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Common WordPress Errors and Fixes: 15 Problems Every Website Owner Should Know (2026)

Common WordPress Errors and Fixes

WordPress is one of the most reliable content management systems available, but like any software, it can occasionally run into problems. Whether it’s a plugin conflict, server issue, or configuration error, these problems can affect your website’s performance, user experience, and even your search engine rankings.

The good news is that many common WordPress errors have straightforward solutions. By understanding what causes these issues and how to resolve them, you can minimise downtime and keep your website running smoothly.

In this guide, we’ll look at the most common WordPress errors, explain why they happen, and share practical ways to fix them.

Quick Summary: Common WordPress Errors

  • White Screen of Death
  • Error Establishing a Database Connection
  • Internal Server Error (500)
  • 404 Page Not Found
  • Plugin Conflicts
  • Theme Compatibility Issues
  • Memory Limit Exhausted
  • Stuck in Maintenance Mode
  • Login Page Redirect Loop
  • Failed WordPress Updates
  • Image Upload Errors
  • Slow Website Performance
  • SSL and HTTPS Errors
  • Email Not Sending
  • Too Many Redirects

Why WordPress Errors Happen

Most WordPress issues are caused by one or more of the following:
  • Outdated plugins
  • Outdated themes
  • WordPress updates
  • PHP compatibility issues
  • Server configuration
  • Incorrect file permissions
  • Plugin conflicts
  • Database corruption
  • Hosting problems
Regular maintenance helps prevent many of these issues.

15 Common WordPress Errors and How to Fix Them

1. White Screen of Death (WSOD)

One of the most frustrating WordPress errors is a completely blank white screen.

Possible Causes

  • Plugin conflicts
  • Theme errors
  • PHP memory exhaustion
  • Fatal code errors

How to Fix It

  • Disable recently installed plugins
  • Switch to a default WordPress theme
  • Increase the PHP memory limit
  • Enable WordPress debugging to identify the error

2. Error Establishing a Database Connection

This error appears when WordPress cannot connect to its database.

Possible Causes

  • Incorrect database credentials
  • Corrupted database
  • Database server outage
  • Hosting issues

How to Fix It

  • Check your database credentials in the wp-config.php file
  • Repair the database if necessary
  • Contact your hosting provider if the database server is unavailable

3. Internal Server Error (500)

A 500 Internal Server Error indicates a problem on the server but doesn’t specify the exact cause.

Possible Causes

  • Corrupted .htaccess file
  • Plugin conflicts
  • PHP errors
  • Server misconfiguration

How to Fix It

  • Regenerate the .htaccess file
  • Disable plugins one by one
  • Increase PHP limits
  • Review server error logs

4. 404 Page Not Found

Pages that previously worked may suddenly return a 404 error.

Possible Causes

  • Broken permalinks
  • Deleted pages
  • Incorrect redirects
  • Server configuration changes

How to Fix It

  • Save your permalink settings again
  • Check page URLs
  • Update redirects
  • Clear website cache

5. Plugin Conflicts

Sometimes two plugins interfere with each other, causing website functionality to break.

Signs

  • Broken layouts
  • JavaScript errors
  • Missing features
  • Admin dashboard problems

How to Fix It

  • Deactivate plugins one at a time
  • Update all plugins
  • Replace incompatible plugins
  • Use plugins from trusted developers

6. Theme Compatibility Issues

A poorly coded or outdated theme can create display problems.

Possible Causes

  • Old theme version
  • Unsupported PHP version
  • Plugin conflicts

How to Fix It

  • Update the theme
  • Test with a default WordPress theme
  • Contact the theme developer if needed

7. Memory Limit Exhausted

This error occurs when WordPress requires more memory than your server allows.

Symptoms

  • Fatal PHP errors
  • Failed plugin updates
  • White screens

How to Fix It

  • Increase the PHP memory limit
  • Remove unnecessary plugins
  • Upgrade your hosting plan if required

8. Stuck in Maintenance Mode

Sometimes a failed update leaves WordPress displaying a maintenance message.

How to Fix It

  • Remove the temporary maintenance file from your website
  • Retry the update
  • Check for plugin conflicts

9. Login Page Redirect Loop

Your login page continually redirects without allowing access.

Possible Causes

  • Cookie issues
  • Incorrect site URLs
  • Plugin conflicts

How to Fix It

  • Clear browser cookies
  • Verify WordPress URL settings
  • Disable security plugins temporarily if necessary

10. Failed WordPress Updates

Updates occasionally fail before completion.

Possible Causes

  • Poor internet connection
  • Server timeout
  • Low PHP limits
  • Plugin conflicts

How to Fix It

  • Retry the update
  • Increase execution time
  • Update manually if required

11. Image Upload Errors

Images may fail to upload or display correctly.

Possible Causes

  • Incorrect file permissions
  • Low server resources
  • Large image files
  • Storage limits

How to Fix It

  • Check upload permissions
  • Optimise image sizes
  • Verify available server storage

12. Slow Website Performance

A slow website can reduce user satisfaction and negatively affect SEO.

Common Causes

  • Large images
  • Too many plugins
  • Poor hosting
  • No caching

How to Fix It

  • Optimise images
  • Remove unused plugins
  • Enable caching
  • Upgrade hosting if necessary

13. SSL and HTTPS Errors

Security warnings may appear if SSL is incorrectly configured.

Possible Causes

  • Mixed content
  • Expired SSL certificate
  • Incorrect website URLs

How to Fix It

  • Renew your SSL certificate
  • Update internal links to HTTPS
  • Resolve mixed-content issues

14. WordPress Emails Not Sending

Contact forms or password reset emails may fail to reach recipients.

Possible Causes

  • Server email restrictions
  • Incorrect SMTP settings
  • Spam filtering

How to Fix It

  • Configure SMTP
  • Test email delivery
  • Check spam folders
  • Verify DNS records if required

15. Too Many Redirects

Browsers may display an “ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS” error.

Possible Causes

  • Incorrect redirect rules
  • SSL conflicts
  • Plugin settings
  • CDN configuration

How to Fix It

  • Clear browser and website cache
  • Review redirect rules
  • Verify HTTPS settings
  • Check CDN configuration

Preventing WordPress Errors

You can reduce the risk of problems by following these best practices:
  • Keep WordPress updated
  • Update themes and plugins regularly
  • Use reliable hosting
  • Create regular backups
  • Remove unused plugins
  • Monitor website performance
  • Test updates on a staging website
  • Install trusted plugins only
Prevention is often easier than troubleshooting.

WordPress Troubleshooting Checklist

When something goes wrong:
  • Check recent changes
  • Clear browser and website cache
  • Disable plugins one by one
  • Switch to a default theme
  • Review error logs
  • Verify PHP version
  • Test on another browser
  • Restore your latest backup if necessary
Working through these steps systematically can help identify the cause.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common mistakes when troubleshooting:
  • Editing live websites without a backup
  • Installing multiple plugins that perform the same task
  • Ignoring WordPress updates
  • Using outdated PHP versions
  • Downloading themes or plugins from untrusted websites
  • Deleting important files without understanding their purpose

WordPress Error Prevention Checklist

  • WordPress updated
  • Plugins updated
  • Themes updated
  • Daily or weekly backups
  • Security plugin installed
  • Website speed monitored
  • PHP version reviewed
  • SSL certificate active
  • Error logs checked regularly
  • Staging website available for testing

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most common WordPress error?
The White Screen of Death, database connection errors, and plugin conflicts are among the most common WordPress issues. Regular updates and backups can help prevent many of them.
Many common WordPress problems can be resolved by checking recent updates, disabling plugins, reviewing settings, or restoring a backup. More complex server or coding issues may require professional assistance.
Unexpected issues are often caused by failed updates, plugin conflicts, hosting problems, or changes to your server environment. Checking recent changes is a good starting point for troubleshooting.
Keep WordPress, themes, and plugins up to date, use reliable hosting, perform regular backups, monitor website security, and test major changes on a staging site before applying them to your live website.
If troubleshooting doesn’t resolve the issue quickly, restoring a recent backup can often be the fastest way to get your website back online. Always investigate the underlying cause afterwards to prevent the problem from happening again.

Resolve WordPress Issues Quickly with GetWebsite.io

WordPress errors can disrupt your business, affect customer confidence, and impact your search engine rankings. At GetWebsite.io, we provide professional WordPress support and maintenance services for UK businesses, helping resolve technical issues quickly while keeping websites secure, updated, and performing at their best. Whether you’re dealing with plugin conflicts, server errors, website downtime, or ongoing maintenance, our experienced team is here to help.
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