How to Troubleshoot Common WordPress Errors?

26 minutes read

When you are using WordPress, you may encounter various errors that can affect the functionality and appearance of your website. Here is a brief guide on troubleshooting common WordPress errors:

  1. Memory Exhausted Error: This error occurs when WordPress exceeds the allocated memory limit. To fix this, you can increase the memory limit by modifying the wp-config.php file or the php.ini file.
  2. White Screen of Death (WSOD): When you see a blank white screen instead of your website, it is referred to as the White Screen of Death. To resolve this issue, disable all plugins and then re-enable them one by one to identify the problematic plugin. You can also switch to a default WordPress theme to rule out any theme-related issues.
  3. Internal Server Error: An Internal Server Error usually indicates an issue with your server. You can start troubleshooting this error by checking the .htaccess file for any incorrect code or by increasing the PHP memory limit.
  4. Error Establishing a Database Connection: This error occurs when WordPress is unable to connect to your website's database. To fix this, check the database login credentials in your wp-config.php file, ensure the database server is running, and confirm that the database is not corrupt.
  5. 404 Page Not Found Error: When a user tries to access a page that does not exist on your website, they encounter a 404 error. To resolve this, refresh the permalinks by visiting the "Settings" > "Permalinks" section in your WordPress dashboard.
  6. Mixed Content Error: This error occurs when you have a mix of secure (HTTPS) and non-secure (HTTP) content on your website, triggering a security warning. You can fix this by using a plugin to search and replace insecure URLs or by manually updating the URLs in your database.
  7. Syntax Error: A syntax error usually occurs when you mistakenly modify the code in your theme or plugin files. To fix this issue, you can either revert the changes you made or restore the original code from a backup.


Remember to always keep a backup of your website before troubleshooting any errors. If you are unsure about handling these errors yourself, it's recommended to consult a WordPress professional or seek support from the WordPress community.

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What is the "The site is experiencing technical difficulties" error in WordPress and how to troubleshoot it?

The "The site is experiencing technical difficulties" error is a common error message that appears in WordPress when something goes wrong with the website's functionality. It usually occurs due to plugin or theme conflicts, PHP errors, or issues with server resources.


To troubleshoot this error, follow these steps:

  1. Enable Debugging: Open the wp-config.php file in the root folder of your WordPress installation and locate the line that says "define('WP_DEBUG', false);" Change it to "define('WP_DEBUG', true);" This will enable debugging and display the actual error instead of the generic message.
  2. Identify the Error: Visit your website again, and you should see a more specific error message pointing out the root cause. It could be related to a specific plugin, theme, or PHP code error. Take note of the error message for further troubleshooting.
  3. Deactivate Plugins and Themes: If the error is related to a specific plugin or theme, you can deactivate them all temporarily. Rename your plugins folder located at "wp-content/plugins/" or change the active theme by renaming its folder to disable it. Then, refresh your website to see if the error disappears.
  4. Update Plugins and Themes: If the error is caused by outdated plugins or themes, update them to their latest versions. Use the website's backend or access the WordPress directory to update them manually.
  5. Check PHP Errors: Enable PHP error reporting by adding the following lines to your wp-config.php file:
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@ini_set( 'display_errors', 1 );
define( 'WP_DEBUG_LOG', true );
define( 'WP_DEBUG_DISPLAY', false );


Then, refresh the website and check for any PHP error logs generated in the "wp-content/debug.log" file. Resolve the errors accordingly.

  1. Memory Limit Increase: If the error is related to insufficient server memory, you can increase the memory limit in the wp-config.php file by adding the following line:
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define( 'WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M' );


You can adjust the value to a higher limit if required.

  1. Contact Support: If none of the above steps help, reach out to your hosting provider's support team for assistance. They can check the server logs and provide further guidance to resolve the technical difficulties error.


What is the "Connection Interrupted" error in WordPress and how to fix it?

The "Connection Interrupted" error in WordPress usually occurs when there is an issue with the server's connection to the WordPress website. It can occur due to various reasons, such as server downtime, network issues, or a problem with the WordPress installation.


To fix the "Connection Interrupted" error, you can try the following troubleshooting steps:

  1. Check your internet connection: Ensure that you have a stable internet connection and try accessing other websites to verify if the problem is with your internet connection.
  2. Clear browser cache: Clear your browser cache and cookies to eliminate any temporary data that may be causing the issue. Then, refresh the page and see if the error persists.
  3. Disable plugins: Sometimes, a problematic plugin might be causing the error. Disable all plugins and then re-enable them one by one to identify the culprit. If you find a plugin causing the issue, try updating it or removing it entirely.
  4. Switch to a default theme: Temporarily switch to a default WordPress theme, such as Twenty Twenty or Twenty Twenty-One. This will help determine if the current theme is causing the error. If the error disappears, you may need to contact the theme developer for support or consider choosing a different theme.
  5. Contact your hosting provider: If the previous steps did not resolve the issue, there might be server-related problems. Contact your hosting provider to inquire about any known issues or server configuration problems that could be causing the "Connection Interrupted" error.
  6. Increase PHP memory limit: If the error occurs during specific actions, such as uploading media or updating plugins, you might need to increase the PHP memory limit on your server. You can do this by editing the "wp-config.php" file or contacting your hosting provider for assistance.
  7. Reinstall WordPress: If none of the above steps work, you may need to reinstall WordPress. Before doing so, take a backup of your website and database to avoid losing any data.


If the error still persists after trying these steps, you may consider seeking help from a professional developer or contacting WordPress support for further assistance.


How to resolve the "Error Establishing a Database Connection" when accessing a WordPress site?

The "Error Establishing a Database Connection" error in WordPress typically occurs when WordPress is unable to connect to the database. Here are the steps to resolve it:

  1. Check the database credentials: Open the wp-config.php file in the root folder of your WordPress installation. Ensure that the database name, username, password, and host are correct.
  2. Verify the database server is running: Ensure that the database server, typically MySQL or MariaDB, is running properly. If you're unsure, contact your hosting provider for assistance.
  3. Check the database server status: If the database server is running, make sure it has enough resources and storage space available. You can also try restarting the database server to see if it resolves the issue.
  4. Repair the database tables: If the database is accessible, but you're still experiencing the error, your database tables might be corrupted. You can repair them using the built-in repair feature in WordPress. Add the following line to your wp-config.php file: define('WP_ALLOW_REPAIR', true); Access the WordPress site by visiting www.yourwebsite.com/wp-admin/maint/repair.php. Select the "Repair Database" option, and WordPress will attempt to repair the corrupted tables.
  5. Check the database user permissions: Ensure that the database user associated with your WordPress installation has sufficient permissions to access and modify the database. If necessary, grant the necessary permissions through your database management tool, or contact your hosting provider for assistance.
  6. Test the database connection: Try connecting to the database using a different database management tool, such as phpMyAdmin or MySQL Workbench. If you can access the database using these tools, it indicates that the issue may lie with WordPress itself.
  7. Check for plugin or theme conflicts: Sometimes, conflicts between plugins or themes can cause database connection errors. Disable all plugins and switch to a default theme to see if the issue is resolved. If it is, gradually activate each plugin and theme until the error reappears, allowing you to identify the problematic one.
  8. Contact your hosting provider: If none of the above steps resolve the issue, reach out to your hosting provider's support team. They will have specific knowledge of your server environment and can assist in resolving the error.


Remember to always backup your WordPress site and database before making any changes or repairs to ensure you don't lose any data.

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How to fix the "Upload: Failed to Write File to Disk" error in WordPress?

Here are a few potential solutions to fix the "Upload: Failed to Write File to Disk" error in WordPress:

  1. Check directory permissions: Ensure that the directory where WordPress uploads files has the correct permissions. To do this, connect to your website using an FTP client or file manager in your hosting control panel. Right-click on the uploads directory (usually located in wp-content/uploads/) and select "File Permissions" or "Change Permissions." Set the numeric value to 755, and check the box to apply the changes recursively to all files and folders within the uploads directory.
  2. Increase your PHP memory limit: Sometimes, the error can occur due to insufficient memory allocated to PHP. Try increasing the memory limit by editing your wp-config.php file. Locate the following line:
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define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '64M');


Change the value to a higher limit, such as '128M' or '256M'.

  1. Disable plugins and switch to a default theme: Temporarily deactivate all your plugins and switch to a default WordPress theme (e.g., Twenty Twenty-One). This helps identify if the error is caused by a specific plugin or theme. If the error doesn't occur after deactivating plugins or switching themes, then you can narrow down the cause by reactivating them one by one until the error appears again.
  2. Check available disk space: Ensure that you have sufficient disk space on your server to upload files. You can contact your hosting provider to confirm this or check the available disk space in your hosting control panel.
  3. Adjust the temporary upload directory: WordPress uses a temporary directory to store uploaded files before moving them to the final destination. If this directory is not set correctly, it can cause the error. Add or modify the following line in your wp-config.php file:
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define('WP_TEMP_DIR', ABSPATH . 'wp-content/uploads/');


  1. Contact your hosting provider: If none of the above solutions work, it's possible that there may be server-related issues causing the error. In this case, it's recommended to reach out to your hosting provider's support for further assistance and troubleshooting.


Keep in mind to always have a backup of your WordPress website before making any modifications.


How to debug the "Allowed memory size of xxx bytes exhausted" error in WordPress?

The "Allowed memory size of xxx bytes exhausted" error in WordPress occurs when the PHP memory limit allocated to the website is not sufficient to complete the requested operation. Here are some steps to debug and fix this error:

  1. Identify the cause: The error can occur due to a variety of reasons such as a poorly coded theme or plugin, large image sizes, or inefficient PHP scripts. Identify the specific action or plugin/theme that triggers the error to narrow down the cause.
  2. Increase PHP memory limit: Temporarily increase the PHP memory limit to see if the error goes away. Open your wp-config.php file located in the root WordPress directory and add the following code just before the line that says "That's all, stop editing! Happy blogging!":
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define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M');


Save the file and check if the error persists. If it does, you may need to contact your hosting provider to further increase the memory limit.

  1. Disable plugins and switch themes: Deactivate all plugins and switch to a default WordPress theme (e.g., Twenty Twenty-One) to check if the error is caused by a plugin or theme conflict. If the error disappears, reactivate each plugin/theme one by one until you find the culprit causing the memory error.
  2. Optimize images: Large image sizes can consume a significant amount of memory. Use an image optimization plugin or manually compress and resize images before uploading them to WordPress.
  3. Upgrade plugins and themes: Ensure that you are using the latest versions of all plugins and themes. Outdated versions may contain memory leaks or compatibility issues leading to the memory error. Always keep your WordPress installation up to date.
  4. Analyze PHP error logs: Enable PHP error logging in your hosting environment. Check the error logs for more detailed error messages that can help identify the exact cause of the memory error. The logs can provide insights into the problematic code or plugin causing the issue.
  5. Use a debugging plugin: Install and activate a WordPress debugging plugin like Query Monitor or Debug Bar. These plugins can help you identify any memory-intensive queries or scripts that are causing the issue.
  6. Consider alternative solutions: For memory-intensive tasks, consider using alternative plugins or methods that require less memory. Look for lightweight plugins or code optimizations.


Remember to always create a backup of your WordPress site before making any changes to your files. Contacting your hosting provider or consulting with a WordPress developer may be necessary if you cannot resolve the issue on your own.


How to troubleshoot the "Failed to open stream" error in WordPress?

When you see the "Failed to open stream" error in WordPress, it typically means that WordPress is unable to access a file or directory. This error can occur due to a number of reasons, including incorrect file permissions, incorrect file or directory paths, or plugin or theme conflicts. Here are some steps to troubleshoot and fix this error:

  1. Check file permissions: Ensure that the file or directory that WordPress is trying to access has the correct permissions. Directories typically should have a permission setting of 755, and files should have a setting of 644. You can update permissions using an FTP client or the file manager in your hosting control panel.
  2. Verify file or directory paths: Double-check if the file or directory path mentioned in the error message is correct. Make sure the path is relative to your WordPress installation and matches the actual file or directory location.
  3. Disable plugins and switch to a default theme: Deactivate all plugins and switch to a default WordPress theme (e.g., Twenty Twenty-One) to rule out any plugin or theme conflicts that may be causing the error. If the error disappears, you can gradually reactivate the plugins and switch back to your original theme to identify the one causing the problem.
  4. Check for any recent changes: If the error started appearing after making recent changes to your website (e.g., installing a new theme or plugin), revert those changes and see if the error is resolved.
  5. Increase PHP memory limit: Sometimes this error can occur due to insufficient PHP memory limit. Try increasing the memory limit by adding this line to your wp-config.php file:
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define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M');


  1. Check for conflicting code: If you have made custom modifications to your WordPress files or added custom code snippets, check if any recent code changes are causing the error. Undo those changes or troubleshoot the code for any errors.
  2. Debugging mode: Enable WordPress debugging by adding these lines to your wp-config.php file:
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define('WP_DEBUG', true);
define('WP_DEBUG_LOG', true);


This will generate a debug.log file in the wp-content directory, which can provide more specific error information. Be sure to disable debugging mode after troubleshooting as leaving it enabled on a live site may expose sensitive information.


If none of the above steps resolve the issue, it is recommended to seek assistance from a WordPress developer or your hosting provider support team, providing them with the exact error message and any relevant details to assist in troubleshooting.


What is the cause of the "Parse Error: Syntax Error" in WordPress and how to fix it?

The "Parse Error: Syntax Error" in WordPress usually occurs when there is a mistake in the code syntax, which prevents WordPress from executing correctly. This error message typically points to the specific line of code where the syntax error occurs.


Here are a few common causes of this error in WordPress and suggestions on how to fix them:

  1. Incorrectly edited code: If you recently modified a theme or plugin file and made a syntax mistake, this error can appear. To fix it, revert the changes you made and ensure that you have edited the code correctly.
  2. Missing or incorrect brackets, parentheses, or semicolons: Syntax errors commonly occur due to missing or mismatched brackets, parentheses, or semicolons in PHP files. Review the code around the reported line and ensure that the syntax is correct.
  3. Incompatible PHP version: Sometimes, a plugin or theme may require a higher PHP version than the one your hosting server provides, resulting in a syntax error. Upgrade your PHP version to meet the plugin/theme requirements. Contact your web host if you need assistance with upgrading PHP.
  4. Corrupted or incomplete file upload: If you encountered the error after uploading a new plugin or theme, it's possible that the file is corrupted or incomplete. Re-upload the file, ensuring it is the complete and unaltered version.
  5. Syntax errors caused by a specific theme or plugin: Some poorly coded themes or plugins may have syntax errors that trigger the parse error. Disable the recently activated plugin or switch to a default WordPress theme to identify if any specific theme or plugin is causing the issue.


If you are unable to fix the error by yourself, it may be helpful to consult with a WordPress developer or seek assistance from the official WordPress support forums or community.


How to troubleshoot common WordPress errors?

  1. Check for error messages: Start by checking if there are any error messages displayed on the website or in the WordPress admin area. These error messages can provide valuable information about the cause of the issue.
  2. Disable plugins: If you recently installed or updated a plugin and started experiencing problems, try disabling all plugins to see if the error persists. If the error goes away, you can enable the plugins one by one to identify the problematic plugin.
  3. Switch to a default theme: If your theme is causing the error, switch to a default WordPress theme (like Twenty Twenty-One) to see if the error is theme-related. If the error disappears with the default theme, you may need to contact the theme developer for assistance.
  4. Check for conflicts: Sometimes, conflicts may occur between plugins or between a plugin and the theme. To identify such conflicts, deactivate all plugins and switch to a default theme. Then, activate each plugin and switch back to your theme one by one, testing the website after each activation. If the error occurs after activating a specific plugin or theme, you can pinpoint the issue and seek support from the respective developer.
  5. Increase PHP memory limit: If you encounter memory-related errors, you can try increasing the PHP memory limit. Edit the wp-config.php file and add the following line at the beginning of the file: define( 'WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M' );. If the error persists, you may need to contact your hosting provider to increase the server's memory limit.
  6. Check file and folder permissions: Incorrect file and folder permissions can cause errors. Ensure that the permissions are properly set, usually to 644 for files and 755 for folders. You can use an FTP client or file manager in your hosting control panel to check and modify the permissions.
  7. Clear cache: If you are using a caching plugin or a CDN, clear the cache to ensure that you're seeing the most recent version of your website. Cached files can sometimes cause errors or prevent updates from being shown.
  8. Update WordPress, themes, and plugins: Outdated software can lead to compatibility issues and security vulnerabilities. Make sure WordPress, themes, and plugins are up to date. Always create a backup before updating.
  9. Reach out to the WordPress community: If you've tried all of the above steps and are still unable to resolve the error, consider posting in WordPress support forums or community groups. There are many knowledgeable individuals in the WordPress community who might be able to assist you.


Remember to always back up your site before making any significant changes, and consider using a staging environment for troubleshooting to avoid potential issues impacting your live site.


How to resolve the "This site is experiencing technical difficulties" error in WordPress?

To resolve the "This site is experiencing technical difficulties" error in WordPress, you can follow these steps:

  1. Enable Debugging: Open your website's wp-config.php file and locate the line that says define('WP_DEBUG', false);. Replace false with true to enable debugging. Save the changes and refresh your website to see the details of the error.
  2. Identify the Error: When the debugging mode is enabled, you will see the detailed error message instead of the "This site is experiencing technical difficulties" message. The error message often provides information about the source of the problem, such as a specific plugin or theme causing issues.
  3. Disable Plugins and Switch Themes: If the error is caused by a plugin or theme, you can deactivate your plugins one by one and then switch to a default WordPress theme (like Twenty Twenty-One) to identify which one is causing the problem. Once you find the problematic plugin or theme, you can reinstall it or look for alternative options.
  4. Check File Permissions: Ensure that the file and directory permissions on your server are correct. Incorrect file permissions can sometimes lead to technical difficulties. Typically, files should have a permission setting of 644, and directories should have 755.
  5. Increase PHP Memory Limit: If your site runs out of memory, it can cause technical difficulties. You can increase the PHP memory limit by adding the following line to your wp-config.php file:
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define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M');


This code will set the memory limit to 256MB, but you can adjust it as per your requirements.

  1. Update WordPress and Plugins: Outdated versions of WordPress and plugins can sometimes lead to technical issues. Ensure that you are using the latest versions of WordPress core, themes, and plugins.
  2. Contact your Web Host: If the above steps do not resolve the issue, you should reach out to your web hosting support team. They may be able to provide further insights and assist in resolving the error.


Remember to always create a backup of your WordPress site before making any changes to avoid any potential data loss.

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