So, your WordPress site just threw an error at you? Don’t panic—you’re not alone.
Whether you’re running a personal blog or a business website, WordPress errors can show up anytime. The good news? Most of them are fixable with a little know-how and patience.
In this guide, we’ll explore the most common WordPress errors, what causes them, and how to fix them—step by step—even if you’re not a tech wizard.
1. The Infamous White Screen of Death
What Causes It
The “White Screen of Death” (WSOD) is exactly what it sounds like — a blank white screen that replaces your website. It usually happens because of:
Plugin or theme conflicts
PHP errors
Memory exhaustion
How to Fix It
Disable plugins via FTP or cPanel by renaming the /plugins folder.
Switch to a default theme like Twenty Twenty-Four to rule out theme issues.
Enable WP_DEBUG in wp-config.php to identify PHP errors.
Increase PHP memory limit by adding define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M');.
2. Internal Server Error (500 Error)
Common Reasons
This generic error often appears when something goes wrong on the server level, but WordPress can’t pinpoint it.
Typical culprits include:
Corrupted .htaccess file
Plugin or theme issues
PHP memory limits
Fixing the 500 Error
Rename your .htaccess file to .htaccess_old.
Create a new .htaccess file by saving permalinks again.
Deactivate plugins to find the faulty one.
Increase your PHP memory limit.
3. Error Establishing a Database Connection
Why It Happens
This error means WordPress can’t communicate with your database. Common causes include:
Wrong database credentials
Corrupted database
Server downtime
How to Resolve It
Check database details (DB_NAME, DB_USER, DB_PASSWORD, DB_HOST) in wp-config.php.
Repair your database using define('WP_ALLOW_REPAIR', true);.
Contact your hosting provider if the issue persists.
4. 404 Page Not Found Error
Causes
This usually happens when URLs break or permalinks go wrong.
How to Fix 404 Errors
Go to Settings → Permalinks and click Save Changes to refresh links.
Check if the .htaccess file has correct rewrite rules.
Ensure pages or posts aren’t accidentally deleted.
5. Connection Timed Out
Reasons Behind the Timeout
A “Connection Timed Out” means your server couldn’t handle the request in time — often due to:
Heavy plugins or scripts
Low server resources
Theme issues
How to Fix It
Deactivate heavy plugins like backup or security scanners.
Increase PHP memory limit.
Upgrade to better hosting if you frequently hit limits.
6. WordPress Memory Exhausted Error
Understanding the Error
This appears as:
“Fatal error: Allowed memory size exhausted…”
Fixing the Memory Limit Issue
Open wp-config.php and add:
define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M');
If that doesn’t work, contact your host to raise the limit server-side.
7. Locked Out of WordPress Admin (wp-admin)
What Causes Lockouts
You might get locked out due to:
Wrong password attempts
Plugin security restrictions
Corrupted .htaccess file
How to Regain Access
Use “Lost your password?” link to reset credentials.
Disable security plugins via FTP.
Rename .htaccess or revert permission issues.
8. Syntax Error in WordPress
Why This Happens
If you recently added code and suddenly see a white screen with a “syntax error” message — it’s likely due to a missing semicolon or bracket.
The Simple Fix
Access your site via FTP.
Revert the file you edited or fix the syntax mistake.
Always test custom code in a staging site before uploading.
9. Broken WordPress Theme or Stylesheet Missing
Causes
Sometimes after installing or updating a theme, you’ll see:
“The theme is missing the style.css stylesheet.”
Fixing the Problem
Ensure you uploaded the actual theme folder, not a zipped parent directory.
Re-upload the theme files correctly.
Switch to a default theme to confirm if the issue persists.
10. WordPress Stuck in Maintenance Mode
What Triggers It
During updates, WordPress temporarily enters maintenance mode. If interrupted, the .maintenance file remains, keeping your site locked.
How to Remove Maintenance Mode
Access your site via FTP.
Delete the .maintenance file in your root folder.
Clear your cache and reload your site.
11. WordPress Not Sending Emails
Why Emails Fail to Send
Your site might not send emails due to misconfigured PHP mail settings or your host blocking outgoing mail.
The Solution
Install the WP Mail SMTP plugin.
Configure SMTP using your hosting email or third-party services like Gmail or SendGrid.
Test with a dummy email.
12. Mixed Content or SSL Issues
What’s Going On
If you’ve installed SSL but still see “Not Secure” warnings, your site might be loading some assets over HTTP instead of HTTPS.
How to Fix It
Update your WordPress and site URLs in Settings → General.
Use plugins like Really Simple SSL.
Replace old URLs using the Better Search Replace plugin.
13. WordPress Login Redirect Loop
Causes
This happens when cookies, caching, or .htaccess rules send users back to the login page repeatedly.
Fixing the Loop Issue
Clear browser cookies and cache.
Disable caching plugins.
Update the siteurl and home values directly in the database if mismatched.
14. Images Not Uploading or Displaying
Common Causes
Incorrect file permissions
Memory issues
Plugin conflicts
Solutions
Set /wp-content/uploads/ to 755 permissions.
Regenerate thumbnails using a plugin.
Disable image optimization or CDN plugins temporarily.
15. “Too Many Redirects” Error
Why It Happens
Usually caused by conflicting redirects between WordPress and your web server (like Nginx or Apache), or misconfigured SSL plugins.
Fixing Redirect Loops
Check your site URL in wp-config.php.
Disable redirect or SSL plugins.
Clear your browser and site cache.
Conclusion
WordPress errors can be scary, but remember — every issue has a solution.
Whether it’s a blank screen, redirect loop, or broken theme, a bit of troubleshooting can bring your site back to life.
The key is to stay calm, take a backup before changes, and tackle one step at a time.
And if all else fails? Don’t hesitate to reach out to your hosting provider or a WordPress expert. Sometimes, a fresh pair of eyes can fix what’s hidden in plain sight. There are more common wordpress errors and their resolutions that would help your WordPress Journey (DIY users.)
FAQs
1. Why do WordPress errors keep happening?
Because WordPress relies on multiple moving parts — themes, plugins, servers, and code — even one conflict or outdated element can cause issues.
2. How can I prevent WordPress errors?
Keep plugins, themes, and WordPress core updated. Use reliable hosting and always test major updates on a staging site.
3. Should I edit WordPress files directly?
Not unless you know what you’re doing. Always back up before editing core files or use a child theme for modifications.
4. What’s the safest way to fix a WordPress error?
Start with plugin and theme troubleshooting, then check logs, and use debugging tools before touching core files.
5. Can I use plugins to prevent common errors?
Absolutely. Plugins like WP Reset, UpdraftPlus, and WP Mail SMTP can prevent data loss, backup your site, and fix configuration issues automatically.
Top comments (0)