If a WordPress auto-upgrade fails, it can be frustrating, but there are steps you can take to resolve the issue. Here's what you can do:

1. Backup Your Website:

   • Before attempting any updates, it's crucial to back up your entire WordPress website, including the database and files. This ensures that you have a safe copy to revert to in case anything goes wrong.

2. Check Server Requirements:

   • Ensure that your hosting environment meets the requirements for the latest version of WordPress. This includes the PHP version, MySQL or MariaDB version, and other server configurations.

3. Disable Plugins:

   • Sometimes, conflicts between plugins can cause upgrade failures. To rule out this possibility, deactivate all your plugins before attempting the upgrade. After the upgrade is successful, reactivate them one by one to identify any problematic plugins.

4. Switch to a Default Theme:

   • If a theme is causing the upgrade failure, switch to a default WordPress theme (like Twenty Twenty-One) before attempting the upgrade. This helps identify if the issue is related to your current theme.

5. Clear Cache:

   • Cached files might interfere with the upgrade process. Clear any caching plugins you have installed or any server-level caching systems.

6. Manually Update:

   • If the auto-upgrade continues to fail, consider manually updating WordPress. Download the latest version from the official WordPress website and upload the files via FTP, overwriting the existing files.

7. Check File Permissions:

   • Ensure that file permissions on your server are correctly set. Incorrect permissions can sometimes prevent updates from being applied.

8. Look for Error Messages:

   • Check the error messages you receive during the upgrade process. They can provide clues about what went wrong. Common error messages include "Permission Denied" or specific PHP error messages.

9. Review Server Logs:

   • Access your server's error logs to see if there are any PHP or server-level errors that occurred during the upgrade process.

10. Contact Hosting Support:

    • If none of the above steps work, reach out to your hosting provider's support team. They might be able to assist you in diagnosing and fixing the issue.

11. WordPress Support Forums:

    • You can also post your issue on the WordPress support forums. The community might have encountered similar problems and could provide guidance.

12. Consider a Professional Developer:

    • If all else fails, consider hiring a professional WordPress developer who can investigate and resolve the issue.

Remember to keep your backups up to date and test updates in a staging environment before applying them to your live site. This way, you can identify and address any issues before they affect your live website.