WordPress: Download failed. A valid URL was not provided / cURL error 60 / Could not resolve host: downloads.wordpress.org
WordPress couldn’t download an update package — outbound HTTP blocked, DNS failure, SSL CA issues, or a premium plugin license URL problem.
Download failed.A valid URL was not providedDownload failed. cURL error 60Download failed. cURL error 28 Meaning
Updates fetch from downloads.wordpress.org or vendor URLs via cURL. Firewalls blocking outbound traffic, outdated CA bundles (cURL error 60), DNS issues, or expired licenses for premium plugins cause it.
Common causes
- Server blocks outbound HTTPS
- DNS cannot resolve downloads.wordpress.org
- Outdated CA certificates (cURL error 60)
- Premium plugin license/URL invalid
- WP_HTTP_BLOCK_EXTERNAL defined
⚡ Quick fix
- Test from the server: curl -I https://downloads.wordpress.org
- Update CA certificates
- Check license status for premium plugins; WP_ACCESSIBLE_HOSTS if blocking externals
Detailed fix by platform
Linux
- bash
curl -sI https://downloads.wordpress.org | head -1 sudo apt install --reinstall ca-certificates
How to diagnose
- Network — Outbound allowed?
- Error — cURL code
- Config — WP_HTTP_BLOCK_EXTERNAL
🔧 Still not fixed?
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Other ways to find it
Where this error sits
Origin: Application & API. Errors that are often confused with or caused by this one (click to open):
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Last updated 12 Oct 2026