Common WordPress Errors And How To Fix Them

In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into some of the most common WordPress errors and provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to fix them.

WordPress is a powerful and widely used content management system (CMS) that empowers millions of websites across the internet. While its user-friendly interface and extensive plugin ecosystem make it a preferred choice for website development, encountering errors is not uncommon.

However, the good news is that most of these errors have straightforward solutions that you can implement without being a coding expert.

 

1. HTTP Error When Uploading Media

The “HTTP Error When Uploading Media” is a common problem that users often face when trying to upload images or other media files to their WordPress websites. This error message can occur for a variety of reasons and can be frustrating for users who want to add visual content to their site.

Possible causes for this error include incorrect server settings, large file sizes, or conflicts with certain plugins. When you encounter this error, here are some steps you can take to resolve it:

Solution

1. Verify the image file format (JPEG, PNG, GIF).

Make sure that the image file you’re trying to upload is in a supported format, such as JPEG, PNG, or GIF. If the file is in a different format, consider converting it to a compatible one before uploading.

2. Resize the image if it’s too large.

Large image files can sometimes trigger the HTTP error. If your image has a high resolution or large dimensions, consider resizing it to a more reasonable size before uploading. There are various image editing tools available that can help you do this.

3. Deactivate plugins temporarily to check for conflicts.

Some plugins might interfere with the uploading process and trigger the HTTP error. To check if a plugin is causing the issue, deactivate all plugins temporarily and try uploading the media file again. If the upload is successful, reactivate the plugins one by one to identify the problematic one.

4. Modify server settings or reach out to your hosting provider.

Incorrect server settings or limitations on your hosting server can also lead to this error. If the issue persists, you might need to modify certain server settings or contact your hosting provider for assistance. They can help you adjust server configurations to accommodate media uploads.

 

2. White Screen of Death (WSOD)

A white screen instead of your website can be intimidating, but it’s commonly known as the White Screen of Death. It’s usually caused by a script or plugin issue.

Solution

1. Disable recently installed plugins or themes.
2. Access your website via FTP to rename plugins or themes folders.
3. Enable WordPress debugging to identify the error’s source.

 

3. Internal Server Error (500)

The “Internal Server Error” is a generic error that can be caused by issues in the server’s configuration or conflicts with plugins and themes.

Solution

1. Increase PHP memory limit in wp-config.php or php.ini.
2. Disable all plugins and enable them one by one to identify the problematic plugin.
3. Check server error logs for specific details.

 

4. 404 Page Not Found Error

The “404 Page Not Found” error occurs when users try to access a non-existent page on your website.

Solution

1. Verify the permalink structure in Settings > Permalinks.
2. Regenerate permalinks by saving the settings again..
3. Update internal links and ensure that content is properly linked.

 

5. Mixed Content Error (HTTPS/SSL Issues)

If you’ve recently migrated your website to HTTPS or added an SSL certificate, you might encounter mixed content errors where some elements are still loading over insecure HTTP connections.

Solution

1. Use a plugin like Really Simple SSL to automatically fix mixed content issues.
2. Update internal links to use HTTPS.
3. Check your theme and plugins for hard-coded HTTP links.

 

6. The Sidebar Below Content Error

Sometimes, your sidebar might appear below your main content instead of beside it. This can be caused by issues in your theme’s CSS or layout.

Solution

1. Inspect your theme’s style.css for float and width properties.
2. Check for unclosed HTML tags in your content.
3. Test by temporarily switching to a default WordPress theme.

 

7. Emails Not Being Sent by WordPress

If your WordPress website isn’t sending email notifications, it could be due to misconfigured email settings or server limitations.

Solution

1. Use a plugin like WP Mail SMTP to configure proper email settings.
2. Check if your hosting server imposes email sending limits.
3. Utilize third-party email services like SendGrid or Mailgun.

 

8. Memory Exhausted Error

Running out of memory can result in the “memory exhausted” error, leading to website crashes or failures to load.

Solution

1. Increase PHP memory limit in wp-config.php or php.ini.
2. Deactivate memory-intensive plugins.
3. Optimize your website’s code and content to reduce memory usage.

 

9. Connection Timed Out Error

The “connection timed out” error occurs when your server takes too long to respond, usually due to slow server performance or high traffic.

Solution

1. Check your hosting server’s resource usage and consider upgrading your plan.
2. Optimize your website’s performance by using caching plugins.
3. Consider a Content Delivery Network (CDN) to distribute content globally.

 

Conclusion

Navigating through WordPress errors can be frustrating, but armed with the knowledge gained from this comprehensive guide, you’re now better equipped to troubleshoot and resolve common issues that might arise. Remember to always keep your website and plugins updated, maintain regular backups, and approach troubleshooting with patience and methodical steps.

Should you encounter an error that isn’t covered here, don’t hesitate to consult WordPress forums, online communities, or even seek professional assistance to ensure your website remains a smooth, functional, and reliable online presence. By addressing errors promptly and effectively, you’re well on your way to maintaining a seamless and engaging user experience on your WordPress-powered website.