20 Common WordPress Errors and How to Fix Them

August 2, 2024

WordPress is a powerful and flexible platform used by millions of websites worldwide. However, like any software, it can sometimes run into issues. Here, we’ll explore 20 common WordPress errors and provide solutions for fixing them.

1. Internal Server Error (500)

Cause: This error can be caused by various issues such as plugin conflicts, corrupted .htaccess files, or PHP memory limits.

Fix:

  • Rename the .htaccess file to .htaccess_old and refresh your site.
  • Increase your PHP memory limit.
  • Deactivate all plugins and then reactivate them one by one to identify the problematic plugin.

2. White Screen of Death

Cause: Often due to exhausted memory, plugin/theme conflicts, or poorly coded themes.

Fix:

  • Increase the memory limit in wp-config.php.
  • Disable all plugins and switch to a default theme.
  • Enable WP_DEBUG in wp-config.php to identify the error.

3. Error Establishing a Database Connection

Cause: Incorrect database credentials, corrupted database, or issues with the database server.

Fix:

  • Verify database credentials in wp-config.php.
  • Repair the database using the WordPress repair tool.
  • Contact your hosting provider to ensure the database server is running.

4. 404 Error on Posts

Cause: Permalink issues.

Fix:

  • Go to Settings > Permalinks and simply click Save Changes to refresh the permalinks.
  • Check your .htaccess file for correct rewrite rules.

5. Connection Timed Out

Cause: Server is overloaded or script consuming too many resources.

Fix:

  • Increase PHP memory limit.
  • Deactivate all plugins.
  • Switch to a default theme.

6. WordPress Stuck in Maintenance Mode

Cause: Update process interrupted.

Fix:

7. Syntax Error

Cause: Error in the code, often when editing theme files or plugins.

Fix:

  • Connect via FTP and edit the affected file.
  • Correct the syntax error based on the error message provided.

8. Sidebar Below Content

Cause: HTML/CSS issues in theme files.

Fix:

  • Check the affected template file for unclosed HTML tags or incorrect CSS.
  • Validate your site’s HTML and CSS.

9. Failed Auto-Update

Cause: Server timeout or permissions issues.

Fix:

  • Update manually by downloading the latest version and uploading it via FTP.
  • Ensure proper file permissions are set.

10. Broken Links After Migration

Cause: Incorrect URLs in database after migrating the site.

Fix:

  • Use a search and replace tool to update URLs in the database.
  • Use plugins like Velvet Blues Update URLs to correct links.

11. Image Upload Issues

Cause: Incorrect file permissions or incompatible file types.

Fix:

  • Ensure correct permissions (755 for folders, 644 for files).
  • Check the file type and size restrictions.

12. Memory Exhausted Error

Cause: WordPress or a plugin requiring more memory than allocated.

Fix:

  • Increase the PHP memory limit in wp-config.php.
  • Optimize plugins and reduce unnecessary features.

13. HTTPS/SSL Issues

Cause: Mixed content errors or incorrect SSL certificate installation.

Fix:

  • Use plugins like Really Simple SSL to manage SSL.
  • Ensure all URLs in your site are using HTTPS.

14. “Briefly Unavailable for Scheduled Maintenance” Error

Cause: Interruption during an update.

Fix:

  • Delete the .maintenance file in your WordPress root directory.

15. “Are You Sure You Want to Do This?” Error

Cause: Nonce issue or plugin/theme conflict.

Fix:

  • Clear your browser cache and cookies.
  • Increase PHP memory limit.
  • Disable all plugins and switch to a default theme.

16. 403 Forbidden Error

Cause: Incorrect file permissions or .htaccess misconfiguration.

Fix:

  • Ensure correct file permissions (755 for folders, 644 for files).
  • Reset your .htaccess file.

17. Too Many Redirects

Cause: Misconfigured redirects or conflicting plugins.

Fix:

  • Clear your browser cookies and cache.
  • Disable all plugins and re-enable them one by one.
  • Check for redirect rules in .htaccess.

18. Locked Out of Admin Area

Cause: Incorrect password, plugin conflicts, or security settings.

Fix:

  • Reset your password via phpMyAdmin.
  • Deactivate plugins via FTP.
  • Restore from a backup.

19. Scheduled Posts Not Publishing

Cause: Cron job issues.

Fix:

  • Use plugins like WP Missed Schedule to manage missed posts.
  • Check your server’s cron settings.

20. PHP Errors in WordPress

Cause: Conflicts or bugs in themes or plugins.

Fix:

  • Enable WP_DEBUG to identify errors.
  • Deactivate all plugins and switch to a default theme.
  • Update PHP to the latest version supported by WordPress.

Conclusion

Dealing with WordPress errors can be frustrating, but most issues have straightforward solutions. By understanding common errors and their fixes, you can keep your site running smoothly. Always back up your site before making changes, and consider using a staging environment for troubleshooting.

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