WordPress is a powerful and user-friendly platform, but it’s not immune to errors. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced user, encountering issues is inevitable. At WpErrorFixer, we’re dedicated to helping you resolve WordPress problems quickly. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the top 10 common WordPress errors and how to fix them.
1. White Screen of Death (WSOD)
Error Description: The site displays a blank white screen, often due to a PHP error or exhausted memory limit.
Fix:
Increase the PHP memory limit by editing wp-config.php:
define(‘WP_MEMORY_LIMIT’, ‘256M’);
- Enable debug mode in wp-config.php to identify the issue:
define(‘WP_DEBUG’, true);
define(‘WP_DEBUG_LOG’, true);
define(‘WP_DEBUG_DISPLAY’, false);
- Disable plugins or switch to a default theme (like Twenty Twenty-Five) via the hosting file manager or FTP.
2. 404 Page Not Found Error
Error Description: Pages return a 404 error, often caused by broken permalinks or .htaccess issues.
Fix:
- Reset permalinks in Settings > Permalinks and save without changes.
Regenerate the .htaccess file by adding:
# BEGIN WordPress
<IfModule mod_rewrite.c>
RewriteEngine On
RewriteBase /
RewriteRule ^index\.php$ – [L]
RewriteCond %{REQUEST_FILENAME} !-f
RewriteCond %{REQUEST_FILENAME} !-d
RewriteRule . /index.php [L]
</IfModule>
# END WordPress
- Check for broken links or incorrect URLs in your content.
3. Internal Server Error (500)
Error Description: A generic error indicating a server-side issue, often due to corrupted .htaccess or plugin conflicts.
Fix:
- Rename the .htaccess file via FTP and regenerate it from the Permalinks settings.
- Deactivate all plugins by renaming the /wp-content/plugins folder to plugins_old.
- Check server logs for specific error details.
4. Database Connection Error
Error Description: “Error establishing a database connection” appears due to incorrect database credentials or server issues.
Fix:
Verify database credentials in wp-config.php:
define(‘DB_NAME’, ‘your_database_name’);
define(‘DB_USER’, ‘your_database_user’);
define(‘DB_PASSWORD’, ‘your_database_password’);
define(‘DB_HOST’, ‘localhost’);
- Contact your hosting provider to confirm database server status.
- Repair the database via phpMyAdmin or add define(‘WP_ALLOW_REPAIR’, true); to wp-config.php.
5. Syntax Error in Code
Error Description: A message like Parse error: syntax error appears after editing code, indicating incorrect PHP syntax.
Fix:
- Access the file mentioned in the error via FTP and correct the syntax (e.g., missing semicolon or bracket).
- Revert recent code changes if unsure.
- Use a code editor with syntax highlighting to avoid future errors.
6. Failed to Upload Media
Error Description: Media uploads fail due to file permissions, size limits, or corrupted files.
Fix:
- Check file permissions for /wp-content/uploads (should be 755 for folders, 644 for files).
Increase upload limits in php.ini:
upload_max_filesize = 64M
post_max_size = 64M
- Try a different browser or clear cache to rule out client-side issues.
7. Maintenance Mode Stuck
Error Description: Site displays a Briefly unavailable for scheduled maintenance message after an update fails.
Fix:
- Delete the .maintenance file in the WordPress root directory via FTP.
- Ensure updates are completed successfully by checking server resources.
- Disable automatic updates if issues persist.
- define(‘WP_AUTO_UPDATE_CORE’, false);
8. Maximum Execution Time Exceeded
Error Description: Scripts time out due to exceeding PHP’s execution time limit.
Fix:
- Increase the time limit in php.ini:
max_execution_time = 300 - Add to .htaccess:
php_value max_execution_time 300 - Contact your hosting provider if the issue persists.
9. Mixed Content Warning
Error Description: Browser warnings about insecure content, often after switching to HTTPS.
Fix:
- Update site URLs in Settings > General to use https://.
- Install an SSL plugin like Really Simple SSL to fix mixed content.
- Replace HTTP URLs in the database using a plugin like Better Search Replace.
10. Login Page Refresh or Redirect Loop
Error Description: The login page refreshes or redirects endlessly, often due to cookie or URL issues.
Fix:
- Clear browser cookies and cache.
Define site URLs in wp-config.php:
define(‘WP_HOME’, ‘https://yoursite.com’);
define(‘WP_SITEURL’, ‘https://yoursite.com’);
- Disable plugins via FTP to rule out conflicts.
Conclusion
WordPress errors can be frustrating, but most are fixable with the right approach. At WpErrorFixer, we’re here to guide you through every step. Bookmark this guide for quick reference, and explore our blog for more WordPress troubleshooting tips. If you’re still stuck, leave a comment or contact our support team for personalized help!
