20+ Common WordPress Errors and How to Fix Them

WordPress powers millions of websites worldwide, offering flexibility and ease of use for bloggers, businesses, and developers. However, even the most experienced users can encounter issues that disrupt site functionality. From sudden blank screens to failed media uploads, these problems are collectively known as Common WordPress Errors. Understanding their causes and knowing how to address them is crucial for keeping your website running smoothly.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through 20+ frequent errors, explain why they happen, and provide practical solutions. By following these steps, you can quickly troubleshoot problems, minimize downtime, and maintain a seamless user experience for your visitors.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned developer, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to handle WordPress errors confidently.

20+ Common WordPress Errors and How to Fix Them

Let’s dive in.

1. Internal Server Error

One of the most common WordPress Errors is the Internal Server Error, usually showing a blank page or a 500 Internal Server Error message. It happens when the server cannot complete a request due to plugin conflicts, theme issues, or a corrupted .htaccess file. 

How to Fix It:

1. Clear Cache First: Sometimes the issue is just a cached error page. Clear both your browser cache and any WordPress caching plugin cache before deeper troubleshooting.
   
2. Regenerate .htaccess: A corrupted .htaccess file is a very common cause. Visit Settings → Permalinks in your WordPress dashboard and click Save Changes (no need to change anything). This rebuilds a fresh .htaccess file.
   
3. Increase PHP Memory Limit: Edit your wp-config.php file and add:
   define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M');
   This helps if a script exhausts the PHP memory limit.
4. Deactivate All Plugins: A faulty plugin often triggers this error. Disable all plugins using the dashboard or by renaming the plugins folder via FTP/file manager, then reactivate one by one to find the culprit.
   
5. Switch to a Default Theme: A theme conflict can also cause the error. Temporarily activate a default WordPress theme to check if your current theme is the issue.
   
6. Re‑Upload Core Files: If nothing else works, replacing the wp-admin and wp-includes folders with fresh copies from a new WordPress download can fix corrupted core files.
   
7. Enable Debugging: Turning on debug logs can show exact PHP errors in the wp-content/debug.log file, giving you more clues.

This more complete set of steps aligns with the expert WPBeginner troubleshooting flow for the Internal Server Error.

2. PHP fatal error

The message This Site is Experiencing Technical Difficulties is one of the frequent Errors, meaning a plugin or theme caused a fatal error. WordPress offers a recovery mode link in an email to help you log in and fix the problem.

Use it to find and deactivate the plugin or theme causing the issue. If recovery mode doesn’t work, use FTP or your hosting file manager to rename the plugins folder temporarily. Keeping WordPress, themes, and plugins updated reduces these errors.

Always make backups before updating your site to prevent losing content or functionality. Fixing this promptly ensures your website stays accessible to visitors.

3. Syntax Error

A Syntax Error is a type of Common WordPress Errors caused by incorrect code, often when adding custom snippets to a plugin or theme file. WordPress shows a Parse error message with the file name and line number. When adding essential code snippets to your WordPress theme or plugin files, always double-check the syntax carefully to prevent parse errors and avoid breaking your website.

To fix it, access the file via FTP or your hosting file manager and correct missing or extra characters like semicolons or brackets. Avoid pasting code from unreliable sources. Using a child theme or a custom plugin for code edits prevents breaking your main site.

Always test new code in a staging environment before applying it live. Restoring from a backup is another safe way to fix syntax mistakes.

4. Database Connection Error

A database connection error is a serious type of WordPress Errors. It happens when WordPress cannot connect to your database because of incorrect credentials, server issues, or a corrupted database.

To fix it, check your wp-config.php file and ensure the database name, username, password, and host are correct. You may also contact your hosting provider to verify server availability.

If the database is corrupted, use tools like phpMyAdmin to repair it. Regular backups and keeping credentials secure help prevent this error. Fixing this issue quickly is important because your entire website depends on a working database connection.

5. White Screen of Death

The White Screen of Death is a common issue among Common WordPress Errors. It shows a blank page with no messages, usually caused by memory limits, plugin conflicts, or theme issues.

To fix it, increase the PHP memory limit in wp-config.php. If that doesn’t work, deactivate all plugins using FTP or the file manager, then reactivate them one by one to find the culprit. Switching to a default WordPress theme can also help. Clearing your browser cache is sometimes enough.

Testing in a staging environment ensures you can safely troubleshoot without affecting visitors. This error usually resolves once you identify and remove the conflicting element.

6. 404 Error

A 404 error on posts is one of the WordPress Errors that happens when permalink settings are broken. Your pages may appear missing even though the content exists.

To fix this, go to WordPress Dashboard → Settings → Permalinks and click Save Changes to refresh your URLs. If that doesn’t work, check the .htaccess file in your root folder and reset it. Using default WordPress themes and disabling plugins can help identify conflicts.

This ensures that all links point to the correct posts and pages. Regularly checking permalinks after updates prevents broken links. Proper URL management improves SEO and keeps your site user-friendly.

7. Memory Exhausted Error

The Memory Exhausted message is a frequent type of WordPress Errors, showing that PHP has run out of memory. It often occurs with large plugins, heavy themes, or multiple scripts running together. To fix it, increase the PHP memory limit in wp-config.php by adding define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M');.

If that doesn’t work, check for poorly coded plugins or themes and disable them. Contacting your hosting provider for memory allocation help is also effective. Regularly monitoring memory usage and removing unnecessary plugins prevents future issues. Once resolved, your WordPress site will run smoothly without memory-related interruptions.

8. Locked Out of wp-admin

Being locked out of the WordPress dashboard is a frustrating issue and one of the Common WordPress Errors. This usually happens because of incorrect passwords, plugin conflicts, or theme issues. To fix it, first reset your password using the Lost your password? link. If that doesn’t work, access your site via FTP or hosting file manager and temporarily rename the plugins folder to deactivate all plugins. This often restores access.

If a theme is causing the issue, switch to a default theme. Always keep backups and use strong, unique passwords to prevent future lockouts. Once resolved, carefully reactivate plugins and your theme to ensure your site works properly.

9. Image Upload Issues

Images failing to upload is a typical problem among Common WordPress Errors. It usually happens because of incorrect folder permissions, low PHP memory, or server issues. To fix it, check that the wp-content/uploads folder has write permissions, typically 755 or 775.

Increasing the PHP memory limit in wp-config.php may also help. If the problem persists, disable plugins that handle media or optimize images, as they may cause conflicts. Ensure your images are in supported formats like JPG, PNG, or GIF. Properly resolving this issue ensures that your media library works smoothly, letting you add visuals to posts and pages without errors.

10. Media Library Not Showing Images

If your media library is blank or images are missing, it is another WordPress Errors issue. This often happens due to broken file paths, folder permission problems, or conflicts with plugins.

To fix it, check the wp-content/uploads folder permissions and confirm that files are correctly located. Deactivating plugins temporarily can help identify conflicts. Regenerating thumbnails using a plugin can restore image previews. Always maintain proper backups before making changes. Fixing this problem ensures that all your previously uploaded images are accessible in the library and can be used in posts, pages, or other media-related functions.

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

The Are You Sure You Want to Do This message is a frequent type of error caused by expired sessions or security nonces. This typically occurs when performing administrative actions like updating plugins, themes, or settings.

To fix it, refresh the page and try the action again. If the problem continues, clear your browser cache and cookies. Sometimes, deactivating conflicting plugins or switching to a default theme helps.

Ensuring WordPress core, themes, and plugins are up to date reduces the chances of encountering this error. Resolving it quickly allows you to continue managing your site without unnecessary interruptions. You can also perform a Website Security Check to identify potential vulnerabilities or session conflicts that may be triggering the Are You Sure You Want to Do This error and prevent it from happening again.

12. Briefly Unavailable for Scheduled Maintenance

The message Briefly Unavailable for Scheduled Maintenance is one of the Common WordPress Errors that occurs during automatic updates. Sometimes, the process fails, leaving the site stuck in maintenance mode.

To fix it, access your site via FTP or hosting file manager and delete the .maintenance file from your root directory. This immediately restores your site. Prevent future occurrences by avoiding interruptions during updates, using reliable hosting, and ensuring WordPress and plugins are always up to date.

Quick resolution keeps your website live and accessible to visitors, preventing downtime or loss of traffic due to maintenance issues. For a complete step-by-step solution and preventive strategies, you can also refer to our comprehensive guide to WordPress maintenance service to keep your website running smoothly without unexpected downtime.

13. WordPress Not Sending Emails

Emails not sending is a common problem among WordPress Errors. It usually happens because the default PHP mail function is not reliable on some hosting servers. To fix this, install an SMTP plugin and configure it with your email provider.

This ensures emails like password resets, contact form submissions, or notifications are delivered correctly. Check spam folders and test sending from WordPress to verify functionality. Keeping plugins updated prevents conflicts that may stop emails.

Reliable email delivery is essential for communication with users and for proper website operations, including notifications and marketing campaigns.

14. 403 Forbidden Error

The 403 Forbidden Error is one of the most common Common WordPress Errors and happens when your server denies access to a page. This is usually caused by incorrect file permissions or security rules in plugins or .htaccess.

To fix it, check that permissions are set correctly (folders usually 755, files 644). Temporarily disable security plugins to test if they are causing the issue. Editing the .htaccess file or resetting it can also help. Resolving this error allows users and admins to access the website normally without blocked pages, which is crucial for user experience and site functionality.

15. Too Many Redirects

Too Many Redirects happens when the site is stuck in a redirect loop, often caused by incorrect URL settings or plugin conflicts. To fix it, clear browser cache and cookies, check the WordPress URL and site URL in Settings → General, and verify .htaccess redirect rules.

Deactivating plugins temporarily can help identify the culprit. Fixing this error ensures users can access your site without endless redirections, improving user experience and preventing SEO issues from duplicate or broken URLs.

16. Failed to Write File to Disk

The Failed to Write File to Disk message is one of the Common WordPress Errors that occurs when WordPress cannot save uploaded files. This is usually due to incorrect folder permissions or lack of server disk space.

To fix it, ensure that the wp-content/uploads folder has proper write permissions, and check that your hosting account has enough storage. Increasing PHP memory may also help. Fixing this issue allows smooth media uploads, ensuring your images, videos, and documents are added to posts and pages without errors.

17. Site Ahead Contains Harmful Programs

When Google flags your site with Site Ahead Contains Harmful Programs, it indicates malware or infected files on your website. To fix it, scan your website with a security plugin or online tool and remove all malicious files. Restore clean backups if needed.

Change all passwords and update WordPress, themes, and plugins. Implementing a security plugin helps prevent future attacks. Fixing this issue quickly is essential to protect visitors, regain search engine trust, and maintain your site’s reputation.

18. Missed Scheduled Posts

Scheduled posts not publishing happens when WordPress cron jobs fail. To fix it, clear any stuck cron jobs or use plugins to manage scheduled tasks. Ensure your hosting allows WordPress cron execution. Sometimes manually rescheduling posts resolves the issue.

Fixing this ensures that content publishes on time, maintaining a consistent posting schedule for readers and improving user engagement. Proper scheduling also helps marketing campaigns and SEO strategies remain effective without interruptions.

19. Facebook Showing Wrong Thumbnail

When Facebook displays the wrong image for a post, it is usually caused by missing or outdated Open Graph metadata.

To fix it, use an SEO plugin to set the correct Open Graph image for each post. You may also use Facebook Debugger to refresh cached metadata.

Fixing this ensures that your posts display correctly on social media, improving click-through rates, engagement, and overall presentation of your content.

20. WordPress Keeps Logging Out

If WordPress logs you out unexpectedly, it is usually caused by cookie mismatches, wrong URL settings, or security plugins interfering. To fix it, ensure the WordPress URL and Site URL match in Settings → General.

Clear browser cookies and cache. Deactivate any plugins that may interfere with login sessions. Fixing this problem ensures a stable admin session and prevents interruptions while managing the website.

21. style.css missing

The style.css missing error is a common WordPress issue that occurs during theme installation and is usually easy to fix. The error means WordPress cannot find the required stylesheet in the theme's root directory, which is necessary for the theme to function.

How to Fix It :

• Unzip the Downloaded File: Open the ZIP file you downloaded on your computer.
• Locate the Installable ZIP: Look for a smaller ZIP file inside the main folder (e.g., themename.zip). This folder should contain index.php and style.css immediately upon opening it.
• Upload the Correct ZIP: Go back to your WordPress dashboard, navigate to Appearance > Themes > Add New, and upload only that specific internal ZIP.
• Check the Header (For Developers): If you're building a custom theme, ensure your style.css starts with the required comment header (e.g., /* Theme Name: My Theme ... */). If this header is missing or malformed, WordPress won't recognize it.

How to Prevent Common WordPress Errors

While it’s important to know how to fix errors, preventing them in the first place saves time and keeps your website running smoothly. Here are some practical tips to avoid running into these issues:

• Keep WordPress, Themes, and Plugins Updated: Outdated software is the most common cause of errors.
  
• Use Reliable Hosting: A good hosting provider ensures server issues and database errors are minimized.
  
• Limit Plugins: Too many plugins, or poorly coded ones, can create conflicts and memory issues.
  
• Regular Backups: Always have a backup before updates or major changes.
  
• Use a Staging Site: Test new themes, plugins, or custom code in a staging environment before going live.
  
• Monitor Server Resources: Keep an eye on memory usage, disk space, and PHP limits.
  

Following these steps reduces the chances of facingWordPress Errors and ensures your site stays secure, fast, and reliable.

Wrapping Up

Facing errors on your WordPress site can be frustrating, but most issues are preventable with proper care and attention. By regularly updating themes, plugins, and WordPress core, limiting unnecessary plugins, monitoring server resources, and using a staging environment, you can avoid many of the Common WordPress Errors highlighted in this guide.

Timely troubleshooting and proactive maintenance not only protect your site from disruptions but also ensure a smooth, secure, and reliable experience for your visitors. Keeping a routine of backups, monitoring, and updates will empower you to manage your website efficiently and minimize the impact of potential errors.

To proactively prevent these issues, using Website Auditing Tools can help identify performance bottlenecks, broken links, security vulnerabilities, and other technical problems before they escalate into major WordPress errors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I prevent WordPress errors?

Yes, by keeping WordPress, themes, and plugins updated, limiting plugins, using reliable hosting, and taking regular backups.

Do I need technical skills to fix these errors?

Not always, basic issues can be fixed via dashboard or FTP, but complex problems may require developer or hosting support.

Why does my WordPress site keep showing errors after updates?

Updates can sometimes cause plugin or theme conflicts, outdated PHP versions, or broken file permissions, leading to temporary errors.

Why are my images or media not uploading in WordPress?

This usually happens due to incorrect folder permissions, low PHP memory, or conflicts with plugins handling media uploads.