15 Common WordPress Errors and How to Fix Them
WordPress errors can be frustrating, especially when your site goes down unexpectedly. The good news: most WordPress errors have specific causes and well-known fixes.
Before You Start: Enable Debug Mode
Add this to wp-config.php to see detailed error messages:
define('WP_DEBUG', true);
define('WP_DEBUG_LOG', true);
define('WP_DEBUG_DISPLAY', false);
This writes errors to /wp-content/debug.log without showing them to visitors.
1. White Screen of Death (WSoD)
Symptom: A completely blank white screen with no error message.
Fix: Increase PHP memory (define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M');), deactivate all plugins via FTP by renaming the plugins folder, or switch to a default theme.
2. Error Establishing a Database Connection
Fix: Check your database credentials in wp-config.php. If correct, verify with your host that MySQL is running. Run a database repair via yoursite.com/wp-admin/maint/repair.php.
3. 500 Internal Server Error
Fix: Rename your .htaccess to .htaccess_old, go to Settings > Permalinks and save to regenerate it. Also try deactivating plugins one by one.
4. 404 Page Not Found
Cause: Broken permalink settings.
Fix: Go to Settings > Permalinks and click Save Changes — this regenerates the .htaccess rewrite rules.
5. “Sorry, You Are Not Allowed to Access This Page”
Fix: Add yourself as a new admin user via phpMyAdmin, or deactivate security plugins via FTP.
6. “Briefly Unavailable for Scheduled Maintenance”
Fix: Delete the .maintenance file from your WordPress root via FTP.
7. Sidebar Below Content
Cause: An unclosed HTML div tag in your theme or content.
Fix: Check your content for unclosed tags. Switch to a default theme to confirm if it’s a theme issue.
8. RSS Feed Errors
Fix: Check wp-config.php and functions.php for whitespace before <?php. Deactivate plugins one by one.
9. “The Site Is Experiencing Technical Difficulties”
Fix: WordPress sends a recovery link to your admin email after a bad update. Use it to deactivate the problematic plugin/theme. If no email, deactivate plugins via FTP.
10. Mixed Content Warning (HTTPS Issues)
Fix: Install the Really Simple SSL plugin or use Better Search Replace to update all HTTP URLs to HTTPS in your database.
11. WordPress Memory Limit Error
Fix: Add to wp-config.php:
define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M');
12. Login Page Keeps Refreshing
Cause: WordPress cookies are broken, often due to an incorrect site URL.
Fix: Check that siteurl and home in the wp_options database table match your actual domain.
13. Image Upload Issues
Fix: Set uploads folder permissions to 755 via FTP. Increase PHP upload limits in your php.ini.
14. WordPress Sending Email to Spam
Fix: Install WP Mail SMTP and connect it to a transactional email service like SendGrid or Mailgun.
15. Plugin Conflict After Update
Fix: Deactivate all plugins, then re-enable one by one until you find the conflict. Update your theme and WordPress core to ensure compatibility.
When All Else Fails
- Restore from your last backup
- Contact your hosting provider’s support team
- Post in the WordPress.org support forums
Regular WordPress maintenance and keeping a clean installation prevents most errors from occurring.
Helpful resources: