72 Most Common WordPress Errors and How to Fix Them

Here are links to the 72 most common WordPress errors and how to fix them. As a WordPress user, you are likely to encounter a wide range of errors, from minor glitches to critical issues that can take down your site.

How to fix the White Screen of Death (WSOD)

This error presents a blank, white screen on your WordPress site, indicating a critical issue that hampers content display. This pesky error can cause panic among WordPress website owners, but fear not!

We will guide you through the steps to fix the WordPress White Screen of Death.

What Causes the WordPress White Screen of Death?

The WordPress White Screen of Death can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

Plugin or theme conflicts: A plugin or theme that’s incompatible with your WordPress installation can cause the WSOD.

Corrupted core files: If your WordPress core files are corrupted, it can cause the WSOD.

Insufficient memory limit: If your WordPress installation doesn’t have enough memory, it can cause the WSOD.

How to Fix the WordPress White Screen of Death

Now that we understand what the WordPress White Screen of Death is and what causes it, let’s delve into the steps to fix it.

Step 1: Enable Debugging Mode

The first step in fixing the WordPress White Screen of Death is to enable debugging mode. This will allow you to see the error message that’s causing the WSOD.

Here’s how:

Edit the wp-config.php file: Locate the wp-config.php file in the root directory of your WordPress installation and edit it.

Add the following code: Add the following code to the file, just before the line that says /* That’s all, stop editing! Happy blogging. */

define( ‘WP_DEBUG’, true );
define( ‘WP_DEBUG_LOG’, true );
define( ‘WP_DEBUG_DISPLAY’, false );
@ini_set( ‘display_errors’, 0 );

Save the file: Save the wp-config.php file and refresh your website. You should now be able to see the error message causing the WSOD.

Step 2: Disable Plugins and Themes

If the error message indicates that a plugin or theme is causing the WSOD, the next step is to disable them. Here’s how:

Deactivate all plugins: Deactivate all of your plugins and see if the WSOD goes away.

Switch to a default theme: Switch to a default WordPress theme, such as Twenty Twenty-One, and see if the WSOD goes away.

Step 3: Increase Memory Limit

If the error message indicates that your WordPress installation doesn’t have enough memory, the next step is to increase the memory limit.

Here’s how:

Edit the wp-config.php file: Open the wp-config.php file and add the following code just before the line that says /* That’s all, stop editing! Happy blogging. */

define(‘WP_MEMORY_LIMIT’, ‘256M’);

Save the file: Save the wp-config.php file and refresh your website. You should now have enough memory to prevent the WSOD.

Step 4: Reinstall WordPress Core Files

If none of the above steps fix the WSOD, the issue may be with your WordPress core files.

Here’s how to reinstall them:

Download a fresh copy of WordPress: Download a fresh copy of WordPress from wordpress.org.

Delete old WordPress files: Delete all files and folders in your WordPress installation except for the wp-config.php file and the wp-content folder.

Upload new WordPress files: Upload the new WordPress files to your WordPress installation.

 

 

How to fix WordPress posts returning a 404 error

What is a 404 Error?

A 404 error occurs when a webpage or post cannot be found on your website.

This can happen when the URL is incorrect or the webpage has been deleted or moved.

It’s important to address 404 errors because they can affect your website’s user experience and search engine rankings.

What Causes WordPress Posts to Return a 404 Error?

There are a few reasons why WordPress posts may return a 404 error, including:

Permalink structure issues: WordPress uses permalinks to create the URLs for your posts. If your permalink structure is incorrect or has been changed, it can cause posts to return a 404 error.

Corrupted .htaccess file: The .htaccess file controls how your website handles URLs. If it becomes corrupted, it can cause posts to return a 404 error.

Plugin or theme conflicts: A plugin or theme that’s incompatible with your WordPress installation can cause posts to return a 404 error.

How to Fix WordPress Posts Returning a 404 Error

Now that we understand what a 404 error is and what causes WordPress posts to return one, let’s dive into how to fix it.

Step 1: Check Permalink Structure

The first step in fixing WordPress posts returning a 404 error is to check your permalink structure. Here’s how:

Go to Settings > Permalinks: In your WordPress dashboard, go to Settings > Permalinks.
Click Save Changes: Scroll down and click the Save Changes button to refresh your permalink structure.

If this doesn’t fix the issue, try changing your permalink structure to something different, saving the changes, and then changing it back to your preferred structure.

Step 2: Regenerate .htaccess File

If your permalink structure is correct and you’re still experiencing 404 errors, the next step is to regenerate your .htaccess file.

Here’s how:

Connect to your website via FTP: Use an FTP client to connect to your website.

Rename the .htaccess file: Rename your existing .htaccess file to something like .htaccess_old.

Regenerate the .htaccess file: In your WordPress dashboard, go to Settings > Permalinks and click the Save Changes button. This will regenerate a new .htaccess file.

Check for 404 errors: Refresh your website and check to see if posts are still returning a 404 error.

Step 3: Disable Plugins and Themes

If regenerating your .htaccess file doesn’t fix the issue, the next step is to disable your plugins and themes.

Here’s how:

Deactivate all plugins: Deactivate all of your plugins and see if the 404 error goes away.

Switch to a default theme: Switch to a default WordPress theme, such as Twenty Twenty-One, and see if the 404 error goes away.

If disabling your plugins or themes fixes the issue, you can reactivate them one by one to find the culprit.

How to Fix the SSH “Connection Refused” Error

As a seasoned WordPress user delving into the intricacies of Secure Shell (SSH), encountering a “Connection refused” error might raise concerns.

Fear not, I will show you how to fix the SSH “Connection Refused” error. This common hurdle has straightforward solutions that empower you to resume your command-line endeavors swiftly.

Unlocking the Mysteries of SSH: Troubleshooting “Connection Refused” Errors in WordPress

In this comprehensive tutorial, we’ll explore SSH, and its applications, and unravel the mysteries behind connection issues. Armed with troubleshooting insights, you’ll soon navigate the realms of SSH effortlessly.

Understanding SSH and Its Applications

What is SSH and When Should I Use It?

Secure Shell (SSH), also known as Secure Socket Shell, is a protocol designed for secure access to your site’s server over unsecured networks. Unlike File Transfer Protocol (FTP), which is limited to file management, SSH opens up a realm of possibilities for advanced users.

It allows remote access to your server, making it invaluable for scenarios like troubleshooting errors that lock you out of your WordPress site.

SSH serves as the gateway to essential developer tools, including:

• WP-CLI: A WordPress command line for tasks like installations, bulk plugin updates, and media file imports.
• Composer: A PHP package manager facilitating the inclusion of frameworks and dependencies into your site’s code.
• Git: A version control system crucial for tracking code changes, especially in collaborative development environments.
• npm: A JavaScript package manager with a command-line interface and JavaScript software registry.

While SSH unlocks powerful capabilities, it’s important to note that it’s an advanced skill. Non-technical users are advised to seek assistance from developers or hosting providers rather than attempting to troubleshoot SSH issues independently.

Common Culprits: Why Is My SSH Connection Refused?

Encountering a “Connection refused” error signals hurdles in establishing an SSH connection. Let’s dissect five common scenarios causing connectivity errors:

1. Your SSH Service Is Down: For SSH to function, the server must run an SSH daemon, a background program listening for connections. Unexpected traffic spikes, resource outages, or potential DDoS attacks can bring down the SSH service. A quick check using the command sudo service ssh status can confirm if the service is down.SSH daemon: Connection refused error, sudo service ssh status.
2. Incorrect Credentials: Simple yet crucial, entering inaccurate details can lead to connection failures. Verify the hostname, username, password, and port to ensure correctness. The default SSH port is 22, but some providers might alter it for security reasons (grep Port /etc/ssh/sshd_config to check).SSH credentials: Connection refused, grep Port /etc/ssh/sshd_config.
3. Closed Port: Ports act as endpoints for connections. If the designated port (usually 22 or a custom SSH port) is closed, a “Connection refused” error occurs. You can inspect open ports using sudo lsof -i -n -P | grep LISTEN.Port closed: Connection refused error, sudo lsof -i -n -P | grep LISTEN.
4. SSH Not Installed on Server: Without an SSH daemon on the server, establishing an SSH connection is impossible. Install SSH using sudo apt install openssh-server if it’s not already present.SSH installation: Connection refused, sudo apt install openssh-server.
5. Firewall Blocking SSH: Firewalls may impede SSH connections. Adjust firewall rules to permit SSH connections by modifying destination port settings to ACCEPT.Firewall settings: SSH connection blocked, ACCEPT settings.

Troubleshooting SSH Connectivity Errors: A Step-by-Step Guide

When faced with an SSH connectivity error, employing targeted troubleshooting steps is key. Here’s a step-by-step guide based on the identified causes:

1. If SSH Service Is Down:
   • Contact your hosting provider to investigate and rectify the SSH service status.
   • For local or dedicated servers, attempt restarting the SSH service with sudo service ssh restart.
2. If Incorrect Credentials Were Entered:
   • Double-check SSH credentials, including hostname, username, password, and port.
   • Consider potential typos or errors in IP addresses.
3. If the Port Is Closed:
   • Confirm the designated SSH port’s status using sudo lsof -i -n -P | grep LISTEN.
   • Ensure the port is open to facilitate SSH connections.
4. If SSH Isn’t Installed on the Server:
   • Install an SSH tool like OpenSSH on the server with sudo apt install openssh-server.
5. If Firewall Is Blocking SSH:
   • Disable firewall rules obstructing SSH connections by adjusting destination port settings to ACCEPT.

 

 

1. 404 Page Not Found
2. Connection Timed Out Error
3. Sidebar Below Content Error
4. Memory Exhausted Error
5. Syntax Error
6. HTTP 501 Not Implemented Error
7. WordPress Stuck in Maintenance Mode
8. Destination Folder Already Exists Error
9. Pluggable.php File Errors
10. HTTP Error When Uploading Images
11. Briefly Unavailable for Scheduled Maintenance Error
12. Maximum Execution Time Exceeded Error
13. Locked Out of WordPress Admin Dashboard
14. Error 403 Forbidden Access Denied
15. Too Many Redirects Error
16. 504 Gateway Timeout error
17. Mixed Content Error
18. White Text and Missing Buttons in WordPress Visual Editor
19. WordPress Login Page Refreshing and Redirecting Issue
20. Unable to Create Directory WordPress Error
21. Sidebar Widgets Disappearing in WordPress
22. Missing Style Sheet Error in WordPress
23. WordPress Keeps Logging Out Problem
24. Allowed Memory Size Exhausted Error
25. Briefly Unavailable for Maintenance Error
26. WordPress Posts Returning 404 Error
27. Image Upload Issue – “Sorry, This File Type Is Not Permitted for Security Reasons.”
28. The Uploaded File Exceeds the Upload_Max_Filesize Directive in php.ini Error
29. Add Media Button Not Working
30. The Site Is Experiencing Technical Difficulties Error
31. 502 Bad Gateway Error
32. Fatal Error: Maximum Execution Time Exceeded
33. WordPress Memory Exhausted Error – Increase PHP Memory
34. Cannot Modify Header Information – Headers Already Sent By Error
35. WordPress RSS Feed Errors
36. Error Establishing a Database Connection
37. WordPress Website Not Updating
38. How to Fix WordPress Posts Returning 404 Error
39. Admin-ajax.php 404 Error on WordPress Site
40. This Site Ahead Contains Harmful Programs Error
41. Facebook Incorrect Thumbnail Issue
42. Missed Scheduled Posts Error
43. Upload Failed To Write to Disk Error
44. Are You Sure You Want To Do This Error
45. Common Image Issues
46. Googlebot Cannot Access CSS and JS files
47. Failed to Load Resource Error
48. The Link You Followed Has Expired
49. Connection Not Private Error
50. File and folder Permission Errors
51. HTTP Image Upload Error
52. Common SSL Issues
53. Missing a Temporary File Error
54. Password Reset Error
55. Another Update in Progress Error
56. WordPress Failed to Open Stream Error
57. 503 Service Unavailable Error
58. How to Fix Maintenance Mode Error
59. 500 Internal Server Error
60. 429 Too Many Redirects Error
61. 413 Request Entity Too Large Error
62. Turn Off PHP Errors
63. Secure Connection Error
64. How to Fix cURL Error 28: Connection Timed Out
65. Uploaded File Exceeds The upload_max_filesize Directive Error
66. Error 521 with WordPress and Cloudflare
67. Sorry, This File Type Is Not Permitted for Security Reasons Error
68. Installation Failed: Could Not Create Directory Error
69. SSH “Connection Refused” Error

 

To fix these errors, you can follow the various solutions depending on the type of error. However, it is essential to make a backup of your WordPress site before attempting to fix any errors.

You can either use a plugin to create a backup or manually create one by exporting your site files and database.

In conclusion, WordPress errors can be frustrating, but they are not insurmountable. By following the right steps and solutions, you can resolve the most common errors and keep your site running smoothly.