Common WordPress errors Checklist

General Troubleshooting Steps

1. Clear Cache: Clear your browser and WordPress cache to ensure you’re seeing the most recent version.
2. Disable Plugins and Themes: Deactivate all plugins and switch to a default theme (like Twenty Twenty-Three) to identify if a plugin or theme is causing the error.
3. Update WordPress, Themes, and Plugins: Make sure everything is up to date.
4. Backup Your Site: Always create a full backup of your site before making any major changes.

Checklist for Specific Errors

1. Internal Server Error (500)

• Check .htaccess File: Rename the .htaccess file and refresh your site to generate a new one.
• Increase PHP Memory Limit: Update wp-config.php to increase memory.
• Check for Plugin Conflicts: Disable plugins one by one to isolate the problem.

2. Syntax Error in Code

• Identify the File Causing the Error: The error message usually mentions the file path and line number.
• Edit the Code: Use an FTP client or file manager to access the file and correct or remove the offending code.

3. Database Connection Error

• Check Database Credentials: Verify DB_NAME, DB_USER, DB_PASSWORD, and DB_HOST in the wp-config.php file.
• Repair Database: Add define( 'WP_ALLOW_REPAIR', true ); in wp-config.php, then visit yourdomain.com/wp-admin/maint/repair.php.
• Contact Hosting Provider: If none of these steps work, the issue may be server-side.

4. 404 Not Found Error

• Re-Save Permalinks: Go to Settings > Permalinks and click Save Changes without making any modifications.
• Check .htaccess File: Ensure the .htaccess file is writable or try regenerating it.

5. White Screen of Death (WSoD)

• Increase Memory Limit: Increase the PHP memory limit in wp-config.php.
• Enable Debugging: Set define( 'WP_DEBUG', true ); in wp-config.php to show errors on the screen.
• Check for PHP Errors: Sometimes, updating PHP to a compatible version can resolve this issue.

6. Stuck in Maintenance Mode

• Delete .maintenance File: Access your site files via FTP, find the .maintenance file in the root directory, and delete it.

7. “Destination Folder Already Exists” Error

• Delete Existing Folder: Go to wp-content/plugins or wp-content/themes and delete the folder for the plugin or theme you were trying to install.

8. Broken Image Links

• Regenerate Thumbnails: Use the Regenerate Thumbnails plugin.
• Check File Permissions: Ensure the wp-content/uploads folder permissions are set to 755 or 744.

9. Connection Timed Out

• Increase PHP Memory: Increase the memory limit in wp-config.php.
• Optimize Plugins: Disable resource-heavy plugins or optimize images and files.

10. Failed Auto-Update

• Manually Update WordPress: Download the latest WordPress version, upload it via FTP, and overwrite your files.
• Clear Cache After Update: Some updates might not show due to cache; clear it after updating.

11. Email Not Being Sent

• Check Email Settings: Use a plugin like WP Mail SMTP to configure your email settings properly.
• Check with Hosting Provider: Some hosts restrict PHP mail functions, so contact them to confirm settings.

12. HTTP Image Upload Error

• Change PHP Settings: Try increasing upload limits in php.ini (e.g., upload_max_filesize, post_max_size).
• Disable ModSecurity: Some hosts have ModSecurity enabled by default, which can interfere with uploads.