Have you ever encountered frustrating errors while working on your WordPress site?
The kind that makes you wonder what went wrong and how to perform WordPress troubleshooting?
Well, you’re not alone.
WordPress errors can be a headache, but fear not!
In this guide, I will provide essential tips and quick fixes to troubleshoot those pesky WordPress issues.
Common WordPress Errors and Error Messages
WordPress is a powerful and versatile CSM platform, but just like any other software, it has its fair share of issues.
Understanding common WordPress errors and error messages is essential for effectively troubleshooting and resolving these issues on your website.
404 error (Page not found) is one of the most common errors most of us encounter. This error occurs when a page or resource on your website cannot be found. It can happen due to broken links, incorrect URL structure, or issues with your permalink settings.
By identifying the cause of the 404 error and fixing it, visitors can access their desired content on your site.
Another frequent error is the HTTP error.
This error usually occurs when uploading files to your WordPress media library.
Common culprits include file size restrictions, server configuration issues, or conflicts with plugins or themes.
Troubleshooting the HTTP error involves checking file permissions, resizing images, and disabling conflicting plugins.
Error Messages
Always pay attention to the corresponding error message when encountering WordPress errors.
These messages usually provide valuable information about the specific issue, allowing you to diagnose and resolve the problem.
Page Not Found (404 error)
This is one of the most common errors most of us encounter.
This error occurs when a page or resource on your website cannot be found.
It can happen due to broken links, incorrect URL structure, or issues with your permalink settings.
Internal Server Error (HTTP 500)
This error indicates a problem either with your server configuration or with a specific script on your site.
It may be caused by conflicting plugins or themes, PHP memory limit issues, or corrupted files.
Troubleshooting the internal server error involves checking the error logs, disabling plugins, and restoring corrupted files.
Database Connection Error
This error occurs when WordPress fails to connect to your database.
It can happen due to incorrect database credentials, server issues, or corruption.
Verifying the database credentials, checking server status, and repairing the database can help resolve this error.
White Screen of Death (WSOD)
The white screen of death is an error where your entire website appears blank.
It can be caused by compatibility issues between plugins or themes, memory limit errors, or problems with the WordPress core files.
Troubleshooting the white screen of death involves disabling plugins, switching to a default theme, and checking for syntax errors in the code.
| Error Message | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Internal Server Error (HTTP 500) | Server configuration issues or corrupted files | Check error logs, disable conflicting plugins, restore corrupted files |
| Database Connection Error | Incorrect database credentials or database corruption | Verify database credentials, check server status, repair the database |
| White Screen of Death (WSOD) | Compatibility issues, memory limit errors, or problems with core files | Disable plugins, switch to a default theme, check for syntax errors |
Understanding these common error messages will significantly assist you in troubleshooting and resolving issues on your WordPress site. By accurately diagnosing the problem based on the error message, you can implement the appropriate solutions and ensure a smooth and error-free experience for your visitors.
Few Steps in WordPress Troubleshooting
I understand how frustrating it can be when WordPress errors pop up – especially when you have a deadline to meet.
Here are 5 commonly found WordPress errors and their respective solutions in a table format:
By recognizing the error message you encounter, further investigation can be performed to identify the specific cause and perform targeted troubleshooting.
Error |
Solution |
|---|---|
| Internal Server Error | – Check your .htaccess file for any syntax errors or conflicting rules – Increase the PHP memory limit by adding define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M'); to your wp-config.php file– Deactivate and reactivate your plugins to see if one is causing the issue |
| Error Establishing a Database Connection | – Verify your database credentials (username, password, database name) in the wp-config.php file are correct – Check if your database server is running and accessible – Try resetting your database connection by re-entering the credentials |
| White Screen of Death (WSOD) | – Enable WordPress to debug mode by adding define('WP_DEBUG', true); to your wp-config.php file to see the actual error– Deactivate all plugins and switch to a default theme to isolate the issue – Increase the PHP memory limit or execution time in your wp-config.php file |
| Mixed Content Error | – Identify the insecure (HTTP) content and update it to use HTTPS – Use a plugin like “SSL Insecure Content Fixer” to automatically fix mixed content issues – Perform a search and replace in your database to update all instances of “https://” to “https://” |
| 404 Not Found Error | – Check your permalink settings and ensure the structure is correct – Flush your permalinks by going to Settings > Permalinks and clicking “Save Changes” – Verify that your .htaccess file is writable and contains the correct rewrite rules |
Preventive Measures Against WordPress Errors
Backup and restore have always been a lifesaver for me whenever I encounter WordPress errors that are too time-consuming or complicated to resolve.
Having a regular backup of your WordPress site is non-negotiable – setting up and configuring a backup schedule should be a top priority after a WordPress site has been set up.
Back-Up Your WordPress Site
Backing up your WordPress site is a critical step to ensure the security and integrity of your data – and it should be a part of your regular website maintenance routine.
By creating regular backups, you can safeguard your website against potential WordPress issues and quickly restore it if any problems arise.
One of the most efficient ways to automate the backup process is by using WordPress backup plugins.
WordPress backup plugins are powerful tools that simplify the backup workflow and streamline the restoration process.
These plugins offer features like scheduled backups, incremental backups, and cloud storage integration.
By selecting the right plugin for your needs, you can automate backups and effortlessly store multiple copies of your data.
With backups stored in the cloud, you can easily access and recover your data from anywhere in case of emergencies.
Below is a list of backup plugins that I recommend:
Backup Plugin |
Features |
Cloud Storage Integration |
|---|---|---|
| UpdraftPlus | – Scheduled automatic backups – Incremental backups – Easy restoration – Migration – Database encryption |
Yes (Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive) |
| BackupBuddy | – Full site backups – Scheduled backups – Offsite storage – Easy migration |
Yes (Amazon S3, Google Drive, Dropbox, FTP) |
| VaultPress | – Daily backups – Automated restores – Real-time monitoring |
Yes (Jetpack Personal plan or higher) |
Different backup plugins offer varying features and integrations. It’s essential to explore the options available and choose a plugin that aligns with your specific backup needs.
By implementing a reliable WordPress backup plugin and storing multiple copies of your backups in cloud storage, you can rest assured that your WordPress site is protected.
In the event of data loss or any issues, you’ll have the necessary backups to quickly restore your website and minimize any potential downtime or loss of valuable information. 👍
Further Troubleshooting WordPress – What Else Can You Do?
If the WordPress error persists after you have tried out the abovestated solutions, there are a few more things you can do to troubleshoot any errors further.
Clearing Browser Cache and WordPress Cache
Clearing your browser cache is essential when it comes to ensuring that your website displays the most up-to-date content for your visitors.
By clearing the cache, you ensure that your browser fetches the latest version of your website rather than displaying an outdated version stored in its cache.
But what about the cache on your WordPress site?
Well, if you’re using a caching plugin, it’s important to know that it can also cause caching-related issues.
Clearing the cache of your WordPress site can help resolve these issues and ensure visitors see the most recent changes and updates you’ve made.
Clearing your browser cache and WordPress cache may sound complicated, but it’s a straightforward process that can be done in just a few steps.
Clearing Browser Cache
- Open your web browser.
- Access the browser settings or preferences.
- Locate the option to clear your browsing data or cache. This option may be found under the privacy or history settings.
- Select the types of data you want to clear, including the cache or temporary files.
- Click on the “Clear” or “Delete” button to remove the selected data.
Clearing WordPress Cache
If you’re using a caching plugin on your WordPress site, clearing the cache may vary slightly depending on the plugin installed.
However, there’s a general procedure you can follow:
- Login to your WordPress dashboard.
- Navigate to the settings or options page of your caching plugin.
- Look for the option to clear or purge the cache.
- Click on the appropriate button to clear the cache.
By regularly clearing your browser cache and WordPress cache, you can ensure that your visitors always have access to the most recent version of your website.
This is critically important if you frequently make changes to your WordPress site.
Troubleshooting WordPress Plugins
Plugin conflicts can often be the cause of errors on your WordPress site.
When multiple plugins are installed and active, compatibility issues may arise and cause functionality problems.
Yes, they might even crash your WordPress site.
To identify the problematic plugin, you can follow a simple troubleshooting process:
- Deactivate all plugins: Begin by deactivating all the plugins on your site. This step temporarily disables all plugin functionalities, allowing you to determine if any conflicts exist between the plugins and the site.
- Reactivate plugins one by one: After deactivating all plugins, reactivate them one by one. Test your site after each reactivation. This sequential reactivation process helps pinpoint the specific plugin that causes the issue.
Always keep your plugins updated to ensure their compatibility with the latest version of WordPress.
Outdated or unsupported plugins may conflict with other site elements, leading to errors and performance issues.
Try to install plugins from trusted sources, as these are more likely to undergo routine maintenance and offer reliable functionality.
Troubleshooting WordPress Themes
When encountering issues with your WordPress site, it’s important to identify the root cause.
If deactivating all plugins doesn’t resolve the problem, your theme may be causing conflicts or bugs.
Additionally, consider using themes created by the official WordPress team, as they are generally more reliable and less likely to cause issues.
Regenerating Permalinks in WordPress
Incorrect or outdated permalink structures can result in 404 errors on your WordPress site.
Regenerating your permalinks can rebuild and repair the structure, ensuring visitors can access your web pages without encountering errors.
When your WordPress site has incorrect or outdated permalink structures, it can lead to frustrating 404 errors.
These errors occur when a visitor tries to access a page, but the URL structure doesn’t match the actual location of the page on your site.
This can happen due to changes in your site’s structure, modifications to your permalink settings, or other reasons.
To resolve this issue, you can regenerate your permalinks in WordPress. This process rebuilds and repairs the permalink structure, updating it to match the current state of your site.
Regenerating permalinks can help eliminate 404 errors and ensure visitors can navigate your site seamlessly.
Here’s how you can regenerate permalinks in WordPress:
- Log in to your WordPress admin dashboard.
- Go to the “Settings” menu and click on “Permalinks”.
- Scroll down to the bottom of the Permalinks page and click on the “Save Changes” button without making any changes.
By clicking the “Save Changes” button, WordPress will regenerate the permalink structure based on your current settings.
This process updates the URLs for all your posts and pages, ensuring they are accurately reflected in the permalink structure.
Regenerating permalinks is a straightforward process that can be performed even if you’re not familiar with advanced WordPress configurations.
However, it’s important to note that regenerating permalinks may temporarily affect your site’s SEO rankings since search engines need to reindex the updated URLs.
But usually, the impact is minimal and short-lived, and your SEO rankings should recover quickly.
Remember to test your site after regenerating permalinks to ensure that all URLs are working correctly.
Checking for 404 errors and page redirection issues can help you identify any lingering problems that need to be addressed.
Final note
Troubleshooting WordPress errors requires a systematic approach and a deep understanding of common issues that can arise on your website. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can effectively resolve errors and maintain a reliable WordPress site.
One of the key aspects of ensuring a well-functioning WordPress site is regular maintenance. This includes performing regular backups and keeping your WordPress core, themes, and plugins up to date.
By implementing a robust backup strategy and using a reliable WordPress backup plugin, you can safeguard your data and quickly restore your site in case of any unforeseen problems.
