How to Fix Elementor Publish and Update Button Not Working

One of the most widely used WordPress page builders nowadays is Elementor. It allows users to design websites easily with a drag-and-drop interface. However, many users face frustrating issues when trying to save or publish changes.

Have you ever clicked the Elementor update button, and nothing happened? Or perhaps you attempted to publish a page but were unable. You might be surprised to learn how widespread these issues are.

Some users report that:

• The update button is not working
• The publish button does nothing
• Elementor is not saving changes
• Modifications are visible in the editor but not on the live website.

Don’t worry if you’re having these problems. You’re not by yourself. Many WordPress users deal with similar Elementor errors. These problems often occur due to small conflicts or settings in your website.

We shall examine every potential cause in this guide. More significantly, we’ll guide you through each stage of the solutions. To follow them, you don’t have to be an expert in technology.

Elementor makes page building easy, but errors can appear suddenly. The first step in resolving the problem is identifying it precisely. Let’s explore the most common symptoms users face with the Elementor publish or update button not working.

1. Update Button Is Not Working

You click the “Update” button after editing a page, but nothing happens. The button may look active, but it does not respond. In some cases, the update icon keeps spinning endlessly.

This issue can stop you from saving even small changes. It often leads users to think they’ve lost their work.

Common signs:

• Clicking “Update” does nothing
• Changes are not saved
• Page remains stuck on loading

2. Publish Button Does Not Work

You finish your design and try to publish the page. However, Elementor won’t respond. The publish button stays greyed out or shows no action.

Even on a fresh page, this can occur. The page will not be able to go online.

You may see:

• No response after clicking “Publish”
• Page remains in draft
• No errors, just silence

3. Changes Not Showing on Website

This issue often leaves users puzzled and unsure what went wrong. You make changes in Elementor, click “Update,” and it saves. But when you view your site, the changes are missing.

In the editor, everything looks fine. But the live site shows the old version.

Possible causes:

• Caching issues
• CSS not loading correctly
• Browser not refreshing the new content

4. Elementor Editor Not Publishing

Sometimes Elementor loads fine, and you can edit everything. But when you try to save or publish, the editor doesn’t respond.

Server issues or plugin conflicts may be the cause of this. Elementor fails to publish in a silent manner even though you might not see an error message.

5. Elementor Stuck While Updating

You click “Update,” and Elementor gets stuck loading. The spinning icon keeps rotating. This prevents updates from saving and leads to frustration.

If Elementor’s update or publish button is not working, there’s always a reason. These issues often happen due to simple conflicts or settings. Let’s explore the most common causes that may be stopping Elementor from saving your work or updating your pages.

1. Plugin Conflicts

One of the biggest causes is a plugin conflict. Elementor works with many plugins, but some may not play well together.

If a plugin blocks scripts or styles, Elementor may stop working. Security plugins, cache plugins, or optimization tools can cause these problems.

You may notice:

• Buttons stop responding
• Layouts break in the editor
• Changes don’t save or publish

Even a recent plugin update can trigger a conflict.

2. Theme Compatibility Issues

Not every WordPress theme works flawlessly with Elementor. A poorly coded theme may interfere with Elementor’s editor or publishing tools.

This can result in:

• Update button not working
• Page not showing changes
• Layouts breaking on save

Some older themes are not designed for page builders. That’s why theme issues are often a hidden cause.

3. Outdated Elementor or WordPress Version

Features may be broken if you use an outdated version of WordPress or Elementor.Newer updates often fix bugs or add support for changes in WordPress.

If your site runs outdated software, you may face:

• “Update failed” errors
• Publishing not working
• Elements not displaying correctly

Keeping everything updated is key to avoiding many issues.

4. Low PHP Memory or Server Limits

Your web hosting setup plays a big role in Elementor’s performance. If your site has low PHP memory or execution time, Elementor might struggle.

This can cause:

• Editor freezing during updates
• Elementor stuck on loading
• Publish actions not completing

Shared hosting often has tight limits that need adjustment.

5. Browser or Cache Problems

Sometimes, the issue is in your own browser. Cached pages, outdated JavaScript, or extensions can block Elementor’s functions.

You may click “Update” and see no result. But in reality, your browser is preventing Elementor from running properly.

Now that you know the common causes, it’s time to fix the problem. The good news? If you follow the correct procedures, most Elementor problems are simple to resolve. The best ways to restore functionality to your update and publish buttons are listed below.

1. Clear All Cache (Browser + Plugin Cache)

Sometimes Elementor saves your changes, but they don’t show live. This is often caused by caching. Both your browser and WordPress plugins may store old versions of the page.

To fix this:

• Clear your browser cache
• Refresh the page using Ctrl + F5 (or Cmd + R on Mac)
• Clear the cache of any caching plugins you use, such as W3 Total Cache or WP Super Cache.
• Clear your server-side cache if your host offers one (e.g., SiteGround, Bluehost)

Why this works:
 It forces your browser and website to load the newest version.

2. Check for Plugin Conflicts

Plugins can sometimes interfere with Elementor’s features. Security or optimization plugins may block scripts or features needed by Elementor.

Here’s what to do:

• Go to your Plugins page in WordPress
• Other than Elementor and Elementor Pro, deactivate every plugin.
• Try making changes to a page.
• Reactivate each plugin individually if the issue has been resolved.
• Examine each activation to determine which one is the source of the issue.

Common problem plugins:

• Caching plugins (W3 Total Cache, LiteSpeed)
• Security plugins (Wordfence, iThemes Security)
• Optimization plugins (Autoptimize, Asset CleanUp)

3. Update Elementor, WordPress, and Your Theme

Outdated software is a common reason for publishing errors. Elementor often releases updates that fix bugs or improve performance.

Follow these steps:

• Go to Dashboard > Updates in WordPress
• Update Elementor and Elementor Pro
• Make sure WordPress Core is updated
• Update your theme to the most recent version as well.

Tip: Always backup your site before updating.

Why this helps:
 It ensures everything works with the latest WordPress functions and fixes known bugs.

4. Temporarily Switch to a Default Theme

Some themes may not support all Elementor features. Try using a simpler theme to see if your theme is the problem.

Steps to follow:

• Go to Appearance > Themes
• Turn on a default WordPress theme, such as Twenty-One.
• Try editing and publishing a page again
• If the issue disappears, your original theme may be the cause

If this resolves the problem, think about moving to a theme that complements Elementor.

5. Increase PHP Memory Limit and Max Execution Time

Elementor is powerful but can be resource-heavy. If your server has low memory or execution time, it can cause update problems.

To raise limits, follow these steps:

1. Use cPanel or FTP to open your wp-config.php file.
2. Add the following lines before the line that says /* That’s all, stop editing! */:

define(‘WP_MEMORY_LIMIT’, ‘256M’);

set_time_limit(300);

3. Save the file and reload your site

Ask your hosting support to raise it for you if you don’t feel comfortable doing this.

Why this works:
 More memory means Elementor has the resources it needs to save and update pages.

6. Try Using a Different Browser or Incognito Mode

Sometimes, browser extensions or old cached data block Elementor functions. Testing in another browser can help.

Steps to try:

• Use Ctrl+Shift+N to access your website in incognito mode.
• Or switch to another browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, etc.).
• Try to update or publish the page again

Also, try disabling browser extensions that block scripts, like ad blockers.

Why this helps:
 It removes any browser-level interference from cookies or extensions.

7. Check for JavaScript Errors in Browser Console

Advanced but helpful if other steps fail. JavaScript errors can break Elementor’s functions.

Here’s how to check:

• Open a page in Elementor
• Anywhere you right-click, choose Inspect.
• Go to the Console tab
• Keep an eye out for red error notices.

Errors may indicate that a certain plugin or script is the source of the problem.

You can copy the error and search online or ask your developer.

8. Enable Safe Mode in Elementor

Elementor’s Safe Mode lets you troubleshoot without affecting site visitors. It turns off third-party plugins and themes just for you.

Steps:

• Open a page with Elementor
• In the upper left corner, click the hamburger icon.
• Go to System Info > Safe Mode
• Enable Safe Mode and test the update or publish function

If it works, the issue is likely a plugin or theme conflict.

Why this works:
 It gives you a clean test environment without disabling your live site.

9. Regenerate CSS and Sync Elementor Library

Sometimes style changes don’t appear on the live site. This can happen due to broken CSS files or a syncing issue.

Fix it this way:

• Go to Elementor > Tools in your WordPress dashboard
• Click Regenerate Files & Data
• Then click Sync Library

Now try again after reloading your website.

10. Disable Rocket Loader (If Using Cloudflare)

Cloudflare’s Rocket Loader can conflict with Elementor scripts. If you use Cloudflare, try disabling it.

Steps:

• Open your Cloudflare dashboard and log in.
• Go to Speed > Optimization
• Turn off the Rocket Loader by scrolling down to it.

Then clear Cloudflare cache and test Elementor again.

These solutions fix 95% of Elementor publish or update issues. Try them one by one until your editor works correctly again.

Once you’ve fixed your Elementor problems, it’s smart to stop them from returning. You can maintain the functionality of your website with a few easy behaviors. Here are the best ways to avoid publish or update issues with Elementor.

1. Keep Everything Updated

Outdated plugins and themes often cause issues in Elementor. Updates include bug fixes and improve compatibility.

Make sure to:

• Elementor and Elementor Pro should be updated frequently.
• Update your version of WordPress.
• Use the most recent version of your theme at all times.

Remember to check for updates once a week.

2. Use Compatible Themes and Plugins

Not all themes or plugins are compatible with Elementor. Choose tools that are built to support it.

Look for:

• Themes marked as “Elementor compatible”
• Plugins tested with your WordPress version

Avoid using too many plugins. Fewer tools mean fewer chances for conflict.

3. Clear Cache After Major Edits

Caching is useful but can cause confusion. After big design changes, always clear your cache.

This includes:

• Browser cache
• WordPress caching plugins
• Hosting-level cache (if available)

It guarantees that the most recent version of your website is viewed by your visitors.

4. Use a Staging Site for Testing

Test large modifications on a staging site before implementing them. This keeps your live site safe.

Many hosting providers offer a one-click staging tool. Use it to test plugins, themes, or custom code.

5. Back Up Your Site Regularly

Backups give you peace of mind. You can instantly restore your site if something goes wrong.

Make use of your hosting backup feature or plugins like UpdraftPlus.

Elementor errors can interrupt your workflow without warning. Sometimes the update or publish button just won’t respond. Other times, your changes vanish without any clear reason. These issues can be stressful—especially when working on a live site.

They often show up due to small conflicts, outdated settings, or caching problems. Luckily, most of them can be fixed with a few simple steps.

We’re here to help if you’re still having problems or need professional assistance. At 24x7WPSupport.com, our WordPress specialists can solve Elementor problems fast. Whether it’s fixing update failures or restoring lost changes, we’re just a click away.