How to Fix The Critical Error in WordPress (Step by Step)

Experiencing a critical error in WordPress can be stressful, but it can often be resolved with a systematic approach. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you fix the critical error in WordPress:

1. Enable Debugging in WordPress

To identify the root cause of the error, enable debugging in WordPress.

1. Access Your Website Files:
– Use an FTP client or your web hosting control panel’s file manager.

2. Edit `wp-config.php` File:
– Add or modify the following lines of code:

define( ‘WP_DEBUG’, true );
define( ‘WP_DEBUG_LOG’, true );
define( ‘WP_DEBUG_DISPLAY’, false );

– This will log errors to a `debug.log` file located in the `wp-content` directory.

2. Check the Debug Log

Locate the `debug.log` file in the `wp-content` directory and review it to find clues about what’s causing the error.

3. Deactivate All Plugins

A plugin conflict is a common cause of critical errors.

1. Access Your Website Files:
– Navigate to the `wp-content` directory.
– Rename the `plugins` folder to something like `plugins_old` to deactivate all plugins.

2. Check Your Site:
– If the site works, the issue is with one of the plugins. Rename the folder back to `plugins` and reactivate plugins one by one to identify the problematic one.

4. Switch to a Default Theme

If plugins aren’t the issue, the theme might be.

1. Access Your Website Files:
– Navigate to the `wp-content/themes` directory.
– Rename your active theme’s folder to deactivate it. WordPress will automatically revert to a default theme (like Twenty Twenty-One).

2. Check Your Site:
– If the site works, the theme is the issue. Consider contacting the theme developer or choosing a different theme.

5. Increase PHP Memory Limit

A low PHP memory limit can cause critical errors.

1. Edit `wp-config.php` File:
– Add the following line before the line that says `/* That’s all, stop editing! Happy publishing. */`:
“`php
define( ‘WP_MEMORY_LIMIT’, ‘256M’ );
“`

2. Edit `.htaccess` File:
– Add the following line:
“`htaccess
php_value memory_limit 256M
“`

6. Re-upload Core Files

Corrupted core files can also cause issues.

1. Download a Fresh Copy of WordPress:
– Go to [WordPress.org](https://wordpress.org/download/) and download the latest version.

2. Upload Core Files:
– Extract the downloaded zip file.
– Upload everything except the `wp-content` folder to your server, overwriting existing files.

7. Check File Permissions

Incorrect file permissions can cause errors.

1. Access Your Website Files:
– Ensure directories are set to 755 and files are set to 644.

8. Contact Your Hosting Provider

If the error persists, your hosting provider might be able to help.

1. Explain the Issue:
– Provide any error logs or information you’ve gathered.

2. Request Assistance:
– Ask if they can help identify server-side issues.

9. Restore from Backup

As a last resort, restore your site from a recent backup.

1. Access Backup Files:
– Use your hosting control panel or a backup plugin.

2. Restore the Site:
– Follow the backup tool’s instructions to restore your site.

10. Seek Professional Help

If none of the above steps work, consider seeking help from a professional WordPress developer.

By following these steps, you should be able to identify and fix the critical error in your WordPress site. If you need further assistance, feel free to ask!