Every WordPress site owner encounters errors eventually. The key is knowing how to diagnose and fix them quickly. This guide covers the most common WordPress errors and provides step-by-step solutions for each.
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Before You Start
Always create a backup before making changes. If you don't have a recent backup and can access your site, create one now. If you can't access your site, ask your host for help with a backup.
White Screen of Death (WSOD)
The dreaded white screen - your site shows absolutely nothing. This is usually caused by a PHP error that WordPress can't display.
Common Causes
- Plugin conflict or faulty plugin
- Theme error
- PHP memory limit exhaustion
- Corrupted WordPress core files
How to Fix
Enable debug mode to see the actual error. Add this to wp-config.php:
define('WP_DEBUG_LOG', true);
Check the debug log at /wp-content/debug.log for the specific error.
Disable plugins via FTP: Rename /wp-content/plugins to /wp-content/plugins_old. If site loads, rename back and disable plugins one by one.
Switch theme via database: Update wp_options table, change template and stylesheet to a default theme like twentytwentyfour.
500 Internal Server Error
A generic server-side error that means something went wrong, but the server can't be more specific.
Internal Server Error
Common Causes
- Corrupted .htaccess file
- PHP memory limit exceeded
- Plugin or theme conflict
- Incorrect file permissions
- Server configuration issues
How to Fix
Rename .htaccess: Via FTP, rename .htaccess to .htaccess_old. If site loads, go to Settings > Permalinks and save to regenerate .htaccess.
Increase PHP memory: Add to wp-config.php:
Check error logs: Look in /logs/error.log or ask your host where error logs are located.
Deactivate plugins: Rename plugins folder as described in WSOD fix.
Error Establishing a Database Connection
WordPress can't connect to your MySQL database. Your site is completely inaccessible.
Common Causes
- Incorrect database credentials in wp-config.php
- Database server is down
- Corrupted database
- Database user lacks permissions
How to Fix
Verify credentials: Check wp-config.php values match your database details:
define('DB_USER', 'database_user');
define('DB_PASSWORD', 'password');
define('DB_HOST', 'localhost');
Check database server: Contact your host to verify the MySQL server is running.
Repair database: Add to wp-config.php, then visit yoursite.com/wp-admin/maint/repair.php:
Check permissions: Ensure database user has SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE, CREATE, DROP, ALTER permissions.
PHP Memory Exhausted Error
WordPress or a plugin tried to use more memory than allowed.
How to Fix
Increase WordPress memory limit in wp-config.php (add before "That's all, stop editing!"):
Increase PHP memory limit in php.ini or .htaccess:
Or in .htaccess:
Contact your host: Some hosts limit memory regardless of these settings. Ask them to increase your limit.
Stuck in Maintenance Mode
You see the maintenance message even though updates finished.
How to Fix
Delete .maintenance file: Connect via FTP and delete the .maintenance file in your WordPress root directory.
If file isn't visible: Enable "show hidden files" in your FTP client. Files starting with . are hidden by default.
Prevent This Error
Don't navigate away during WordPress updates. Wait for the "Update successful" message before doing anything else.
Parse/Syntax Error
A PHP syntax error, usually from editing theme files incorrectly.
How to Fix
Read the error message: It tells you exactly which file and line has the problem.
Edit via FTP: Connect via FTP, download the file, fix the syntax error, and upload it back.
Or restore from backup: If you can't find the error, restore the file from your last backup.
Prevention Tip
Never edit theme files directly. Use a child theme, and always test changes on a staging site first.
Connection Timed Out
The server took too long to respond.
This site can't be reached
Common Causes
- Server overloaded
- PHP execution taking too long
- DNS issues
- Host-level firewall blocking
How to Fix
Wait and retry: Could be temporary server load. Try again in a few minutes.
Check if it's just you: Use downforeveryoneorjustme.com to see if site is down for everyone.
Increase PHP execution time: Add to .htaccess:
Contact your host: They can check server logs and identify the actual cause.
404 Errors on Posts/Pages
Pages that should exist return 404 Not Found errors.
The page you requested could not be found.
How to Fix
Refresh permalinks: Go to Settings > Permalinks and click "Save Changes" without changing anything. This regenerates .htaccess.
Check .htaccess exists: Ensure the file exists and has proper WordPress rewrite rules.
Check mod_rewrite: Ask your host to verify that mod_rewrite is enabled on your server.
Mixed Content Warnings
Your HTTPS site is loading some resources over HTTP, triggering browser warnings.
How to Fix
Update WordPress URLs: Go to Settings > General and ensure both WordPress Address and Site Address use https://.
Search-replace in database: Use a plugin like Better Search Replace to change all http:// URLs to https:// in your database.
Check theme/plugin files: Some hard-coded URLs may need manual updates in theme files.
Image Upload Errors
Unable to upload images to the media library.
HTTP error. / Unable to create directory.
Common Causes & Fixes
Check file permissions: wp-content/uploads should be 755, files 644. Fix via FTP or ask your host.
Increase upload limits: Add to .htaccess:
php_value post_max_size 64M
Check disk space: Ensure your server hasn't run out of storage.
Try a different browser: Sometimes browser extensions interfere with uploads.
MojoShine Handles Most of This: With managed WordPress hosting, many of these errors are prevented automatically. Automatic updates, optimized PHP settings, proactive monitoring, and expert support mean fewer errors and faster fixes when they do occur.
General Troubleshooting Tips
- Always backup first - Before making any changes
- Enable WP_DEBUG - It reveals the actual error
- Check error logs - Server logs show what went wrong
- Disable plugins systematically - Find conflicts by elimination
- Use a default theme - Rules out theme issues
- Clear all caches - Browser, plugin, server-level
- Check recent changes - What did you do before the error started?
Skip the Troubleshooting
MojoShine's autonomous hosting prevents most WordPress errors before they happen.
Start Your Free TrialFrequently Asked Questions
What causes the WordPress white screen of death?
The WordPress white screen of death (WSOD) is usually caused by PHP errors from a faulty plugin or theme, or by exhausting PHP memory. To fix it, enable WP_DEBUG in wp-config.php to see the error, then disable the problematic plugin/theme via FTP, or increase PHP memory limit.
How do I fix "Error establishing a database connection" in WordPress?
This error means WordPress can't connect to the MySQL database. Check that your database credentials in wp-config.php are correct, verify the database server is running, ensure your database user has proper permissions, and check if your database has exceeded its disk space quota.
Why am I getting a 500 Internal Server Error in WordPress?
A 500 Internal Server Error is a generic server-side error. Common causes include corrupted .htaccess file, PHP memory limit exhaustion, plugin conflicts, or server configuration issues. Try renaming .htaccess, increasing memory limits, and disabling plugins to isolate the cause.
How do I fix WordPress stuck in maintenance mode?
WordPress gets stuck in maintenance mode when an update fails to complete. To fix it, connect via FTP and delete the .maintenance file in your WordPress root directory. Then try the update again, making sure not to navigate away during the process.