vulnerabilities and outdated technologies.

If you’re unsure about any step, don’t hesitate to reach out to Hostinger support or consult a WordPress expert to guide you through the process. Remember, staying proactive is the key to running a secure and successful WordPress website.