Fixing Common WordPress Errors

Fixing Common WordPress Errors

WordPress errors can be frustrating, but most have well-known causes and straightforward fixes. Here are the most common issues and how to resolve them.

White Screen of Death (WSOD)

A blank white page with no error message, usually caused by a PHP fatal error or memory exhaustion.

Fixes:

1. Enable debugging: Add to wp-config.php:

   define('WP_DEBUG', true);
   define('WP_DEBUG_LOG', true);
   

2. Increase memory limit: Add to wp-config.php:

   define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M');
   

3. Disable plugins: Rename the wp-content/plugins folder via FTP to deactivate all plugins. Rename it back and reactivate plugins one by one to find the culprit.
4. Switch theme: Rename your active theme’s folder to fall back to a default theme.

Error Establishing a Database Connection

WordPress can’t connect to the MySQL database.

Fixes:

• Verify database credentials in wp-config.php (DB_NAME, DB_USER, DB_PASSWORD, DB_HOST).
• Check if the database server is running — contact your hosting provider if needed.
• Repair the database: Add define('WP_ALLOW_REPAIR', true); to wp-config.php, then visit yoursite.com/wp-admin/maint/repair.php.

500 Internal Server Error

A generic server-side error with multiple potential causes.

Fixes:

1. Rename .htaccess to .htaccess_backup and reload the site. If it works, go to Settings → Permalinks and click Save to regenerate.htaccess.
2. Increase PHP memory limit.
3. Deactivate plugins to check for conflicts.
4. Check the PHP version — upgrade if your host supports a newer version.

404 Errors on All Pages (Except Home)

Permalink settings are misconfigured or .htaccess is missing.

Fix: Go to Settings → Permalinks and click Save Changes without modifying anything. This regenerates the .htaccess file.

Stuck in Maintenance Mode

WordPress displays “Briefly unavailable for scheduled maintenance” and doesn’t recover.

Fix: Delete the .maintenance file from your WordPress root directory via FTP or File Manager.

Login Redirect Loop

You’re redirected back to the login page after entering correct credentials.

Fixes:

• Clear browser cookies and cache.
• Verify WP_HOME and WP_SITEURL in wp-config.php match your actual domain.
• Check for plugin conflicts (especially security or caching plugins).

Memory Exhausted Error

Fatal error: Allowed memory size of xxx bytes exhausted

Fix: Increase memory in wp-config.php:

define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M');

Also check with your hosting provider for PHP memory limits set at the server level.

General Troubleshooting Steps

1. Always back up before making changes.
2. Check the error log in cPanel or wp-content/debug.log.
3. Disable plugins and switch to a default theme to isolate the issue.
4. Ensure PHP and WordPress are on supported versions.
5. Contact your hosting provider’s support if server-side issues persist.