How to Fix WordPress Common Errors? | 50 Most Common WordPress Errors and How to Fix Them

How to Fix WordPress Common Errors | 50 Most Common WordPress Errors and How to Fix Them

 

WordPress is a robust and versatile content management system (CMS), but like any software, it isn’t immune to issues. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or a beginner, you might encounter various WordPress errors. This guide will walk you through the 50 most common WordPress errors and how to fix them, ensuring your website runs smoothly and efficiently.

1. Internal Server Error (500)

 

Cause: This error is often due to corrupted .htaccess files, plugin issues, or PHP memory limit exhaustion.

Solution:

• Rename the .htaccess file to .htaccess_old and reload the site.
• Deactivate all plugins to see if the issue resolves.
• Increase PHP memory limit in the wp-config.php file.

2. White Screen of Death

 

Cause: This can be caused by exhausted memory limits or theme/plugin conflicts.

 

Solution:

• Increase the PHP memory limit.
• Disable all plugins and switch to a default theme to isolate the issue.

3. Error Establishing a Database Connection

 

Cause: Incorrect database credentials, database corruption, or server issues.

 

Solution:

• Verify database credentials in wp-config.php.
• Repair the database via phpMyAdmin or using define('WP_ALLOW_REPAIR', true); in wp-config.php.

4. 404 Error on Posts

 

Cause: This occurs when the .htaccess file isn’t configured properly.

 

Solution:

• Go to Settings > Permalinks and click ‘Save Changes’ to refresh permalinks.
• Ensure the .htaccess file has the correct rewrite rules.

5. Memory Exhausted Error – Increase PHP Memory

 

Cause: Insufficient PHP memory limit.

 

Solution:

• Increase memory limit by adding define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M'); to wp-config.php.

6. Connection Timed Out

 

Cause: Overloaded server or long-running scripts.

 

Solution:

• Increase PHP time limit in the wp-config.php file.
• Optimize website performance and reduce server load.

7. Briefly Unavailable for Scheduled Maintenance Error

 

Cause: Incomplete or interrupted update.

 

Solution:

• Delete the .maintenance file from the root directory.

8. Image Upload Issues

 

Cause: Incorrect file permissions.

 

Solution:

• Set correct permissions for the uploads directory using FTP: chmod 755.

9. “Are You Sure You Want to Do This?” Error

 

Cause: Plugin or theme conflicts, or nonce issues.

 

Solution:

• Deactivate all plugins and switch to a default theme to find the culprit.

10. Syntax Error

 

Cause: Incorrect PHP syntax in a theme or plugin file.

 

Solution:

• Correct the syntax by accessing the file via FTP or cPanel.

11. 404 Error for Custom Post Types

 

Cause: Incorrect permalink settings or missing rewrite rules.

 

Solution:

• Go to Settings > Permalinks and click ‘Save Changes’.

12. WordPress Memory Limit Error

 

Cause: Insufficient allocated memory.

 

Solution:

• Increase memory limit by adding define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M'); to wp-config.php.

13. Email Not Sending

 

Cause: Misconfigured email settings or server issues.

 

Solution:

• Use an SMTP plugin to send emails via a reliable server.

14. Locked Out of WordPress Admin

 

Cause: Incorrect login credentials or security plugin settings.

 

Solution:

• Reset the password via phpMyAdmin.
• Deactivate security plugins via FTP.

15. Failed Auto-Update

 

Cause: Server configuration issues or file permissions.

 

Solution:

• Manually update WordPress by uploading the new files via FTP.

16. Broken Theme after Update

 

Cause: Theme incompatibility or incomplete update.

 

Solution:

• Reinstall the theme or switch to a default theme temporarily.

17. HTTP Error When Uploading Images

 

Cause: Incorrect server settings or memory limits.

 

Solution:

• Increase the PHP memory limit.
• Ensure the uploads directory has correct permissions.

18. 403 Forbidden Error

 

Cause: Incorrect file permissions or .htaccess issues.

 

Solution:

• Check and correct file permissions.
• Regenerate the .htaccess file.

19. 502 Bad Gateway

 

Cause: Server overload or issues with hosting provider.

 

Solution:

• Contact hosting provider.
• Increase server resources.

20. 503 Service Unavailable

 

Cause: Server maintenance or overloaded server.

 

Solution:

• Wait for server maintenance to complete.
• Optimize website performance.

21. 429 Too Many Requests

 

Cause: Excessive requests to the server in a short time.

 

Solution:

• Use a caching plugin to reduce server load.
• Block suspicious IP addresses.

22. 413 Request Entity Too Large

 

Cause: Uploading files that exceed the server limit.

 

Solution:

• Increase upload_max_filesize in php.ini.
• Modify .htaccess to allow larger uploads.

23. 414 Request-URI Too Long

 

Cause: URL exceeding server limits.

 

Solution:

• Reduce the URL length.
• Adjust server configuration to allow longer URLs.

24. 414 Request-URI Too Long

 

Cause: URL exceeding server limits.

 

Solution:

• Reduce the URL length.
• Adjust server configuration to allow longer URLs.

25. 429 Too Many Requests

 

Cause: Excessive requests to the server in a short time.

 

Solution:

• Use a caching plugin to reduce server load.
• Block suspicious IP addresses.

26. 405 Method Not Allowed

 

Cause: Incorrect HTTP methods used in requests.

 

Solution:

• Ensure the correct HTTP method is used.
• Modify server settings to allow the required methods.

27. 406 Not Acceptable

 

Cause: Server unable to generate a response that meets the client’s criteria.

 

Solution:

• Adjust server settings or disable mod_security.

28. 500 Internal Server Error

 

Cause: Generic server error due to various reasons.

 

Solution:

• Check server logs for specific issues.
• Disable plugins and themes to isolate the problem.

29. 502 Bad Gateway

 

Cause: Server receiving an invalid response from an upstream server.

 

Solution:

• Contact hosting provider.
• Restart server or increase server resources.

30. 503 Service Unavailable

 

Cause: Server temporarily unable to handle the request.

 

Solution:

• Wait for the server to become available.
• Optimize website performance and reduce server load.

31. 504 Gateway Timeout

 

Cause: Server taking too long to respond.

 

Solution:

• Increase PHP timeout limits.
• Optimize database and website performance.

32. 508 Resource Limit Reached

 

Cause: Resource limits on the server exceeded.

 

Solution:

• Upgrade hosting plan.
• Optimize website and reduce resource usage.

33. 509 Bandwidth Limit Exceeded

 

Cause: Exceeded allocated bandwidth.

 

Solution:

• Upgrade hosting plan.
• Use a CDN to distribute traffic.

34. ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS

 

Cause: Misconfigured redirection settings.

 

Solution:

• Clear cookies and cache.
• Check and correct redirection settings in .htaccess.

35. SSL Certificate Errors

 

Cause: Incorrect SSL configuration.

 

Solution:

• Ensure SSL certificate is properly installed.
• Update site URL to use HTTPS in Settings > General.

36. Mixed Content Warning

 

Cause: Site loading both HTTP and HTTPS content.

 

Solution:

• Use a plugin to force HTTPS for all content.
• Manually update URLs to HTTPS.

37. Unable to Access wp-admin

 

Cause: Incorrect file permissions or .htaccess issues.

 

Solution:

• Check and correct file permissions.
• Rename the .htaccess file to .htaccess_old.

38. Stuck in Maintenance Mode

 

Cause: Incomplete update.

 

Solution:

• Delete the .maintenance file from the root directory.

39. PHP Errors

 

Cause: Deprecated or incompatible PHP code.

 

Solution:

• Update PHP version.
• Fix code errors or update themes/plugins.

40. Unable to Save Changes in WordPress

 

Cause: JavaScript errors or plugin conflicts.

 

Solution:

• Check browser console for JavaScript errors.
• Deactivate all plugins and test.

41. 403 Forbidden Error

 

Cause: Incorrect file permissions or security plugin settings.

 

Solution:

• Correct file permissions.
• Check and modify security plugin settings.

42. 404 Page Not Found

 

Cause: Incorrect permalink settings.

 

Solution:

• Refresh permalinks in Settings > Permalinks.

43. 401 Unauthorized

 

Cause: Incorrect authentication.

 

Solution:

• Ensure correct login credentials.
• Reset password if necessary.

44. Network Error

 

Cause: Server or connectivity issues.

 

Solution:

• Check server status.
• Contact hosting provider.

45. Failed to Load Resource

 

Cause: Missing or incorrect file paths.

 

Solution:

• Verify file paths and ensure files exist.

46. Ajax Not Working

 

Cause: JavaScript errors or conflicts.

 

Solution:

• Check browser console for errors.
• Disable plugins and themes to isolate the issue.

47. Max Execution Time Exceeded

 

Cause: Long-running scripts.

 

Solution:

• Increase max execution time in php.ini or wp-config.php.

48. Max Input Vars Exceeded

 

Cause: Too many input variables.

 

Solution:

• Increase max_input_vars in php.ini.

49. “This Site Ahead Contains Harmful Programs” Warning

 

Cause: Site hacked or compromised.

 

Solution:

• Scan for malware and clean the site.
• Request a review from Google after cleaning.

50. “Failed to Open Stream” Error

 

Cause: Missing files or incorrect paths.

 

Solution:

• Ensure all files exist.
• Correct file paths in the code.

Conclusion

 

WordPress errors can be daunting, but most can be resolved with a clear and systematic approach. By understanding the common causes and applying the appropriate solutions, you can maintain a healthy and efficient WordPress site. Regular backups, updates, and security measures are essential to prevent many of these errors from occurring in the first place.

If you find yourself stuck or need professional help, don’t hesitate to reach out to a WordPress expert. At MahbubOsmane.com, we specialize in digital solutions, including resolving WordPress issues. Feel free to contact us for any assistance you might need!