Are you working on a WordPress content management system? Dealing with errors on WordPress? What kind of error you are facing or struggling to fix it? Yes… you read it correctly. WordPress is a broadly used Content Management System, and like any other application, it can encounter multiple kinds of errors from time to time. Here are the 7 common WordPress errors.
7 common WordPress errors
White Screen of Death (WSOD)
This error occurs when a blank white screen appears and there is no information about the problem. It's a super anonymous error. It can be caused by issues such as a poorly coded theme, a plugin's exhausted memory limit, or a corrupted core file.
How to fix it?
The White Screen of Death in WordPress is a common error issue, and it can be caused by various factors such as plugin conflicts, theme issues, OHO errors, or memory limit exhaustion. Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot and fix an error.
- Enable Debugging in the wp-config.php file in the root directory of your WordPress Installation.
- Increase memory limit.
- Disable the plugins by renaming them with the help of FTP or your hosting provider's file manager.
- Rename the folder containing your current theme to switch to the default theme. If the problem gets resolved, your theme may be causing the issue. Consider updating the theme or contacting the theme developer for support.
- Update WordPress through the admin dashboard or by downloading the latest version from its official WordPress website.
- Incorrect file or directory permissions can cause issues. So make sure that files and directories have the correct permissions.
Internal Server Error (HTTP 500)
Internal Server Error (HTTP 500) is a generic error message that indicates a problem with the server but doesn't provide specific details. Causes include corrupt .htaccess files, exhausted PHP memory limit, or conflicts with plugins or themes.
How to fix this error?
- Check a .htaccess file if it is corrupt. It can create internal server errors. You can try renaming it to something else and then refresh your site to view if the issue persists.
- Verify the file permissions. Incorrect file or directory permissions can cause internal server errors. Ensure that your WordPress files and directories have the correct permissions.
- Check for syntax errors. If you recently edited your theme's functons.php file or added custom code to it, make sure that there are no syntax errors.
- Check Server Configuration. If you have access to your server's configuration files, ensure they are correctly configured. Check for any misconfigurations or restrictions.
Error Establishing a Database Connection
When WordPress is unable to communicate with the database, this error message appears. It can be caused by incorrect database login credentials, a corrupted database, or server issues.
How to fix this error?
- Incorrect credentials for the database can cause this error. So check it first.
- Check whether the hosting information is correct or not, like hostname.
- Contact your hosting providers if the server is down. Server down can also be the reason for displaying an error.
- Ensure that there is sufficient disk space on your hosting account. A lack of disk space can prevent the database from functioning properly.
- Check the database server status, Size, and quota.
404 Not Found Error
This error indicates that the requested page is not found. Common causes include permalink issues, corrupted .htaccess files, or misconfigured server settings.
How to fix this error?
- Make sure that the URL you are trying to access is correct. Typos or incorrect URLs are common causes of 404 errors.
- If you recently changed your permalink structure, there might be an issue with the new configurations. So, ensure that your permalink structure is set correctly.
- Verify that the configuration of your. htaccess file is proper.
- If the 404 error is occurring for a particular page or post, consider recreating it. Sometimes, the page or post may have been accidentally deleted or not published.
- Use a tool or plugin to check for broken links on your site. Broken links can lead to 404 errors. Update or eliminate any broken links that you come across.
- Your browser might be caching the 404 error page. Clear your browser cache and try accessing the page again.
Connection Timed Out Error
This error occurs when the server takes too long to respond. It can be caused by slow server performance, network issues, or problems with the theme or plugins.
How to fix this error?
- Ensure that your internet connection is stable. A temporary connection issue could be causing the timeout.
- Temporarily deactivate all plugins to check if one of them is causing the timeout. If you can't access the WordPress admin panel, you can deactivate plugins by renaming the 'plugins' folder in your WordPress installation directory.
- Temporarily switch to a default WordPress theme. If the issue is theme-related, switching to a default theme should help you identify the problem.
- Sometimes, memory limits can cause connection timeouts. Increase the PHP memory limit.
- Over time, your database can become bloated, leading to slower response times. Optimize your WordPress database using plugins like WP-Optimize or phpMyAdmin.
Issues with Themes and Plugins
Problems with WordPress themes and plugins are common. Compatibility issues, poorly coded themes or plugins, or conflicts between them can lead to errors. It's pertinent to keep themes and plugins updated.
How to fix it?
Themes:
- Pick a single of the WordPress default themes to replace your current theme. It can help to determine if the issue is related to your theme.
- Ensure that your theme is updated to the latest version. Outdated themes may have compatibility issues with the WordPress core or other plugins.
- Refer to the documentation for any particular instructions or recommendations. Some themes might require additional configurations or plugins.
- Turn off every plugin and go back to the original theme. Reactivate your theme and check if the issues persist. If not, one of the plugins might be causing the problem.
Plugins:
- To check if the problem has been fixed, deactivate every plugin.
- To avoid compatibility problems, make sure all of your plugins are up to date.
- Check the documentation for each plugin to make sure you have configured them correctly. Some plugins may require specific settings to work properly.
- Enable WordPress debugging to get more information about errors.
- Ensure that your WordPress installation is using a supported PHP version. Some plugins may require a minimum PHP version to function properly.
Mixed Content Errors (HTTP and HTTPS)
If your site has an SSL certificate and you are loading content over HTTP, or vice versa, browsers may block some content, causing mixed content errors. This can be fixed by ensuring that all resources are loaded using the correct protocol.
How to fix it?
- Identify the mixed content with the help of browser developer tools and WordPress plugins.
- Make sure the themes, plugins, and WordPress core are all current. Developers often release updates to address compatibility and security issues, including those related to HTTPS.
- Update the site URL and content.
- Check your theme's settings for any hardcoded HTTP links. Update them to use HTTPS.
- If you have embedded images with HTTP URLs in your content, update them to use HTTPS. This includes featured images, post content, and custom fields.
- If you use a CDN, make sure it is configured to serve content over HTTPS. Update CDN settings if necessary.
When encountering these WordPress errors, it is crucial to:
- Back up your site: Before making any changes, back up your WordPress site to avoid data loss.
- Check error logs: Reviewing error logs can provide insights into the specific issues causing errors.
- Deactivate plugins and switch themes: Temporarily deactivating plugins and switching to a default theme can help identify if the issues are related to a specific plugin or theme.
- Consult the WordPress Community: Forums and online communities are valuable resources for seeking help and solutions to common WordPress errors.
Conclusion
Issues with themes and plugins are common in WordPress, but they can usually be resolved with some troubleshooting.
The resolution of these errors may vary based on specific circumstances, and it is recommended to seek assistance if you are unsure about making changes to your WordPress site.
We have seen all the common errors that occur in WordPress. You just need to keep in mind to perform these troubleshooting steps on a staging site first, especially if you are not familiar with the impact of these changes, to prevent any possible hiccups with your live website.
Always back up your site before making significant changes, especially if you are modifying URLs and content. This helps you revert to a working state if any issues arise.
