We’ve all faced those frustrating moments when our WordPress site suddenly breaks, leaving us feeling helpless. Whether it’s a blank page or an internal server error, these issues can prevent users from accessing your content and cause unnecessary stress.
Good WordPress troubleshooting ensures users can get back to browsing without unnecessary delays. But the best fixes not only restore functionality—they improve the overall experience, helping to keep your site running smoothly with minimal disruption.
Here, we’ll break down five of the most common WordPress errors, what causes them, and how to resolve them quickly.
These are the most common errors found within a WordPress site. Luckily for you, we have your solution listed below.
- White Screen of Death (WSOD)
- Internal Server Error
- Error Establishing Database Connection
- Incorrect wp-config.php information
- Connection Timed Out
How do you know when something’s gone wrong with your site?
While some errors might be immediately obvious, others can be more subtle. Whether you’re faced with a blank screen or an internal server error, identifying the issue is the first step. But is there a more methodical way to tackle these problems?
We recommend following a set troubleshooting process that addresses the most common causes of WordPress errors. Below, we’ll explain the causes and solutions for each issue, helping you get your site back online as quickly as possible.
1. The White Screen of Death (WSOD)
- Causes: Plugin conflicts, theme issues, exhausted memory limits.
- Solution: Deactivate plugins, switch themes, and increase the PHP memory limit.
2. Internal Server Error
- Causes: Corrupted .htaccess file, plugin/theme conflicts, memory exhaustion.
- Solution: Rename the .htaccess file, deactivate plugins, switch themes, and increase memory.
3. Error Establishing Database Connection
- Causes: Incorrect credentials, hosting issues, or hacks.
- Solution: Verify wp-config.php credentials, contact your hosting provider, and scan for malware.
4. Incorrect wp-config.php Information
- Causes: Errors in the wp-config.php file.
- Solution: Double-check the database credentials in wp-config.php and correct any mistakes.
5. Connection Timed Out
- Causes: Server overload due to limited resources.
- Solution: Deactivate plugins, switch themes, increase memory, and ask your hosting provider to adjust execution time.
Final Thoughts
WordPress errors can seem overwhelming, especially for beginners, but they’re often easily fixed with the right approach. Make sure to back up your site before making changes and, if in doubt, contact us for assistance.
