When WordPress finishes an automatic update, it sometimes displays a full‑screen notice saying “Database Update Required.” If you’ve never seen it before, it can be alarming. I encountered it right after the December 4, 2025 auto‑update on a normal WordPress installation. The good news: it’s usually harmless and expected behavior.
Why this screen appears
During core updates, WordPress occasionally needs to adjust internal database structures to match the new version. When this happens, the system pauses and prompts the user to run a quick database update. This is a built‑in mechanism, not an error.
When you should be cautious
Most of the time it’s safe, but be extra careful if:
- You changed DB credentials recently
- A major plugin update just occurred
- Your hosting provider upgraded MySQL
- You haven’t taken backups for a long time
What happened in this case
I clicked the button, the update finished in a few seconds, and everything worked normally afterward. No plugin issues, no theme problems.
What to do if you see it
- Don’t panic or close the page abruptly
- Check your hosting panel for server errors
- Review recent plugin updates
- Click the update button if nothing seems unusual
- Take a backup afterward for peace of mind
Reference URLs
- WordPress Codex: Updating WordPress — https://wordpress.org/support/article/updating-wordpress/
- WordPress Troubleshooting: Common Update Issues — https://wordpress.org/support/article/faq-troubleshooting/
- Auto Updates Explained — https://wordpress.org/support/article/configuring-automatic-background-updates/
