common wordpress errors and how to fix them

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50 Most Common WordPress Errors and How to Fix Them

50 Most Common WordPress Errors and How to Fix Them

As a seasoned WordPress developer with over 15 years of experience, I’ve witnessed my fair share of WordPress errors. While WordPress is known for its user-friendliness, these pesky errors can crop up at the most inconvenient times, leaving you scratching your head and panicking. But fear not! Most WordPress errors are common and have proven solutions.

This comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge to tackle the 50 most common WordPress errors. From the dreaded ‘Internal Server Error’ to the perplexing ‘White Screen of Death,’ we’ll delve into the causes, symptoms, and detailed solutions for each error.

Remember, before attempting any fixes, always back up your WordPress website. This will protect your data and ensure a smooth recovery process if anything goes wrong. Let’s dive in!

Table of Contents

How to Fix Internal Server Error

The dreaded ‘Internal Server Error’ (500 Internal Server Error) is often the most confusing error for beginners. This error pops up when something’s wrong, but the server struggles to pinpoint the exact issue. The lack of a specific error message can make troubleshooting a real pain.

Here’s a breakdown of potential causes and solutions:

  • Plugin or Theme Conflicts: A recently installed plugin or theme might be incompatible with your WordPress setup. Disable all plugins and switch to a default theme like Twenty Twenty-Four. If the error disappears, re-enable plugins one by one to identify the culprit.
  • Incorrect Code or Syntax: If you’ve modified WordPress core files, a plugin, or your theme, there might be syntax errors in the code. Check your code for missing brackets, misplaced characters, or incorrect function calls.
  • Database Issues: A corrupted database can also cause this error. Consider using a database repair tool or contacting your hosting provider for assistance.
  • Server Configuration: Problems with your server’s configuration, such as insufficient memory limits, can lead to internal server errors. Contact your hosting provider to discuss potential solutions.
  • File Permissions: Incorrect file permissions can prevent the server from accessing necessary files. Use an FTP client to check and adjust permissions for your WordPress files and folders.

This Site is Experiencing Technical Difficulties

Introduced in WordPress 5.2, this error message acts as a safety net for fatal errors. It aims to display a simple, user-friendly message while informing you about the problem through an email notification sent to your WordPress admin email address. This email includes a link to access the backend and attempt to fix the error.

If you don’t have access to the admin email or can’t receive WordPress emails, finding the root cause becomes more challenging. It’s crucial to ensure your WordPress admin email address is correct and that you can receive notifications. If email issues persist, follow our guide on fixing the WordPress not sending email issue.

How to Fix Syntax Error in WordPress

Syntax errors occur when you introduce code snippets into WordPress with missing or incorrect syntax. This often leads to a PHP parse error, resulting in a message like:

Parse error: syntax error, unexpected $end in /public_html/site1/wp-content/themes/my-theme/functions.php on line 278

The error message highlights the unexpected element found in your code and its location within the script, including the specific line number. To fix this, carefully examine your code. Most syntax errors are caused by missing brackets, misplaced characters, or incorrect function calls. Review the line numbers indicated in the error message and ensure that each line of code is properly written.

How to Fix the Error Establishing a Database Connection in WordPress

This error is a clear sign that your website cannot connect to its database. While it seems straightforward, troubleshooting can be tricky for beginners. Let’s explore the common causes and solutions:

  • Incorrect Database Credentials: The most frequent culprit is entering or modifying your database credentials (host, username, password) incorrectly. Double-check these details in your WordPress settings (Settings > General) and compare them with your database credentials provided by your hosting provider.
  • Unresponsive Database Server: Occasionally, your database server may become unresponsive, making it impossible for your website to connect. Contact your hosting provider to report the issue and seek assistance.
  • Corrupted Database: A corrupted database can also lead to connection errors. Consider using a database repair tool or contacting your hosting provider for support.

How to Fix the WordPress White Screen of Death

The notorious ‘White Screen of Death’ (WSOD) is a blank white page with no error messages, making it one of the most frustrating errors to troubleshoot. Here are the common causes and solutions:

  • PHP Memory Limit Exhausted: A script exceeding the default PHP memory limit is a common reason. Increase the memory limit by adding the following code to your wp-config.php file: 
    define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M');
  • Plugin or Theme Conflicts: Similar to the ‘Internal Server Error,’ a plugin or theme can cause the WSOD. Disable all plugins, switch to a default theme, and observe if the error disappears.
  • Corrupted Files: Corrupted WordPress core files, plugins, or themes can trigger the WSOD. Try re-uploading the corrupted files, or if that doesn’t work, contact your hosting provider for assistance.
  • Server Issues: Server configuration problems, such as limited resources, can also lead to the WSOD. Reach out to your hosting provider for assistance.

How to Fix WordPress Posts Returning 404 Error

When a user visits a single post on your site and encounters a 404 page (not found) error while other sections of the website (including the admin area) work fine, the culprit is often the permalink settings. To fix this, you need to reconfigure your permalinks or manually update your rewrite rules.

  • Reconfigure Permalink Settings: Go to Settings > Permalinks and choose a different permalink structure. This action will regenerate WordPress’s rewrite rules, which should resolve the 404 error.
  • Manually Update Rewrite Rules: If reconfiguring permalinks doesn’t work, access your .htaccess file via FTP. Find the permalink rewrite rules section and ensure they are correct. If you’re unsure about the rules, consider restoring a backup of your .htaccess file.

How to Fix the Sidebar Below Content Error in WordPress

The issue of a sidebar appearing below the content instead of next to it is common and usually caused by the WordPress theme or custom code. Here’s how to fix it:

  • Theme Layout Issues: Check the theme’s documentation or contact the theme developer for assistance. They can help you understand the theme’s layout structure and suggest solutions.
  • Custom Code Errors: If you’ve added custom CSS or HTML code, review it for any errors, like missing closing HTML tags or conflicting CSS rules.
  • CSS Issues: Examine your CSS for disproportionate width settings or missing float clearing. Use browser developer tools to inspect the CSS styles affecting your sidebar and content areas.

How to Fix White Text and Missing Buttons in WordPress Visual Editor

If you’re using the classic WordPress editor (TinyMCE) and encounter disappearing buttons or blank white spaces instead of buttons, the problem could be related to JavaScript errors. Here’s what you can do:

  • JavaScript Conflicts: A plugin or theme might be interfering with the TinyMCE editor’s JavaScript. Disable plugins one by one and check if the error disappears. If so, you’ve found the culprit plugin.
  • Missing or Corrupted TinyMCE Files: If the issue persists, the TinyMCE editor’s files might be missing or corrupted. Try re-uploading the TinyMCE files from a fresh WordPress installation.

Fix the WordPress Memory Exhausted Error – Increase PHP Memory

This error occurs when a WordPress script or a plugin exhausts the default PHP memory limit. You might see a white screen of death or an error message like:

Fatal error: Allowed memory size of 33554432 bytes exhausted (tried to allocate 2348617 bytes) in /home/username/public_html/site1/wp-includes/plugin.php on line xxx

To fix this, increase the memory limit by editing your wp-config.php file. Add the following line:

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

This line increases the memory limit to 256 MB. If your website requires even more memory, you can adjust the value accordingly.

What To Do When You Are Locked Out of WordPress Admin (wp-admin)

Finding yourself locked out of your WordPress admin area is a frustrating situation. Here are the most common reasons and how to regain access:

  • Forgotten Password: If you’ve forgotten your password, the easiest way to regain access is by using the password reset feature. Click the ‘Lost your password?’ link on the login page, enter your username or email address, and follow the instructions.
  • Plugin or Code Conflicts: A plugin or custom code might have made incorrect changes to your admin area, locking you out. Try disabling all plugins and checking if the issue is resolved. If so, re-enable plugins one by one to identify the problematic plugin. If the issue persists, you might need to remove the conflicting code.
  • Hacked Website: A hacked WordPress site can sometimes lead to admin area lockout. In this case, you need to secure your website by changing your passwords, updating plugins and themes, and scanning for malware. Consider using a security plugin like Wordfence or Sucuri to strengthen your website’s defenses.

How to Fix WordPress Login Page Refreshing and Redirecting Issue

When you try to log in to the WordPress dashboard, and you’re repeatedly redirected back to the login page, there are a few common causes to investigate:

  • Incorrect Site URL and Home URL: Ensure that the Site URL and Home URL settings in WordPress are correctly configured. Go to Settings > General and verify that these URLs match your website’s actual URL.
  • Permalink Issues: Incorrect permalink settings can sometimes cause redirects. Visit Settings > Permalinks and choose a different permalink structure. This will regenerate WordPress’s rewrite rules, which may resolve the issue.
  • .htaccess File Problems: The .htaccess file manages redirects on your website. Access this file via FTP and check for any redirects that might be causing the loop. If you’re unsure about the code, consider restoring a backup of your .htaccess file.

How to Fix Image Upload Issue in WordPress

Sometimes you might encounter issues uploading images or find that existing images are broken. This could happen due to incorrect file and directory permissions or other factors.

  • File and Directory Permissions: The most common cause is incorrect file and directory permissions. Use an FTP client to change the permissions of your wp-content/uploads folder to 755 and the permissions of the files within it to 644.
  • Large File Sizes: Your hosting provider might have a limit on the size of files you can upload. If you’re trying to upload large files, consider reducing their size or contacting your hosting provider to increase the file upload limit.
  • Server Configuration: Server configuration issues, such as a lack of available disk space, can also hinder image uploads. Contact your hosting provider for support if you suspect a server-related problem.
  • Plugin Conflicts: A plugin might be interfering with the WordPress media uploader. Try disabling plugins one by one and check if the issue is resolved.

How to Fix Common Image Issues in WordPress

While not necessarily errors, image-related problems can be frustrating. Here’s how to overcome common issues:

  • Image Alignment: WordPress offers options for image alignment within the editor. Select the image, use the alignment buttons in the toolbar, and choose from options like left, right, or center alignment.
  • Image Resizing and Cropping: WordPress provides a built-in image editor that allows you to resize and crop images. Click on an image in the editor and use the ‘Edit Image’ button.
  • Image Galleries: Create galleries using the ‘Add Media’ button and choose the ‘Create Gallery’ option. Select your images and configure settings like the gallery layout and thumbnail size.

How to Fix “Are You Sure You Want to Do This” Error in WordPress

This error often appears in the WordPress admin area, indicating that a plugin or theme might be using Nonce (security keys) incorrectly. Nonce are added to URLs to prevent unauthorized actions. Here’s how to resolve this error:

  • Plugin or Theme Issues: The plugin or theme might be using Nonce incorrectly. Try disabling plugins one by one to see if the error disappears.
  • Update Plugins and Themes: Outdated plugins and themes can contribute to this error. Ensure that all your plugins and themes are up to date.
  • Code Review: If the issue persists, it’s possible that custom code you’ve added is causing the problem. Review any custom code snippets to ensure they’re properly using Nonce.

How to Fix Briefly Unavailable for Scheduled Maintenance Error in WordPress

This error usually appears when a WordPress update is interrupted or incomplete. During an update, WordPress puts your site into maintenance mode, and if the update is interrupted, it may not be able to remove the maintenance mode flag.

Here’s how to fix it:

  • Manually Remove Maintenance Mode: Access your website’s root directory via FTP and delete the .maintenance file. This will remove the maintenance mode flag and restore your website’s accessibility.
  • Complete the Update: If the update was interrupted, try restarting the update process from the WordPress dashboard.
  • Contact Hosting Provider: If the error persists, contact your hosting provider for support.

How to Fix WordPress Not Sending Email Issue

Not receiving contact form submissions or WordPress notification emails is a common problem. The root cause is often that shared hosting providers disable or limit the email sending functionality to prevent server abuse.

Here are solutions:

  • Use a WordPress Email Plugin: A plugin like WP Mail SMTP can help you configure email sending using a third-party SMTP service like Gmail or SendGrid. These services are more reliable for email delivery.
  • Contact Hosting Provider: Contact your hosting provider to inquire about their email sending policies. They might be able to help you configure email settings or suggest alternative solutions.

How to Fix WordPress RSS Feed Errors

Most RSS feed errors in WordPress are caused by poor formatting. You might see errors like:

XML Parsing Error: XML or text declaration not at start of entity
Location: http://example.com/feed
Line Number 2, Column 1:

RSS feeds are formatted in XML, a strict markup language, so even a misplaced space or a missing line break can break your feed. To fix this:

  • Check for Formatting Errors: Examine your functions.php file and other files that might be outputting RSS feed content. Look for missing line breaks, extra spaces, or incorrect HTML tags.
  • Use a Plugin: A plugin like FeedBurner can help you manage and customize your RSS feed, potentially resolving formatting issues.

How to Fix 403 Forbidden Error in WordPress

The 403 Forbidden error code indicates that your server permissions don’t allow access to a specific page, often accompanied by the message:

403 Forbidden – You don’t have permission to access ‘/’ on this server.

This error can arise due to various reasons, such as incorrect file permissions, poorly coded security plugins, or server configuration issues. To troubleshoot:

  • Check File Permissions: Use FTP to check the permissions of the files and folders related to the page experiencing the 403 error. Ensure that the permissions are set correctly. For example, the wp-content/uploads folder should have permissions of 755, and files within it should have permissions of 644.
  • Disable Security Plugins: A security plugin might be too aggressive and blocking access to certain pages. Disable your security plugin temporarily to see if the error disappears. If it does, you’ll need to review the plugin’s settings or consider using a different security plugin.
  • Contact Hosting Provider: If the issue persists, contact your hosting provider to troubleshoot potential server configuration problems.

How to Fix Error Too Many Redirects Issue in WordPress

This error happens when your website gets stuck in a redirect loop, constantly redirecting users back and forth between pages. This typically occurs due to misconfigured redirects.

Here’s how to resolve it:

  • Review Redirects: Check all redirect settings in your WordPress plugins, themes, and the .htaccess file. Make sure that redirects are properly set up and are not creating a loop.
  • Disable Plugins: A plugin might be causing the redirect loop. Disable plugins one by one and check if the error disappears.
  • Restore .htaccess: If you’re unsure about the .htaccess file’s contents, restore a backup of this file.

How to Fix “Upload: Failed to Write File to Disk” Error in WordPress

This error arises when WordPress cannot write files to the disk, often due to incorrect folder permissions. To fix it:

  • Check File Permissions: Use an FTP client to check the permissions of the wp-content/uploads folder and ensure it has permissions of 755. Files within this folder should have permissions of 644.
  • Disk Space: If your hosting account has insufficient disk space, it can prevent file uploads. Check your disk space usage and delete unnecessary files.
  • Server Configuration: Server-side issues, such as a limited file upload size, might be at play. Contact your hosting provider to increase the file upload limit.

How to Fix “This site ahead contains harmful programs” Error in WordPress

This error appears when Google detects suspicious code on your website, indicating a potential malware infection or trojan horse.

Here’s what you can do:

  • Scan for Malware: Use a security plugin like Wordfence or Sucuri to scan your website for malware. They will identify and remove any malicious code.
  • Change Passwords: Change your WordPress admin password and other sensitive account passwords to prevent further unauthorized access.
  • Update Plugins and Themes: Outdated plugins and themes are often targets for hackers. Ensure that all your plugins and themes are updated to the latest versions.
  • Review Advertising Networks: If you’re using advertising networks, review them to make sure they are reputable and safe. Consider switching to a different advertising network if you suspect malicious code is coming from your ads.

How to Fix the Missed Schedule Post Error in WordPress

While WordPress’s scheduling feature is helpful, sometimes scheduled posts don’t publish as intended. Here are common reasons and solutions:

  • Server Issues: A server outage or downtime can prevent scheduled posts from publishing. Check your website’s uptime and contact your hosting provider if you suspect server issues.
  • Plugin Conflicts: A plugin might be interfering with the scheduling process. Try disabling plugins one by one and check if the issue is resolved.
  • Incorrect Time Zone: Ensure your WordPress site’s time zone is correctly set. Go to Settings > General and confirm that the time zone matches your location.
  • Cron Job Issues: WordPress uses cron jobs to schedule tasks. If your cron jobs are not working properly, scheduled posts might be missed. Contact your hosting provider to check your cron job settings.

How to Fix Fatal Error: Maximum Execution Time Exceeded in WordPress

WordPress is built on PHP, and to prevent server overload, PHP has a maximum execution time limit for scripts. If a script exceeds this limit, you’ll get a ‘Maximum Execution Time Exceeded’ error. To fix it:

  • Increase Execution Time: You can increase the PHP execution time by adding the following code to your wp-config.php file: 
    define('WP_MAX_EXECUTION_TIME', 300);

    This line sets the execution time limit to 300 seconds (5 minutes). You can adjust the value based on your needs.

  • Optimize Code: If a script is exceeding the execution time, try optimizing it to make it more efficient. This could involve reducing the amount of data it processes or using a faster database query.
  • Contact Hosting Provider: Contact your hosting provider if you need to further increase the execution time limit.

How to Fix Facebook Incorrect Thumbnail Issue in WordPress

When Facebook doesn’t display the correct thumbnail image for your website’s content, it can be frustrating. Here’s how to ensure Facebook uses the correct thumbnail:

  • Use Open Graph (og) Tags: Facebook uses Open Graph tags to fetch metadata about your website. Ensure that your website has the correct og:image tag set to point to the desired thumbnail image. You can use plugins like All in One SEO or Yoast SEO to automatically add these tags.
  • Featured Image: Set a featured image for your posts or pages. WordPress often uses the featured image as the default thumbnail on Facebook.
  • Facebook Debugger: Use the Facebook Debugger tool to check how Facebook is rendering your website’s metadata. It helps identify any errors or discrepancies in your Open Graph tags.

How to Fix WordPress Keeps Logging Out Problem

WordPress uses cookies to authenticate your login session. If you’re being logged out repeatedly, it’s often because your browser settings or website configuration isn’t correctly handling cookies.

Here’s how to resolve this issue:

  • Check Cookie Settings: Ensure that your browser is allowing cookies from your website. Go to your browser settings and find the privacy or security settings to enable cookies.
  • Clear Cookies: Sometimes old or corrupted cookies can cause login issues. Clear your browser’s cookies and try logging in again.
  • Website URL Settings: Make sure that the Site URL and Home URL settings in WordPress are correctly configured (Settings > General). If you’re accessing your website from a URL that doesn’t match the one in your settings, WordPress might not be able to authenticate your session.
  • Plugin Conflicts: A plugin could be interfering with cookie management. Try disabling plugins one by one to see if the issue is resolved.

How to Fix the Mixed Content Error in WordPress

Mixed content errors occur when an SSL-enabled website (HTTPS) loads resources over an insecure HTTP connection. This can affect your website’s SEO and user experience, as browsers might warn users about potential security risks.

Here’s how to fix mixed content errors:

  • Identify Insecure Resources: Use your browser’s developer tools (usually by pressing F12) to inspect the network tab. Look for any resources loading over HTTP instead of HTTPS.
  • Update URLs: For any insecure resources, update the URLs to use HTTPS. You can often achieve this by changing the URLs directly in your website’s code or by using a plugin like Really Simple SSL to automatically fix URLs.
  • Plugin or Theme Conflicts: A plugin or theme might be loading insecure resources. Try disabling plugins one by one or checking if the theme has any settings related to SSL.

How to Fix Add Media Button Not Working in WordPress

The ‘Add Media’ button relies on JavaScript to launch the media library and uploader. If it’s not working, it’s often because a plugin or theme is conflicting with WordPress’s core JavaScript.

Here’s how to fix this issue:

  • Disable Plugins: Try disabling plugins one by one to see if the ‘Add Media’ button starts working. If it does, you’ve found the culprit plugin.
  • Switch to a Default Theme: A theme conflict could be the cause. Switch to a default theme like Twenty Twenty-Four and see if the issue is resolved.
  • Check for JavaScript Errors: Use your browser’s developer tools to check for any JavaScript errors in your website’s console. These errors could indicate a problem with the media uploader’s JavaScript code.

How to Fix the 502 Bad Gateway Error in WordPress

The 502 Bad Gateway error usually means that your server is experiencing a temporary issue processing requests. Here are common causes and solutions:

  • High Traffic: A sudden surge in traffic can overload your server. If the error is temporary, wait a few minutes and try again.
  • Plugin or Theme Conflicts: A plugin or theme might be causing server strain. Try disabling plugins one by one or switching to a default theme.
  • Server Configuration: Incorrect server configuration, such as insufficient resources, can lead to 502 errors. Contact your hosting provider for support.

How to Fix 503 Service Unavailable Error in WordPress

The 503 ‘Service Unavailable’ error indicates that your server is temporarily unable to handle requests. This can be caused by various issues, including:

  • Overloaded Server: Heavy traffic or a resource-intensive
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