20 Common WordPress Errors and How to Fix Them (Step-by-Step Guide)

WordPress is one of the most popular content management systems (CMS) in the world, powering over 40% of all websites. However, like any software, it’s not immune to errors. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced user, encountering WordPress errors can be frustrating and time-consuming. But don’t worry—this guide will walk you through 20 common WordPress errors and provide step-by-step solutions to fix them.

Introduction

WordPress errors can occur for various reasons, such as plugin conflicts, theme issues, server problems, or even coding mistakes. Knowing how to troubleshoot and fix these errors is essential for maintaining a healthy and functional website. In this guide, we’ll cover the most common WordPress errors, explain why they happen, and provide easy-to-follow solutions to resolve them.

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20 Common WordPress Errors & How to Fix Them

1. White Screen of Death (WSOD)

Explanation: The White Screen of Death is a blank white screen that appears instead of your website. It’s often caused by a PHP error, plugin conflict, or memory limit issue.

Solution:

1. Enable debugging by adding the following code to your wp-config.php file:
   define('WP_DEBUG', true);

2. Check your error logs to identify the issue.
3. Deactivate all plugins by renaming the plugins folder via FTP.
4. Switch to a default WordPress theme (e.g., Twenty Twenty-Three).
5. Increase your PHP memory limit by adding this to your wp-config.php file:
   define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M');

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2. Internal Server Error (500 Error)

Explanation: A 500 Internal Server Error is a generic server-side error that can occur due to corrupted .htaccess files, plugin conflicts, or server misconfigurations.

Solution:

1. Rename your .htaccess file to .htaccess_old via FTP.
2. Refresh your website to see if the error is resolved.
3. If the issue persists, deactivate plugins and switch to a default theme.
4. Check your server error logs for more details.

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3. Error Establishing a Database Connection

Explanation: This error occurs when WordPress can’t connect to your database, often due to incorrect database credentials or a corrupted database.

Solution:

1. Open your wp-config.php file and verify the database name, username, password, and host.
2. Repair your database by adding this line to your wp-config.php file:
   define('WP_ALLOW_REPAIR', true);

3. Visit yoursite.com/wp-admin/maint/repair.php to repair the database.

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4. 404 Page Not Found Error

Explanation: A 404 error means the page you’re trying to access doesn’t exist. This can happen due to broken permalinks or missing files.

Solution:

1. Go to Settings > Permalinks and click “Save Changes” to refresh your permalink structure.
2. Check for broken links using a plugin like Broken Link Checker.
3. Ensure the page or post exists in your WordPress dashboard.

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5. Memory Exhausted Error (Increase PHP Memory Limit)

Explanation: This error occurs when your website exceeds the allocated PHP memory limit.

Solution:

1. Add the following code to your wp-config.php file:
   define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M');

2. Contact your hosting provider to increase the PHP memory limit if needed.

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6. WordPress Stuck in Maintenance Mode

Explanation: WordPress enters maintenance mode during updates. If the process is interrupted, your site may remain stuck in this mode.

Solution:

1. Access your site via FTP and delete the .maintenance file in the root directory.
2. Refresh your website to exit maintenance mode.

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7. Syntax Error in WordPress

Explanation: A syntax error occurs when there’s a mistake in your code, often in the functions.php file.

Solution:

1. Use an FTP client to access the file causing the error.
2. Correct the syntax mistake or restore a backup of the file.

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8. Sidebar Below Content Issue

Explanation: This issue happens when your sidebar appears below your content instead of beside it, usually due to theme or CSS issues.

Solution:

1. Check your theme’s CSS for incorrect float or width properties.
2. Use a child theme to make changes without affecting the parent theme.

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9. Broken Theme After Update

Explanation: A theme update can sometimes break your website due to compatibility issues.

Solution:

1. Switch to a default WordPress theme.
2. Contact the theme developer for support or check their documentation for fixes.

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10. Too Many Redirects Error

Explanation: This error occurs when your site gets stuck in a redirect loop, often due to incorrect URL settings or plugin conflicts.

Solution:

1. Go to Settings > General and ensure your WordPress and Site URLs are correct.
2. Clear your browser cache and cookies.
3. Deactivate plugins to identify the culprit.

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11. Image Upload Issues in WordPress

Explanation: You may encounter issues when uploading images, often due to incorrect file permissions or server settings.

Solution:

1. Check your uploads folder permissions (set to 755).
2. Increase your PHP memory limit and execution time.

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12. WordPress Not Sending Emails

Explanation: WordPress relies on your server to send emails, which may fail due to server misconfigurations.

Solution:

1. Use an SMTP plugin like WP Mail SMTP to configure email settings.
2. Contact your hosting provider to check server settings.

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13. Locked Out of Admin Area

Explanation: You may get locked out due to a lost password or security plugin settings.

Solution:

1. Use the “Lost Password” feature to reset your password.
2. Access your site via FTP and rename the security plugin folder to deactivate it.

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14. Fatal Error: Maximum Execution Time Exceeded

Explanation: This error occurs when a script takes too long to execute.

Solution:

1. Increase the PHP execution time by adding this to your php.ini file:
   max_execution_time = 300

2. Optimize your website’s performance.

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15. Login Page Redirect Loop Issue

Explanation: This issue happens when you’re redirected back to the login page repeatedly.

Solution:

1. Clear your browser cache and cookies.
2. Check your site URL settings in the database.

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16. WordPress Site is Slow (Performance Issues)

Explanation: A slow website can result from poor hosting, unoptimized images, or too many plugins.

Solution:

1. Use a caching plugin like WP Rocket.
2. Optimize images with tools like ShortPixel.
3. Upgrade to a better hosting plan.

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17. Plugin or Theme Conflict Issues

Explanation: Conflicts between plugins or themes can cause various errors.

Solution:

1. Deactivate all plugins and switch to a default theme.
2. Reactivate plugins one by one to identify the conflict.

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18. Cloudflare 520/521/522 Errors in WordPress

Explanation: These errors occur when Cloudflare can’t connect to your server.

Solution:

1. Check your server status and ensure it’s running.
2. Contact your hosting provider for assistance.

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19. WordPress Widgets Disappeared

Explanation: Widgets may disappear due to theme updates or database issues.

Solution:

1. Switch to a default theme.
2. Check your database for corrupted widget settings.

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20. PHP Errors & Deprecated Function Issues

Explanation: These errors occur when using outdated PHP functions or code.

Solution:

1. Update your PHP version to the latest stable release.
2. Replace deprecated functions with updated ones.

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Best Practices for WordPress Maintenance

1. Keep WordPress Updated: Regularly update WordPress core, themes, and plugins.
2. Regular Backups: Use a backup plugin like UpdraftPlus to schedule backups.
3. Choose Reliable Hosting: Invest in a hosting provider that offers excellent support and performance.

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FAQs

Why do WordPress errors happen?
WordPress errors can occur due to plugin conflicts, theme issues, server problems, or coding mistakes.

How can I fix a WordPress error if I can’t access my dashboard?
Use FTP or your hosting control panel to deactivate plugins or switch themes.

What are the best WordPress security plugins to prevent issues?
Plugins like Wordfence and iThemes Security are excellent for securing your site.

How can I restore my WordPress site after an error?
Use a backup plugin or contact your hosting provider for assistance.

Do I need a developer to fix WordPress errors?
While many errors can be fixed manually, a developer can save time and ensure proper resolution.

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Conclusion

WordPress errors are common but fixable with the right knowledge and tools. By following this guide, you can troubleshoot and resolve most issues on your own. However, if you’re still struggling, don’t hesitate to seek professional help.

Need a professional fix? Contact our WordPress experts today for a quick and reliable solution! Keep your website running smoothly and focus on what matters most—your content and audience.