There Has Been a Critical Error on This Website: 5 Quick Fixes

Introduction

Imagine preparing to update your blog or check your latest site stats, only to be greeted by the ominous “There has been a critical error on this website” message.

It’s a common yet alarming experience for many WordPress users.

But don’t worry—by understanding this error and knowing how to address it, you can quickly restore your site to its fully functional state.

In this guide, we’ll explore what a critical error in WordPress is, what causes it, and, more importantly, how to fix it with five straightforward solutions.

What is a Critical Error in WordPress?

A critical error in WordPress represents a significant malfunction within your website’s framework that prevents it from functioning properly.

Introduced in WordPress 5.2, this error triggers a user-friendly message for site owners, making it easier to identify and troubleshoot compared to the infamous White Screen of Death.

What Causes the “There has been a critical error on this website” Error?

Understanding the root causes of this error is essential for prevention and efficient troubleshooting.

The major causes include:
– Plugin Conflicts: Often, outdated or poorly coded plugins can conflict with WordPress or each other, triggering a critical error.
– Theme Issues: Switching to a new theme or updating a current one without compatibility checks can also lead to this problem.
– PHP Errors: Errors in your PHP code, whether in your theme or plugin files, are common culprits.
– Database Issues: Corrupt databases or issues in database connection settings may result in critical errors.
– Exhausted Memory Limits: When your website exceeds its allocated memory limit, the result is often a critical malfunction.

How to Fix the “There has been a critical error on this website” Error?

Now that we know the causes let’s dive into the solutions. Here are five quick and highly effective fixes:

1. Check Error Logs

Error logs are your best friend when diagnosing critical errors. They offer insights into what went wrong and where.

Here’s how to access them:

1. Accessing via Hosting Control Panel:
– Log into your web hosting account.
– Navigate to the File Manager or cPanel.
– Locate the public_html directory or your WordPress install directory.
– Find and open the error_log file.

2. Accessing via FTP:
– Connect to your server using an FTP client like FileZilla.
– Navigate to your WordPress install directory.
– Download and view the error_log file.

2. Enable Debug in WordPress

Enabling debug mode in WordPress is another efficient way to identify the source of the error.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Edit `wp-config.php`:
– Connect to your site via FTP or cPanel File Manager.
– Locate and download the wp-config.php file.
– Add the following lines of code above 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 );


2. Check Debug Log:

– The debug log file can be found in the wp-content directory named debug.log.
– Open it to view detailed error messages that will help in pinpointing the issue.

3. Deactivate All Plugins

If a faulty plugin is the cause, deactivating all plugins can quickly identify the problem:

1. Deactivate via Dashboard:
– Navigate to Plugins > Installed Plugins.
– Select all plugins and choose Deactivate from the bulk actions dropdown menu.

2. Deactivate via FTP:
– Connect to your site using an FTP client.
– Navigate to the wp-content/plugins directory.
– Rename the plugins folder to something like plugins_deactivated.

4. Switch to a Default Theme

If the error persists, your theme might be the culprit. Switch to a default WordPress theme such as Twenty Twenty-One:

1. From the Dashboard:
– Go to Appearance > Themes.
– Activate a default theme.

2. Using FTP:
– Navigate to wp-content/themes.
– Rename your active theme folder (e.g., mytheme_old).
– This forces WordPress to revert to a default theme like Twenty Twenty-One.

5. Increase PHP Memory Limit

If your website exceeds its allocated memory limit, increasing the PHP memory limit can often fix the critical error.

Here’s how:

1. Edit `wp-config.php`:
– Connect to your site via FTP or cPanel File Manager.
– Locate and download the wp-config.php file.
– Add the following line of code:


define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M');


2. Edit `.htaccess`:
– Download and open the .htaccess file located in the root directory of your WordPress installation.
– Add the following line of code:


php_value memory_limit 256M


3. Edit `php.ini`:
– If you have access to your php.ini file, locate it and add or modify the following line:


memory_limit = 256M


By increasing the memory limit, you give your WordPress site extra resources to handle its operations, often resolving the critical error.

Conclusion

Encountering the “There has been a critical error on this website” message can be daunting, but with the right approach, it’s a solvable issue.

Whether it’s checking your error logs, enabling debug mode, deactivating plugins, switching to a default theme, or increasing your PHP memory limit, you have at your disposal a variety of quick fixes to get your site back up and running.

Remember, the goal is to identify the underlying problem systematically and address it without causing further issues.

By following these steps, you can not only eliminate the critical error but also gain valuable insights into maintaining and optimizing your WordPress website.

FAQs

Q1: What should I do if my website still shows the critical error after trying these fixes?
If you’re still encountering issues, it might be time to reach out to your hosting provider for assistance. They can offer additional diagnostics or restore your site from a backup.

Q2: How can I prevent critical errors from happening in the future?
Regularly update your WordPress core, themes, and plugins. Also, consider using a staging environment to test updates and changes before implementing them on your live site.

Q3: Are there any plugins that can help manage or prevent critical errors?
Yes, security and maintenance plugins like Wordfence, WP Debugging, and Query Monitor can help you manage potential issues and offer preventive measures.

Q4: Is it safe to leave the debug mode on permanently?
No, it’s not recommended to leave debug mode on permanently as it can expose sensitive info about your site to potential security threats. Always disable it once you’ve resolved the issue.

By staying proactive and informed, you can minimize the chances of facing critical errors and ensure a smooth, uninterrupted online experience for your users.