WordPress error messages: the complete troubleshooting guide

WordPress is the worlds most popular CMS, but can sometimes show error messages. In this guide, we cover the most common WordPress errors and how to solve them step by step.

1. White Screen of Death (WSOD)

Symptom

Your website shows only a white screen, without any error message.

Cause

• PHP error in theme or plugin
• Memory limit reached
• Corrupt core files
• PHP version incompatibility

Solution

1. Disable plugins - Rename /wp-content/plugins/ folder via FTP
2. Switch to default theme - Rename your theme folder in /wp-content/themes/
3. Increase memory - Add to wp-config.php: define("WP_MEMORY_LIMIT", "256M");
4. Enable debug - define("WP_DEBUG", true); in wp-config.php

Prevention

Test plugins on a staging environment first and make backups before updates.

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2. Error establishing a database connection

Symptom

Error message "Error establishing a database connection" on your website.

Cause

• Wrong database credentials in wp-config.php
• MySQL server is offline
• Database is corrupt
• Database user has no permissions

Solution

1. Check wp-config.php - Verify DB_NAME, DB_USER, DB_PASSWORD, DB_HOST
2. Test database connection - Via phpMyAdmin in cPanel
3. Repair database - Add: define("WP_ALLOW_REPAIR", true); and go to /wp-admin/maint/repair.php
4. Contact hosting - If MySQL server is offline

Prevention

Store your database credentials safely and make regular backups.

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3. 500 Internal Server Error

Symptom

Error message "500 Internal Server Error" or "HTTP Error 500".

Cause

• Corrupt .htaccess file
• PHP memory limit
• Plugin or theme conflict
• Wrong file permissions

Solution

1. Rename .htaccess - Via FTP to .htaccess_backup
2. Generate new .htaccess - Go to Settings > Permalinks and save
3. Deactivate plugins - One by one via FTP
4. Check file permissions - Folders: 755, files: 644

Prevention

Back up .htaccess before making changes.

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4. Memory exhausted

Symptom

Error: "Allowed memory size of X bytes exhausted" or "Fatal error: Out of memory".

Cause

• Plugin using too much memory
• Theme is too heavy
• Insufficient PHP memory allocated
• Processing large media files

Solution

1. Increase WP memory - In wp-config.php: define("WP_MEMORY_LIMIT", "256M");
2. Increase PHP memory - In php.ini or via hosting panel: memory_limit = 256M
3. Deactivate heavy plugins - Such as page builders or backup plugins
4. Optimize images - Compress before uploading

Prevention

Choose lightweight themes and limit the number of plugins.

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5. Maximum execution time exceeded

Symptom

Error: "Maximum execution time of 30 seconds exceeded".

Cause

• Script takes too long
• Slow database queries
• Importing large file
• Plugin performing heavy task

Solution

1. Increase execution time - In php.ini: max_execution_time = 300
2. Via wp-config.php - set_time_limit(300);
3. Split large imports - Use WP All Import for large files
4. Optimize database - Remove revisions and spam

Prevention

Schedule heavy tasks outside peak hours and optimize regularly.

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6. Parse error: syntax error

Symptom

Error: "Parse error: syntax error, unexpected..." with filename and line number.

Cause

• Typo in PHP code
• Missing semicolon or bracket
• Incorrectly copied code
• Incompatible PHP version

Solution

1. Read the error message - Note file and line number
2. Fix via FTP - Open the mentioned file
3. Correct the error - Remove or fix the code
4. Restore backup - If you dont know what went wrong

Prevention

Use a child theme for customizations and test on staging.

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7. 404 Page Not Found (after changes)

Symptom

Pages show 404 after an update or migration.

Cause

• Permalinks not updated
• .htaccess missing or corrupt
• Page does not exist
• Redirect rules missing

Solution

1. Reset permalinks - Go to Settings > Permalinks > Save
2. Check .htaccess - Should contain WordPress rewrite rules
3. Clear cache - From caching plugins and browser
4. Check page status - May be in trash

Prevention

Re-save permalinks after every major change.

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8. Briefly unavailable for scheduled maintenance

Symptom

Message: "Briefly unavailable for scheduled maintenance. Check back in a minute."

Cause

• Update got stuck
• .maintenance file not removed
• Server timeout during update
• Database update failed

Solution

1. Delete .maintenance - Via FTP in WordPress root
2. Run updates again - Via Dashboard > Updates
3. Check plugins - Deactivate if updates fail
4. Repair database - Via WP CLI or phpMyAdmin

Prevention

Update plugins one by one and make a backup first.

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9. SSL/HTTPS problems

Symptom

"Your connection is not private" or mixed content warnings.

Cause

• SSL certificate expired
• HTTP links in database
• Wrong site URL settings
• CDN still on HTTP

Solution

1. Check certificate - Via hosting panel or SSL checker
2. Update site URL - In Settings > General to https://
3. Search and replace - HTTP to HTTPS in database (use plugin)
4. Update CDN - Set to HTTPS

Prevention

Use a plugin like Really Simple SSL for automatic redirects.

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10. This site is experiencing technical difficulties

Symptom

Message: "This site is experiencing technical difficulties" (WordPress 5.2+).

Cause

• Fatal PHP error
• Plugin or theme crash
• Incompatible update
• PHP version problem

Solution

1. Check your email - WordPress sends recovery link
2. Use recovery mode - Via the link in the email
3. Deactivate problem plugin - Via recovery mode
4. Fix via FTP - Rename plugins/themes folders

Prevention

Test updates locally or on staging first.

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General WordPress troubleshooting tips

• Always make backups - Before any change
• Keep everything updated - WordPress core, themes and plugins
• Use reliable plugins - Check reviews and updates
• Limit the number of plugins - Less is more
• Choose good hosting - With WordPress support

Related articles

• WordPress installation: step-by-step - Installation guide
• WordPress plugin conflicts - Finding conflicts
• WordPress too slow? Speed it up - Performance tips
• HTTP 500 error explained - What does this error mean?
• Best WordPress hosting - Compare hosting

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to implement this?

Implementation time varies per situation. Simple configurations can be done within an hour, more complex setups may take several hours to a day.

What are the costs?

Costs depend on your hosting provider and package. Many basic features are included for free, advanced features may incur additional costs.

Do I need technical knowledge?

You need little technical knowledge for the basics. Most hosting providers offer extensive documentation and support to help you.