---
label: 'Enabling and disabling maintenance mode'
related:
  - core.maintenance
  - system.cache
---
{% set maintenance_url = render_var(url('system.site_maintenance_mode')) %}
{% set cache_help = render_var(url('help.help_topic', {'id': 'system.cache'})) %}
<h2>{% trans %}Goal{% endtrans %}</h2>
<p>{% trans %}Put your site in maintenance mode to perform maintenance operations, and then return to normal mode when finished.{% endtrans %}</p>
<h2>{% trans %}What is maintenance mode?{% endtrans %}</h2>
<p>{% trans %}When your site is in maintenance mode, most site visitors will see a simple maintenance mode message page, rather than being able to use the full functionality of the site. Users with <em>Use the site in maintenance mode</em> permission who are already logged in will be able to use the full site, and the log in page at <em>/user</em> will also be accessible to anyone.{% endtrans %}</p>
<h2>{% trans %}Steps{% endtrans %}</h2>
<ol>
  <li>{% trans %}In the <em>Manage</em> administrative menu, navigate to <em>Configuration</em> &gt; <em>Development</em> &gt; <a href="{{ maintenance_url }}"><em>Maintenance mode</em></a>.{% endtrans %}</li>
  <li>{% trans %}Check <em>Put site into maintenance mode</em>, optionally change the <em>Message to display when in maintenance mode</em>, and click <em>Save configuration</em>. Your site will be in maintenance mode.{% endtrans %}</li>
  <li>{% trans %}Perform your maintenance operations.{% endtrans %}</li>
  <li>{% trans %}In the <em>Manage</em> administrative menu, navigate to <em>Configuration</em> &gt; <em>Development</em> &gt; <em><a href="{{ maintenance_url }}">Maintenance mode</a></em>.{% endtrans %}</li>
  <li>{% trans %}Uncheck <em>Put site into maintenance mode</em> and click <em>Save configuration</em>. Your site will be back in normal operation mode.{% endtrans %}</li>
  <li>{% trans %}Clear the site cache. See <a href="{{ cache_help }}">Clearing the site cache</a> for instructions.{% endtrans %}</li>
</ol>
