A Complete Guide to Troubleshooting WordPress Errors

WordPress has become the most refined platform for website building for a variety of reasons. It’s a user-friendly environment with well-coded functionality for beginners. And features that are continually being enhanced, as well as a plethora of themes and plugins.

To customize it, you may choose from a range of choices. However, like with every piece of software, it is not without flaws. It is also usual to encounter mistakes. As a result, knowing the fundamentals of troubleshooting WordPress errors is critical to the upkeep of any WordPress website.

Even though this may appear rigid or confusing at first, even a rudimentary grasp of the WordPress troubleshooting process may save you a lot of time and aggravation.

That is why we created this detailed beginner’s guide to WordPress error troubleshooting. And fix website errors very easily.

Instead, we’ll walk you through the most critical troubleshooting procedures. And the grounds behind their removal. You should be able to tackle the majority of WordPress issues on your own with this knowledge.

Also Read :- Find and Fix 404 Errors: A complete Guide (2021)

Why Is Identifying and Correcting WordPress Errors So Important?

An unexpected issue with your website is one of the worst things for a website owner. And given how diverse WordPress mistakes may be. You must be able to diagnose and treat them.

Otherwise, you will have a non-functional system. Or even if you have a non-functional website on your hands, that’s just terrible news.

You could wind up with an out-of-date website. Experience precipitous drops in conversions or revenue, or fail to provide a pleasant customer experience.

When you get an issue when attempting to connect to a database, one of the most typical causes, for example, is that the server is down. You have a corrupted database.

Or you’re simply typing the incorrect login credentials. In comparison, these are correctable issues. You can’t just ignore them and hope for the best. You need to take action as soon as feasible.

You may also encounter other issues, such as the 404 Not Found Error or the “White Screen of Death.”Both of these mistakes have an impact on the front end. Even though the material is on the server, that is. It is inaccessible. And, after all, what is a website without its content?

Most frequent WordPress errors

WordPress errors come in a variety of sizes and shapes. As an example, consider the maintenance mode problem or the connection timed out notification.

To cover them all, though, would take a lifetime. So let’s concentrate on the three most typical suspects you’ll encounter.

Error 404 or page not found

The most prevalent and readily repaired of the lot are 404 errors. They occur when a visitor searches for a URL that it cannot locate on your website.

And there are several causes for this to occur, for example, broken links or address mistakes. It just takes a few seconds to locate and repair broken connections. However, you must first locate them. Consider the security concerns that may emerge for both you and your visitors.

The “White Screen of Death” (WSoD)

This evocatively titled WordPress issue is also one of the most irritating out there. If your website abruptly displays a white screen. You’ve been struck.

Auto-upgrade issues frequently cause the WSoD. Errors in maintenance mode or compatibility issues with plugins and themes are two examples.

All of these potential reasons make troubleshooting a nightmare, especially when you have no idea what’s causing it.

Internal server error

Internal server failures, in contrast to the WSoD, are easily identified. When this happens, it will present you with a massive Internal server error notice. As a consequence, there isn’t any confusion.

The actual issue arises at the troubleshooting step. Because several variables might cause internal server problems,

The WordPress Visual Editor does not correctly load

Suppose you modify or make a new post and find what seems to be a blank screen or missing buttons. You’re dealing with a fairly frequent issue. The writing is generally present, but it is white.

The majority of the time, this is due to a plugin conflict. So, try deactivating your plugins one at a time to see if you can resolve the problem.

It is also worthwhile to try using a different browser to view the site. Suppose it works with another browser. Try emptying your browser’s cache and seeing if that helps.

Concatenated JavaScripts that aren’t operating are also to blame for this issue.

To resolve this problem, add the following code to your wp-config.php file:

define('CONCATENATE_SCRIPTS', false);

Image Uploading Errors or Images Not Loading

Suppose you find that all of your site’s pictures are suddenly broken. Alternatively, you may be unable to submit photos using the media uploader. That is very certainly due to improper file and directory permissions.

Log in to your site through FTP and browse to the wp-content directory to verify your file permissions. These are the Filezilla FTP client instructions. However, they should be the same for other FTP clients.

Select “file permissions” from the context menu when you right-click on the uploads folder within this directory.

The access for this folder and the files within it should be 755. Make certain that the “recurse into subdirectories” option is enabled. “Only apply to directories,” as well. So that all of the folders within the uploads folder have the appropriate permissions.

Right-click the uploads folder once more. You must now update the permissions of all the files to 644. Check the box to recurse into subdirectories once more. Choose “apply to files” this time.

After you’ve reset your permissions, your images should be back up and running.

WordPress Syntax Error

If you go to your website and nothing happens. However, a blank white screen with an error notice reads as follows.

Parse Error: Syntax error, unexpected ‘<‘ in home/admin/public_html/wp-content/theme/functions.php on line 22

It indicates that there is an error in the code. Every time I’ve gotten this issue, it’s been because I was manually modifying the code. And I think I left off a semicolon or something. However, it is conceivable that anything went wrong with a theme or plugin.

It is one of the most valuable types of error messages in WordPress as it informs you not just of the file that contains the problem. But also the precise line that includes the error, as well as the nature of the problem.

All you have to do to repair it is open the file in question. And then locate the line of code that contains the problem and fix the syntax.

How to Troubleshooting WordPress Errors 

Make a complete backup of your WordPress site

The first thing you should do is make a complete backup of your WordPress site. Suppose you were already using a WordPress backup plugin. Then, ensure that you have a recent backup safely saved somewhere.

Suppose you were not utilizing a backup plugin. Then it would be best if you began using one right now. However, if you do not have access to your WordPress site’s administration section. Then you must manually back up your database and files.

Backups make it simple to recover your WordPress site if something goes wrong. They are your first and most essential line of defense against security risks, hacking, and data loss.

Also Read :- How to Backup WordPress Site in 2021

Delete the Browser Cache

Occasionally, your browser may fail to recognize that you are on a WordPress page. The post has changed, and you will now load it from the browser cache. You will be sent to an earlier version of that page or base due to doing so.

To guarantee that you view the most recent website version, you may need to clear your browser cache.

Delete the WordPress Cache

Suppose you use a WordPress caching plugin such as WP Rocket. Then you most likely see a cached version of your website. Some of the best WordPress hosting companies, such as Bluehost and Siteground, use their cache to boost performance.

To ensure that your website is not serving a cached version, delete your WordPress cache.

Deactivate all of your website’s plugins.

Most problems are caused by plugins clashing with one another, your theme, or the WordPress core. Deactivating all WordPress plugins on your site would most likely resolve the issue.

You may then determine which plugin was causing the problem by enabling plugins one by one on your site.

Suppose you have access to your WordPress site’s admin section. Then navigate to the plugins page.

To begin, select all plugins and then choose ‘Deactivate’ from the ‘Bulk Actions’ drop-down box. To disable all chosen plugins, click the Apply button.

Suppose you don’t have access to the administration area. Then, using FTP or phpMyAdmin, you must disable all plugins.

Use an FTP program to connect to your website if you’ve never used FTP before. Then you might be interested in learning how to utilize FTP to upload files to WordPress.

Navigate to the wp-content folder and change the name of the plugins folder to “plugin.deactivate.”

Reinstalling WordPress core files

In certain situations, your problems may result from an incomplete WordPress upgrade, which occurred due to server timeouts, memory problems, or other factors.

If you have modified the WordPress core files, you may encounter an issue alternatively if the files are corrupted for any other cause. You may check for this by reinstalling and examining the WordPress core files if the problem fixes itself after that.

Navigate to Dashboard > Updates in the top left corner of your screen to reinstall WordPress core files from the admin dashboard if your website uses the most recent WordPress version. There is a Reinstall Now button there.

Wait until the installation procedure is complete before clicking the Re-install Now button.

Suppose you are unable to access your admin dashboard. You’ll have to attempt several methods of reinstalling WordPress core files. As with every previous step in the troubleshooting process. Check your website after reinstalling WordPress to determine if the problem persists.

Switch to a Default WordPress Theme

Your WordPress theme might occasionally cause problems with your site. You can simply figure it out. If your theme is producing issues, try switching to a default WordPress theme such as Twenty Nineteen or Twenty-Twenty.

Navigate to the Appearance » Themes tab and click the Activate button next to a default theme.

However, if you do not have access to your WordPress site’s admin area, you’ll need to utilize FTP to change the theme.

Connect to your website through FTP and then browse to the /wp-content/themes/ subdirectory. Download your currently active theme to your desktop as a backup.

Following that, you must delete all themes except a default WordPress theme such as TwentySixteen because your current theme will no longer be accessible. WordPress will now use the available default theme by default.

Suppose your theme was the source of the problem. You should now be able to access your WordPress site.

Refresh Permalinks

WordPress employs an SEO-friendly URL structure, often known as Permalinks. Sometimes the permalink structure is not correctly updated or set. It might lead to unexpected 404 errors on your site.

Without altering anything on your WordPress site, you can quickly update permalinks. Without making any changes, go to Settings » Permalinks and hit the ‘Save Changes’ button.

Backup and Delete .htaccess file

A corrupt—htaccess file frequently causes the internal server error.

To begin, use an FTP program to connect to your website. The. htaccess file is stored in the root directory of your website.

You may need to force your FTP client to reveal hidden files because it is a hidden file.

You should save the htaccess file to your PC as a backup. After that, remove it from your web server.

You may now log in to your WordPress site and navigate to the Settings » Permalinks page. To refresh your permalinks and regenerate a new one. htaccess file for your location, click the Save Changes button.

Get a Reliable Web Hosting Provider

Choosing a reputable web hosting company should be at the top of your priority list when you decide to build a WordPress website.

It might be tempting to choose web servers that provide low-cost services. But it’s only worthwhile if they don’t jeopardize your site’s security. And, as a result, your popularity.

You see, your website or blog is already an effective tool for acquiring new consumers. And it’s excellent to keep current consumers interested. However, concentrating just on intriguing material is insufficient.

Before selecting the most expensive plan, you must first determine your hosting requirements.

Make sure that your potential web host will not jeopardize the security, usability, and responsiveness of your website.

At the same time, don’t go with the most expensive option instead of focusing exclusively on your pocketbook.

You must make a selection depending on the aims of your website. And the quantity of traffic you encounter over time. Before making a decision, conduct an extensive study.

Set the WordPress Site URL

Incorrect WordPress URL and Site URL settings can also redirect problems, 404 errors, and other frequent issues.

It may modify the WordPress URL and Site URL settings from the admin area by going to Settings » General.

You can change the WordPress Address and Site Address settings from the administration area.

Make sure that both URLs are identical.

Suppose you do not have access to your WordPress site’s admin section. Then, using FTP, you may modify these URLs. There are two methods to accomplish this with FTP:

In the wp-config.php file, update the WordPress URL and Site URL settings.

Locate the wp-config.php file after connecting to your website using an FTP client. You must now modify this file in a text editor such as Notepad.

Go to the line that says /* That’s all, no more editing! */, and right before it, add the following code:

define('WP_HOME','http://example.com');

define('WP_SITEURL','http://example.com');

Please replace example.com with your domain name. Save your modifications and then re-upload the file to your server.

Using the functions.php file, update the URLs.

You may also change URLs by editing the functions.php file in your theme.

Using your FTP client, navigate to the /wp-content/themes/ folder. Open the folder containing your currently active theme. And look for the functions.php file within it. You must now modify the functions.php file in a text editor such as Notepad.

Simply add the following lines at the end of the functions file:

update_option( 'siteurl', 'http://example.com' );

update_option( 'home', 'http://example.com' );

After you log in to your site, don't forget to update the WordPress URLs from the settings page once you've entered them into the settings page. It must remove these lines from your theme's functions file.

Check the Reading Settings

Suppose search engines do not index your newly constructed WordPress site. Then this should be the first step you take.

Navigate to the Reading page under Settings after logging in to your WordPress site. Scroll all the way down to the bottom of the page. Also, make sure that the option next to ‘Search Engine Visibility is unchecked.

This option allows you to prevent search engines from displaying your website in search results. Web admins take advantage of it.

When working on a website that is not yet ready for public viewing, you could check this setting by accident and then forget about it.

Make sure this option is unchecked when your website is ready to go live.

Email Problems Troubleshooting

Many WordPress hosting companies do not have correctly set up mail settings. It prevents you and your users from receiving WordPress emails.

Suppose you have a contact form plugin installed. You will, after that, be unable to receive such emails. In addition, you will not receive any WordPress alerts.

Malware and Backdoors Scanning

If you believe your WordPress site has been infected with malware. It would be best if you then used Sucuri to scan your website.

It is the most effective website security monitoring solution for WordPress website owners.

Deleting the custom code that you inserted

Custom code, on the other hand, might be the source of the problem. WordPress users can add extra CSS, JS, or PHP code snippets to improve or add new features to their site.

However, such code may clash with the current theme’s code. Plugins or even core WordPress files, it’s also conceivable that the syntax error in the custom code you included caused the problem.

Suppose the syntactic issue error caused the issue to be resolved if you looked through the code for any missing semicolons (;). Also, open and close brackets or tags.

However, if a coding clash caused the issue, you must look at any conflicting codes.

In either scenario, it may use easy troubleshooting to identify if any of the code you inserted is causing you issues. To do so, delete all of the code you added and then verify your website.

If this resolves the problem, you’ll see the error was caused by some incorrect code you entered. Then you may decide whether or not to continue utilizing that code on your site.

You may also go over it carefully.

Locate and replace even thought.

Asking for help

Although we have already discussed asking for assistance, it is worth reiterating. If, as you go through these troubleshooting procedures, You determine that the problem is with one of your plugins or perhaps your theme. You should seek assistance from their writers after contacting the plugin or theme authors in certain situations. To conduct more server configurations, you may need to get your hosting provider. They may assist you with tasks such as boosting server resources or, if necessary, virus eradication.

The solutions we proposed in this post did not work. You should seek expert assistance.

CONCLUSION

This beginner’s tutorial is intended to provide you with the methods. And approaches you may take to resolve any WordPress issue.

We’ve taken the time to go over the fundamentals of WordPress troubleshooting. As a result, you will be prepared to deal with problems independently, even if these methods do not cure the problem right away.

They can assist you in narrowing down the source of the problem. That way, if you need to contact technical support or developers. You will drastically cut down on total troubleshooting time.