Common WordPress Errors & How to Fix Them

Introduction

WordPress is a powerful and widely used content management system, but like any software, it can sometimes run into errors. These issues can be frustrating, especially if they disrupt your website’s functionality. This guide covers some of the most common WordPress errors and how to troubleshoot and fix them.

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1. White Screen of Death (WSOD)

Cause

• Incompatible themes or plugins

• Exhausted memory limit

• Syntax errors in code

Fix

• Disable Plugins: Access your WordPress files via FTP, navigate to wp-content/plugins, and rename the plugins folder to deactivate them.

• Switch to a Default Theme: Rename your active theme folder and WordPress will revert to a default theme.

• Increase PHP Memory Limit: Add this line to your wp-config.php file: define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M');

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2. 500 Internal Server Error

Cause

• Corrupted .htaccess file

• Plugin or theme conflict

• PHP memory limit exceeded

Fix

• Check .htaccess File: Rename .htaccess to .htaccess_old and see if the site works.

• Increase Memory Limit: As mentioned above, increase PHP memory.

• Re-upload Core Files: Replace WordPress core files via FTP, excluding wp-content.

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3. Error Establishing a Database Connection

Cause

• Incorrect database credentials

• Corrupted database

• Server issues

Fix

• Verify wp-config.php Settings: Ensure database name, username, password, and host are correct.

• Repair Database: Add define('WP_ALLOW_REPAIR', true); to wp-config.php and visit /wp-admin/maint/repair.php.

• Check Hosting Status: Confirm your database server isn’t down.

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4. 404 Page Not Found

Cause

• Broken permalinks

• Deleted or missing content

Fix

• Reset Permalinks: Go to Settings > Permalinks and click Save Changes.

• Check URLs: Ensure the correct URL structure for pages and posts.

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5. Stuck in Maintenance Mode

Cause

• Interrupted updates

Fix

• Delete .maintenance File: Access your site via FTP and remove the .maintenance file from the root directory.

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6. WordPress Not Sending Emails

Cause

• Server misconfiguration

• Spam filters

Fix

• Use SMTP Plugin: Install and configure an SMTP plugin like WP Mail SMTP.

• Check Email Settings: Ensure the “From” address matches your domain.

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Conclusion

Understanding and fixing common WordPress errors ensures your site remains functional and user-friendly. With the right approach, most issues can be resolved quickly, keeping your website running smoothly.