10 Basic Steps for Troubleshooting WordPress Errors

Introduction

WordPress is a powerful and flexible platform, but like any software, it can encounter errors. These issues can disrupt your website’s functionality, affecting your business or personal blog. This guide will walk you through the basic steps for troubleshooting common WordPress errors. If you encounter issues beyond your expertise, SmartHost offers a comprehensive Fix My WordPress Website Service and WordPress Care and Maintenance Plans to ensure your site runs smoothly.

Steps for Troubleshooting WordPress Errors

Step 1: Backup Your Website

Before making any changes, back up your website. This ensures you can restore your site if anything goes wrong. SmartHost provides reliable backup solutions to safeguard your data.

Step 2: Deactivate All Plugins

Plugins can often cause conflicts. Deactivate all plugins and see if the issue persists. If the problem is resolved, reactivate each plugin one by one to identify the culprit.

Step 3: Switch to a Default Theme

Themes can also cause compatibility issues. Switch to a default WordPress theme (like Twenty Twenty-Four) to check if your theme is the problem.

Step 4: Clear Your Cache

Sometimes, cached data can cause errors. Clear your browser cache and your WordPress caching plugins.

Step 5: Update WordPress, Themes, and Plugins

Ensure your WordPress core, themes, and plugins are up to date. Outdated software can have security vulnerabilities and bugs.

Step 6: Enable Debugging Mode

WordPress has a built-in debugging feature that helps identify errors. Add the following line to your wp-config.php file:

define('WP_DEBUG', true);

This will display error messages on your site.

Step 7: Check File Permissions

Incorrect file permissions can cause various issues. Ensure your files have the correct permissions:

• Directories: 755
• Files: 644

Step 8: Increase PHP Memory Limit

Some errors occur due to insufficient memory. Increase the PHP memory limit by adding this line to your wp-config.php file:

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

Step 9: Check .htaccess File

A corrupted .htaccess file can cause server errors. Rename the .htaccess file to .htaccess_old and see if the issue is resolved. If so, generate a new .htaccess file by navigating to Settings > Permalinks and clicking Save Changes.

Step 10: Contact SmartHost Support

If you have followed these steps and the issue persists, contact SmartHost Support for professional assistance. Our team is ready to help you resolve any WordPress issues efficiently.

Further Reading

Step 1: Backup Your Website

Backing up your website is crucial before making any changes. This process involves saving a copy of your website’s files and database. You can use plugins like UpdraftPlus or the backup feature provided by SmartHost to create a complete backup. This ensures you can restore your site to its previous state if an error occurs during troubleshooting.

Step 2: Deactivate All Plugins

Plugins add functionality to WordPress but can also cause conflicts. To identify if a plugin is causing an error, deactivate all plugins by navigating to Plugins > Installed Plugins and selecting Deactivate from the bulk actions dropdown. After deactivating, check if the error persists. If not, reactivate each plugin one at a time and refresh your site after each activation to identify the problematic plugin.

Step 3: Switch to a Default Theme

Themes control the appearance of your site and can sometimes cause compatibility issues. Switch to a default WordPress theme, such as Twenty Twenty-Four, by going to Appearance > Themes, and activating the default theme. If the error is resolved, the issue lies with your previous theme. Consider updating or replacing it.

Step 4: Clear Your Cache

Cached data can cause errors by loading outdated information. Clear your browser cache by accessing your browser settings. Additionally, clear your WordPress cache if you’re using caching plugins like W3 Total Cache or WP Super Cache. This ensures you are viewing the latest version of your site.

Step 5: Update WordPress, Themes, and Plugins

Outdated software can have vulnerabilities and bugs. Regularly update your WordPress core, themes, and plugins by navigating to Dashboard > Updates and clicking Update Now. Keeping everything up to date ensures you benefit from the latest features and security patches.

Step 6: Enable Debugging Mode

Enabling debugging mode helps identify the cause of errors. Add define('WP_DEBUG', true); to your wp-config.php file located in your WordPress root directory. This will display error messages on your site, helping you pinpoint the source of the issue. Remember to disable debugging mode by changing true to false once you’ve resolved the problem.

Step 7: Check File Permissions

Incorrect file permissions can prevent WordPress from accessing necessary files. Use an FTP client or your hosting control panel to check and set file permissions. Directories should have 755 permissions, and files should have 644. Correct permissions ensure WordPress can read and write files as needed.

Step 8: Increase PHP Memory Limit

Errors like “Allowed memory size exhausted” indicate insufficient memory. Increase the PHP memory limit by adding define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M'); to your wp-config.php file. This allocates more memory to WordPress, helping it handle larger processes.

Step 9: Check .htaccess File

A corrupted .htaccess file can cause server errors like “500 Internal Server Error.” Rename your .htaccess file to .htaccess_old to deactivate it. If this resolves the error, generate a new .htaccess file by navigating to Settings > Permalinks and clicking Save Changes. This creates a fresh .htaccess file with default settings.

Step 10: Contact SmartHost Support

If the above steps do not resolve your issue, contact SmartHost Support for professional assistance. Our team offers expert troubleshooting and can handle complex issues that may be beyond your expertise.

SmartHost Services

Fix My WordPress Website Service

If troubleshooting seems overwhelming, SmartHost offers a Fix My WordPress Website Service. Our experts will diagnose and resolve any WordPress issues, ensuring your site runs smoothly.

WordPress Care and Maintenance Plans

Regular maintenance keeps your WordPress site secure and efficient. SmartHost provides WordPress Care and Maintenance Plans that include updates, backups, security monitoring, and performance optimization. Our plans ensure your website remains in optimal condition.

FAQ about Troubleshooting WordPress Errors