Troubleshooting Common WordPress Errors (White Screen, 500 Errors, PHP)

Introduction

There’s nothing quite like the sinking feeling you get when you visit your WordPress site and instead of your beautiful homepage, you’re greeted by a blank white screen or an ominous “Internal Server Error” message. Whether you’re a seasoned WordPress user or just starting, encountering these errors can be frustrating and panic-inducing.

The good news? Most WordPress errors are more bark than bite. While they might look scary, the majority of common WordPress issues can be resolved with some systematic troubleshooting. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through the most frequent WordPress errors you’re likely to encounter and provide step-by-step solutions to get your site back up and running.

Don’t worry if you’re not technically inclined – we’ll explain everything in plain English and give you multiple approaches to solve each problem, from beginner-friendly fixes to more advanced solutions.

Understanding WordPress Error Types

Before diving into specific solutions, it helps to understand what different types of errors mean and where they typically originate.

WordPress errors generally fall into several categories:

Server-side errors occur on your web hosting server and usually involve PHP processing issues, memory problems, or server configuration conflicts. These often manifest as 500 errors or white screens.

Database errors happen when WordPress can’t communicate properly with your MySQL database. These might show up as connection errors or corrupted data messages.

Theme and plugin conflicts are probably the most common cause of WordPress problems. Since WordPress relies heavily on third-party themes and plugins, compatibility issues are bound to happen.

File permission errors occur when WordPress doesn’t have the right permissions to read or write files on your server. These can cause various symptoms from upload failures to complete site breakdowns.

Understanding these categories helps you approach troubleshooting systematically rather than randomly trying different fixes.

The White Screen of Death (WSOD)

The White Screen of Death is arguably the most terrifying WordPress error because it gives you no information about what went wrong. You just get a blank white page where your website should be.

What Causes the White Screen of Death?

The WSOD typically occurs when PHP encounters a fatal error, but error reporting is turned off. Common causes include:

• Plugin conflicts or poorly coded plugins
• Theme issues or incompatible themes
• PHP memory limit exceeded
• Corrupted files or database
• Server configuration problems
• PHP version compatibility issues

How to Fix the White Screen of Death

Method 1: Check Error Logs

Your first step should always be checking your error logs. Most hosting providers give you access to error logs through their control panel.

Look for your error logs in:

• cPanel → Error Logs
• Your hosting provider’s dashboard
• /wp-content/debug.log (if debug logging is enabled)

Common error messages you might see:

Fatal error: Allowed memory size exhausted

Parse error: syntax error, unexpected token

Fatal error: Call to undefined function

Method 2: Enable WordPress Debug Mode

If you can’t find helpful error logs, enable WordPress debug mode by adding these lines to your wp-config.php file:

define('WP_DEBUG', true);
define('WP_DEBUG_LOG', true);
define('WP_DEBUG_DISPLAY', false);

Add these lines just before the “That’s all, stop editing!” comment in your wp-config.php file. This will create a debug.log file in your /wp-content/ directory with detailed error information.

Method 3: Deactivate All Plugins

Plugin conflicts are the most common cause of WSOD. Since you can’t access your admin area, you’ll need to deactivate plugins manually:

1. Access your website files via FTP or your hosting file manager
2. Navigate to /wp-content/plugins/
3. Rename the plugins folder to something like plugins-disabled
4. Check if your site loads now
5. If it does, rename the folder back to plugins and reactivate plugins one by one to identify the culprit

Method 4: Switch to a Default Theme

If disabling plugins doesn’t work, try switching to a default WordPress theme:

1. Via FTP or file manager, go to /wp-content/themes/
2. Rename your active theme folder (add -disabled to the end)
3. WordPress will automatically switch to a default theme
4. Check if your site loads

Method 5: Increase Memory Limit

If the error logs mention memory exhaustion, try increasing your PHP memory limit. Add this line to your wp-config.php file:

ini_set('memory_limit', '256M');

Alternatively, you can add this to your .htaccess file:

php_value memory_limit 256M

Or create a php.ini file in your root directory with:

memory_limit = 256M

Method 6: Check File Permissions

Incorrect file permissions can cause various issues, including WSOD. The recommended permissions are:

• Folders: 755 or 750
• Files: 644 or 640
• wp-config.php: 600

You can fix permissions via FTP or through your hosting control panel’s file manager.

Internal Server Error (500 Error)

The 500 Internal Server Error is a generic error message that indicates something went wrong on the server, but the server cannot be more specific about the problem.

Common Causes of 500 Errors:

• Corrupted .htaccess file
• Plugin or theme conflicts
• File permission issues
• PHP memory limit exceeded
• Corrupted core WordPress files

How to Fix 500 Internal Server Errors

Method 1: Check and Fix the .htaccess File

A corrupted .htaccess file is often the culprit behind 500 errors:

1. Access your site files via FTP or file manager
2. Locate the .htaccess file in your root directory
3. Download a backup copy, then delete the original
4. Check if your site loads
5. If it does, go to Settings > Permalinks in your admin and click “Save Changes” to regenerate a clean .htaccess file

Method 2: Deactivate Plugins Systematically

Similar to WSOD troubleshooting:

1. Rename your plugins folder to disable all plugins
2. If the error disappears, reactivate plugins one by one
3. When the error returns, you’ve found your problematic plugin

Method 3: Switch Themes

Sometimes theme conflicts cause 500 errors:

1. Rename your active theme folder
2. WordPress will switch to a default theme
3. If the error disappears, you know it’s a theme issue

Method 4: Check File Permissions

Ensure your file permissions are correct:

• WordPress root folder: 755
• wp-config.php: 600
• .htaccess: 644
• wp-content folder: 755
• Themes and plugins folders: 755

Method 5: Replace Core WordPress Files

If other methods fail, try replacing your WordPress core files:

1. Download the latest WordPress version
2. Delete everything from your site EXCEPT:
   • wp-config.php
   • wp-content folder
   • .htaccess file
3. Upload the fresh WordPress files
4. Run the WordPress update if prompted

PHP Fatal Errors

PHP errors are usually more specific than generic 500 errors, which makes them easier to diagnose and fix.

Common PHP Errors and Solutions

Parse Error: Syntax Error

This occurs when there’s a syntax error in your PHP code, typically in theme files or functions.php.

Error message example:

Parse error: syntax error, unexpected ‘}’ in /wp-content/themes/yourtheme/functions.php on line 15

Solution:

1. The error message tells you exactly which file and line has the problem
2. Access the file via FTP or file manager
3. Check the specified line for syntax errors (missing semicolons, unmatched brackets, etc.)
4. Fix the syntax error and save the file

Fatal Error: Call to an Undefined Function

This occurs when your code tries to use a function that doesn’t exist.

Solutions:

• Make sure you’re using the correct function name
• Check if the function requires a specific plugin to be active
• Verify you’re using the function in the right context (some functions only work in certain areas)

Fatal Error: Cannot Redeclare Function

This happens when you try to declare a function that already exists.

if (!function_exists('your_function_name')) {
    function your_function_name() {
        // Your function code here
    }
}

Memory Exhausted Error

When WordPress runs out of allocated memory, you’ll see something like:

Fatal error: Allowed memory size of X bytes exhausted

Solutions:

1. Increase memory limit in wp-config.php:

ini_set('memory_limit', '256M');

2. Or in .htaccess:

php_value memory_limit 256M

3. Or contact your hosting provider to increase the limit server-wide

Database Connection Errors

The “Error Establishing a Database Connection” message appears when WordPress can’t communicate with your MySQL database.

Common Causes

• Incorrect database credentials in wp-config.php
• Corrupted database
• Database server issues
• Hosting server problems

How to Fix Database Connection Errors

Method 1: Verify Database Credentials

Check your wp-config.php file for these settings:

define('DB_NAME', 'your_database_name');
define('DB_USER', 'your_database_user');
define('DB_PASSWORD', 'your_database_password');
define('DB_HOST', 'localhost');

Make sure these match the credentials provided by your hosting company.

Method 2: Test Database Connection

Create a test file to check if PHP can connect to your database:

<?php
$connection = mysql_connect('DB_HOST', 'DB_USER', 'DB_PASSWORD');
if (!$connection) {
    die('Connection failed: ' . mysql_error());
}
echo 'Connected successfully';
?>

Replace DB_HOST, DB_USER, and DB_PASSWORD with your actual credentials.

Method 3: Contact Your Hosting Provider

If your credentials are correct but you still can’t connect, the issue might be on your hosting provider’s end. Database servers sometimes go down or experience issues.

Method 4: Repair Database

If your database is corrupted, you can try repairing it by adding this line to wp-config.php:

define('WP_ALLOW_REPAIR', true);

Then visit: yoursite.com/wp-admin/maint/repair.php

Remove this line after completing the repair for security reasons.

Plugin and Theme Conflict Resolution

Plugin and theme conflicts are responsible for a huge percentage of WordPress errors. Here’s how to systematically identify and resolve conflicts.

The Plugin Conflict Test

Step	Action	If Site Works	If Site Doesn’t Work
1	Deactivate all plugins	Plugin conflict confirmed	Move to theme testing
2	Reactivate plugins one by one	Stop when error returns	Continue testing
3	Identify problematic plugin	Update or replace plugin	Contact plugin developer

The Theme Conflict Test

1. Switch to a default WordPress theme (Twenty Twenty-Four, Twenty Twenty-Three, etc.)
2. If the error disappears, you have a theme conflict
3. Check for theme updates
4. Contact the theme developer if problems persist

Prevention Strategies

• Always back up before installing new plugins or themes
• Test new additions on a staging site first
• Keep themes and plugins updated
• Only use plugins and themes from reputable sources
• Read reviews and check compatibility before installation

File Permission Issues

Incorrect file permissions can cause various problems, from an inability to upload files to complete site failures.

Understanding WordPress File Permissions

WordPress files should have these permissions:

File/Folder Type	Recommended Permission	What It Means
Folders	755	The owner can read/write, others can read only
Files	644	Only the owner can read/write
wp-config.php	600	Only owner can read/write

How to Fix Permission Issues

Via FTP Client:

1. Connect to your site via FTP
2. Right-click on files/folders
3. Select “Change Permissions” or “CHMOD”
4. Set the appropriate permissions

Via Command Line (if you have SSH access):

find /path/to/wordpress/ -type d -exec chmod 755 {} \;
find /path/to/wordpress/ -type f -exec chmod 644 {} \;
chmod 600 wp-config.php

Via Hosting Control Panel: Most hosting providers offer file permission management through their control panels.

WordPress Update and Maintenance Errors

Sometimes errors occur during WordPress updates or routine maintenance.

Maintenance Mode Stuck

If your site gets stuck in maintenance mode, you’ll see “Briefly unavailable for scheduled maintenance. Check back in a minute.”

Solution: Delete the .maintenance file from your WordPress root directory via FTP or file manager.

Failed WordPress Updates

Symptoms:

• Partial updates leave your site broken
• Error messages during the update process
• Mixed version files

Solutions:

1. Manually update WordPress by downloading fresh files
2. Ensure sufficient file permissions
3. Check available disk space
4. Temporarily increase the memory limit
5. Deactivate plugins during the update process

Plugin/Theme Update Failures

Common causes:

• Insufficient file permissions
• FTP credentials not configured
• Low memory limits
• Conflicting plugins

Solutions:

1. Update via FTP by uploading fresh files
2. Use WordPress CLI for command-line updates
3. Contact your hosting provider for assistance
4. Temporarily increase the PHP memory limit

Advanced Troubleshooting Techniques

When basic fixes don’t work, these advanced techniques can help identify and resolve stubborn issues.

Using WordPress Debug Tools

Query Debug: Add this to wp-config.php to see database queries:

define('SAVEQUERIES', true);

Script Debug: Use unminified JavaScript and CSS files:

define('SCRIPT_DEBUG', true);

Log Everything: Create comprehensive logs:

define('WP_DEBUG', true);
define('WP_DEBUG_LOG', true);
define('WP_DEBUG_DISPLAY', false);
define('SCRIPT_DEBUG', true);
define('SAVEQUERIES', true);

Server-Level Diagnostics

Check PHP Error Logs: Look in these common locations:

• /var/log/apache2/error.log
• /var/log/nginx/error.log
• Your hosting control panel’s error log section

Monitor Server Resources:

• CPU usage during peak times
• Memory consumption
• Disk space availability
• Database performance

Server-Level Diagnostics

Check PHP Error Logs: Look in these common locations:

• /var/log/apache2/error.log
• /var/log/nginx/error.log
• Your hosting control panel’s error log section

Monitor Server Resources:

• CPU usage during peak times
• Memory consumption
• Disk space availability
• Database performance

Using Staging Sites for Testing

Create a staging environment to:

• Test updates safely
• Troubleshoot issues without affecting your live site
• Experiment with fixes
• Replicate problems in a controlled environment

Error Prevention Best Practices

Prevention is always better than cure when it comes to WordPress errors.

Regular Maintenance Checklist

Weekly Tasks:

• Update plugins and themes
• Check for broken links
• Monitor site performance
• Review security logs

Monthly Tasks:

• Update WordPress core
• Clean up spam comments
• Optimize database
• Check backup integrity

Quarterly Tasks:

• Full security audit
• Performance optimization review
• Unused plugin/theme cleanup
• Server resource assessment

Backup Strategies

What to Backup:

• Complete file system
• Database
• wp-config.php
• .htaccess file
• Custom configurations

Backup Frequency:

• Before any major changes
• Daily for high-traffic sites
• Weekly for most sites
• Before updates

Storage Locations:

• Cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox)
• External servers
• Local downloads
• Multiple redundant locations

Monitoring and Alerting

Set up monitoring for:

• Site uptime
• Performance metrics
• Error occurrences
• Security threats
• Backup completion

Use tools like:

• UptimeRobot for uptime monitoring
• Google PageSpeed Insights for performance
• Security plugins for threat detection
• Hosting provider monitoring tools

Emergency Response Protocol

When your site goes down, having a systematic approach helps you resolve issues faster.

Immediate Response Steps

1. Stay Calm – Panicking leads to mistakes
2. Document the Problem – Screenshot error messages
3. Check Status – Is it affecting all users or just you?
4. Initial Assessment – When did the problem start?
5. Quick Fixes First – Try simple solutions before complex ones

Escalation Process

Level 1: Self-Help

• Check error logs
• Try common fixes
• Consult documentation

Level 2: Community Support

• WordPress forums
• Stack Overflow
• Reddit communities

Level 3: Professional Help

• Contact hosting support
• Hire a WordPress developer
• Use emergency support services

Communication During Outages

If your site will be down for extended periods:

• Use social media to communicate with users
• Set up a temporary landing page
• Send email updates to subscribers
• Use your hosting provider’s maintenance page features

Tools and Resources for Troubleshooting

Having the right tools makes troubleshooting much more efficient.

Essential Tools

File Management:

• FileZilla (FTP client)
• WinSCP (Windows)
• Cyberduck (Mac)

Code Editors:

• Visual Studio Code
• Sublime Text
• Notepad++

Browser Tools:

• Developer Console (F12)
• Network tab for loading issues
• Elements inspector

WordPress-Specific:

• WP-CLI command line tool
• Query Monitor plugin
• Health Check & Troubleshooting plugin

Useful WordPress Plugins for Troubleshooting

Plugin Name	Purpose	Best For
Query Monitor	Database and performance analysis	Developers and advanced users
Health Check & Troubleshooting	Conflict resolution and health checks	All users
WP Debugging	Enhanced error reporting	Developers
Error Log Monitor	Centralized error viewing	Site administrators

Online Resources and Communities

Official Resources:

• WordPress Codex
• WordPress Support Forums
• WordPress.org Plugin Directory

Community Resources:

• WPBeginner tutorials
• Stack Overflow WordPress tags
• Reddit r/WordPress community
• Local WordPress meetup groups

When to Seek Professional Help

Sometimes DIY troubleshooting isn’t enough, and you need professional assistance.

Signs You Need Professional Help

• Errors keep recurring despite fixes
• Multiple complex issues simultaneously
• Database corruption or data loss
• Security compromises
• Custom code modifications needed
• Time-sensitive business requirements

Choosing the Right Professional

Questions to Ask:

• Experience with similar issues?
• References from other clients?
• Response time guarantees?
• Pricing structure?
• Post-fix support included?

Red Flags:

• Guarantees that seem too good to be true
• Requests for unnecessary access
• Poor communication
• No clear pricing
• Pressure for immediate decisions

Conclusion

WordPress errors, while intimidating at first glance, are usually solvable with the right approach and patience. The key is systematic troubleshooting rather than randomly trying different fixes.

Remember these fundamental principles:

Always back up first – Before making any changes, ensure you have a recent backup of your site and database.

Start simple – Begin with the most common causes before moving to complex solutions.

Document everything – Keep track of what you’ve tried and what worked or didn’t work.

One change at a time – Make one modification at a time so you can identify what fixed the problem.

Prevention is key – Regular maintenance, updates, and monitoring prevent many issues from occurring in the first place.

Most importantly, don’t let errors discourage you from using and learning WordPress. Every experienced WordPress user has encountered these issues, and overcoming them is part of the learning process. With the knowledge and techniques outlined in this guide, you’re well-equipped to handle whatever WordPress throws your way.

The next time you encounter a white screen, 500 error, or any other WordPress issue, take a deep breath, refer back to this guide, and work through the solutions systematically. Your site will be back up and running before you know it, and you’ll have gained valuable troubleshooting experience in the process.