Last Updated On : Feb 28, 2023.

Common WordPress Errors and Ways to Fix Them

WordPress is a highly efficient content management system with an intuitive interface. 99% of the time, it functions flawlessly and helps you manage your website in the best manner. Still, it doesn’t mean that you can always expect it to work smoothly. There are various common WordPress errors that users encounter while working here. At first glance, most WordPress errors will confuse or even frighten you as you wonder about their causes. Some of the most frequent errors include the White Screen of Death, Syntax error, and 404 Not Found Error. But you don’t need to remain anxious about them anymore. We have compiled the necessary troubleshooting for you to fix the common errors that arise in WordPress.

Common WordPress Errors That Users Face

Although there are many different errors that WordPress users face, the ones mentioned below are widely reported. Basic knowledge of troubleshooting these errors will help you work uninterruptedly.

1. White Screen of Death or WSOD

This error happens when you notice a blank white screen instead of your usual website. You can also see an HTTP 500 error stating that the page cannot handle the request.

Some causes of this common error include:

• PHP code-level problems.
• The memory limit is depleted.
• The WordPress plugin and theme are incompatible.
• A plugin or theme is corrupt.
• Server-side issues.

Some fixes you can implement to resolve it are as follows.

A. Clear browser and WP plugin cache

Clearing the browser cache is a good method to get rid of unnecessary data and cookies. Just navigate to ‘More tools‘ and tap ‘Clear browsing data.’

Further, clear the website cache through the cache plugin settings. Then revisit your website and confirm if the error is still there.

B. Increase the PHP memory limit

An exhausted PHP memory limit results in WSOD. So, increase the limit by following these points.

• The memory limit is as per the file named wp-config.php. You need to edit it to raise the memory limit.
• Connect through FTP to access your website’s files.
• Enter your credentials in the FTP program, so you can view the folders having the files.
• Launch the ‘root’ folder and look for the wp-config.php file.
• Now, find ‘define(“WP_MEMORY_LIMIT,” 64M’); Increase the value of 64M to 256 or 512MB.
• Refresh your WP website.

2. 403 Forbidden error

This is another common error for which people connect with a WordPress support service. It happens when the user attempts to visit a particular page on their site or sign into WordPress.

Here are some leading causes behind this issue.

• Badly configured security plugins.
• Corrupt .htaccess file.
• Wrong file permissions.
• Sometimes, your WordPress hosting company can modify its server settings. It results in this error.

Use these resolutions when you get this error.

A. Fix the error due to a corrupt .htaccess file

If the 403 Forbidden error has occurred due to a corrupt .htaccess file, you need to repair it.

• Use an FTP client to connect/link to your WordPress website in cPanel.
• Now, in your WordPress site’s root folder, find the .htaccess file.
• Download it to your computer to have its backup.
• Now delete the file from the server.
• Try to access your WordPress website. The error will be resolved.

B. Change file permissions

Incorrect file permissions are a prevalent cause of this error. Here’s the process to change them and resolve the error by yourself.

• Use an FTP client to link/connect to your WordPress website.
• Go to the root folder that has your WordPress files.
• Tap to choose a folder. Then right-tap it and choose ‘File Permissions.’
• A File Permissions dialog box will appear.
• Every folder in your WP website must have a 744/755 file permission.
• Every file in your WP website must have a 644/640 file permission.
• To set the file permission to 744/755, place a tick on the box beside ‘Recurse into subdirectories.’
• Now, place a tick on the option ‘Apply to directories only.’
• Tap ‘OK.’
• Repeat this process for every file.
• Finally, try to access your website.

3. Connection timed out error

One of the common WordPress errors that perplex users is the connection timed-out error. It is a prevalent problem, and it’s common to feel annoyed when you see an error message on your screen.

The error arises due to the following:

• Overburdened shared server.
• Heavy plugins
• Theme function problem
• A depleted PHP memory limit.

Here are some quick methods to fix it.

A. Turn off WordPress plugins.

If you have many plugins, it becomes vital to execute and respond to the various requests that come from them. That’s why WordPress services professionals recommend you disable plugins from the dashboard. Reactivate them one at a time till you identify the one with a problem. You can then delete it.

B. Raise the PHP-allocated memory

The connection timed-out error also occurs due to an exhausted PHP limit. So, increase it by following the instructions given above. Remember to contact your hosting company if they don’t allow you to allocate more memory.

4. Error establishing a database connection

This error points to a problem in making a connection with your database. It implies that your WordPress site cannot retrieve the relevant content from its database.

The most common cause behind this problem is wrong credentials present in the database. The reason behind this error is in the wp-config.php file present in the root folder. Another cause for it is a damaged database.

Here’s how to troubleshoot it.

A. Ensure that the credentials are correct

• Use the FTP connection to go to the root folder.
• Launch the wp-config.php file.
• Examine the database, name, password, and username, and ensure they are correct.

But if this step doesn’t fix the error, it’s best to connect with professional WordPress support services.

B. Perform a repair of the database

The error can also be a result of a damaged database. Fortunately, there’s a built-in repair mode in WordPress. Use these points to repair the database.

• Activate the built-in repair mode by editing the wp-config.php file of your website through FTP.
• The file is present in the root directory of the website.
• Choose ‘wp-confog.php‘ and tap ‘Edit.’
• Above the line, ‘/* That’s all, stop editing! Happy Publishing. */’ input the following piece of code: define( ‘WP_ALLOW_REPAIR’ , true);
• Tap ‘Save‘ to confirm your changes.
• To load the mode of repair, launch the page https://yourdomain.com/wp-admin/maint/repair.php.
• Substitute yourdomain.com with the name of your website.
• You can select any of the two options, namely ‘Repair and optimize database‘ or ‘Repair Database.’
• Post maintenance, load the homepage of your website again.
• After the error has been resolved, delete the code in wp-config.php. It will ensure that no one other than you can run repair mode.

5. Unable to upload images

Many people find themselves unable to upload pictures on their WP website. Pictures mean a lot to every website owner as they make the interface attractive.

Some reasons for this glitch include the following:

• Wrong file and directory permissions.
• Your site has been hacked.
• A plugin has mistakenly rewritten the permissions.

Implement the following troubleshooting for this error.

A. Modify file and directory permissions

• Link to your website through FTP.
• Navigate to the root folder.
• Choose the folders in this directory, right-tap, and select ‘File Permissions.’
• Change the numeric value in the dialog box to 755.
• Now, choose ‘Apply to directories only.’
• Apply the permissions for all files by right-clicking the ‘Uploads’ folder.
• Input ‘644’ implying that the owner has read and write access. It also means that other users can only read.
• Choose ‘Apply to files only‘ and tap ‘OK.’

B. Review the image file name

Another good way to troubleshoot this error is to look at the image file name. It should not have any special characters or accent letters. Apart from that, the file size should also not be too large. If it is, you will need to head to the root directory and make a php.ini file.

6. Syntax errors

Syntax errors in WordPress indicate that there’s a problem with your site’s code. If neglected, this error can break your entire website. Here are the common triggers for this error.

• Incorrect code.
• A plugin or an extension isn’t compatible with your WP site.

Use these ways to overcome this issue in WordPress.

A. Find the corrupted file.

If the error occurs after installing new plugins, they are the culprit behind it. You can also look at the syntax error message and find the entire path of the corrupted file. After finding the file, you need to modify it.

• After spotting the cause of the error, launch hPanel’s ‘File Manager.’
• Now go to the files containing the folder.
• Double-tap the corrupted file.
• Now, find the code line that’s causing the problem.
• Correct the code.
• Finally, tap ‘Save & Close.’
• Now reload your website.

B. Turn on debugging to find the location of the syntax error.

WordPress users are often unsure of the exact location of the syntax error. To resolve it, you can turn on debugging. It shows the precise location of the error.

To enable debugging, just add the following code to the wp-config.php file: define(‘WP_DEBUG,’ true );

Now save the file. Then reload your website. You’ll view a text string that shows the error’s location.

7. Fatal error

The fatal error is again one of those common WordPress errors that take people by surprise. The error warning is enough to scare people who do not have any technical background in fixing WP glitches.

The main causes for this error warning include the following:

• A badly coded plugin.
• The plugin code is not compatible with the code of WP core files.
• There’s a conflict with your website theme.
• A conflict between two plugins.

You can resolve this error by adhering to these points.

A. Fix the issue with themes

If you face a fatal error while installing a theme, you must delete it from the server you use. Alternatively, you can modify the folder name by adding something at the end.

To access the theme folder, head to ‘wp-content.’ Then choose ‘Themes‘ from there and rename or delete them.

B. Rename plugins

If you still see the fatal error warning on your website, try this fix. Rename the plugin folder. When you rename the plugins folder differently, it deactivates every plugin on your site. You can see if this action resolves the problem.

If not, rename the folder to its original name to see all the plugins you have installed. Enable them one at a time. Now, find the ones that are causing the problem.

If you need more assistance with troubleshooting this error, contact reliable WordPress services.

8. WordPress maintenance mode error

When the WordPress website doesn’t go past the maintenance mode, it becomes difficult for users to work. You will see the message, ‘Briefly unavailable for scheduled maintenance. Check back in a minute.’

The good news is that fixing this error is quite simple. But before that, you must know about its major causes.

• Slow hosting environment
• Very low PHP memory limit.
• There’s a compatibility issue that’s causing the glitch.

Use these methods to resolve the error.

A. Find and delete the .maintenance file.

The most effective fix is to locate and delete the .maintenance file for your WP website. Before going ahead, create a backup of your website.

• Sign in to the cPanel.
• Tap’ File Manager.’
• Go into the public_html directory.
• Here, all the files of your site are there.
• Find the .maintenance mode file.
• Right-tap this file and choose ‘Delete.’
• Now your website won’t be in this mode.

B. Check that your plugins or themes are compatible.

Your plugins and themes must be fully compatible with your WordPress version. You can check it by heading to your WordPress dashboard. Also, do not update all your plugins simultaneously. Do it whenever the updates are available.

The Bottom Line

These were some of the extremely common WordPress errors that trouble website owners. It’s essential to understand what causes them and know about their fixes to prevent your website from getting ruined. If you need more help or support in fixing them, connect with WordPress technical support experts.

Tagged with: 403 forbidden error Common WordPress Error Connection timed out error error establishing a database connection Fatal Error Syntax errors Unable to upload images White Screen of Death WordPress maintenance mode error