If you can relate to this, we have good news for you-these issues can be resolved. Though these errors seem complicated, with the right knowledge and approach, these errors can be resolved and also turned into valuable learning experiences.
In this beginner’s guide, we will discuss how to troubleshoot WordPress errors or fix WordPress site
So, let’s dig deeper into the world of WordPress errors!
A Comprehensive Guide to Troubleshooting WordPress Errors
WordPress errors are common online, but they don’t have to stop you. This guide will help you in finding and fixing these issues, so your website stays efficient, up and running all the time.
1. Creating a Backup of Your WordPress Website
Backups provide you with an extra layer of safety and help you restore your WordPress website effortlessly if any unexpected errors occur. They save you from hacking and potential data loss.
If you are already utilizing a WordPress backup plugin, it’s essential to ensure you have a recent backup stored in a secure location.
Furthermore, we strongly advise not depending on just one copy. Create multiple backups and store them in cloud services like Google Drive or Dropbox. It will be a smart move.
There are many WordPress backup plugins that offer the flexibility to save your backups in various locations. For instance, UpdraftPlus offers you the flexibility to pick from various online storage alternatives such as OneDrive, Google Cloud, and even remote FTP servers.
If you haven’t been using a backup plugin, it’s high time to start using one.
2. Clearing WordPress Cache
When you use a caching plugin, you can view the cached version of your website. Best WordPress hosting providers such as Bluehost and SiteGround offer their built-in caching software. Using these services, you can access a cached version of your website, even if you haven’t installed a separate caching plugin.
Moreover, keep in mind that the website’s cached version can potentially slow down its performance. Thus, make sure that your website’s cache is cleaned and refreshed regularly.
3. Clearing Browser Cache
Your web browser often gives you an old, saved version of the web page or post, instead of the updated one. This can make it difficult to know whether your error troubleshooting efforts are working.
Additionally, this stored information in your browser can cause problems with login forms. This further, prevents you from accessing the admin dashboard. Thus, it’s vital to clear your browser’s cache. Follow these steps-
- In Chrome, check the top right corner of three dots. When you click on this, it’ll open the menu.
- Now in the menu, Hover over “History” and select “History” from the sub-options.
- In the next step, you can find and click “Clear browsing data” on the left of the history page.
- This will open a popup window with two tabs: “Basic” and “Advanced.” Choose the time range and data type to delete and click “Clear data.” For more control, switch to the “Advanced” tab and follow the same steps.
- You can also use keyboard shortcuts to clear the cache: “Ctrl + Shift + Delete” on Windows and “Command + Alt + E” on Safari for Mac.
4. Resolving Plugin Conflict in WordPress
WordPress errors often occur because of plugin conflicts. When a plugin clashes with either the core system or other plugins, it causes errors on your website.
To pinpoint the problematic plugins, it may be necessary to deactivate all of them temporarily and check if the issues persist.
If the problem is resolved, you can reactivate the plugins individually to identify the one causing the conflict.
To deactivate all your plugins simultaneously, go to “Plugins” > “Installed Plugins,” select all of them, and then choose “Deactivate” from the bulk options menu. Now click “Apply.”
5. Optimizing Permalinks for Better SEO Ranking
Fortunately, updating your permalinks is an easy process. Just click on “Settings” > “Permalink” and click on the “Save Changes” button.
Now, no need to make any modifications here, as this action will automatically update your permalink settings.
6. Fixing the WordPress Site Address
To check and ensure these settings are correct, go to the “Settings” > “General” page on your WordPress dashboard.
Verify that the ‘WordPress Address (URL)’ and ‘Site Address (URL)’ fields contain the same URL. Now update the address fields by typing the new addresses and pressing the Save Changes button at the bottom.
Now, revisit your website and try to access your WordPress dashboard. If you cannot access the WordPress admin area, you can update these URLs using FTP. Here are two methods:
Method 1: Update wp-config.php File
First, find your website’s root folder where the wp-config.php file is.
Now open wp-config.php and try to locate the line before “/* That’s all, stop editing! Happy blogging. */.”
Insert the code mentioned below just before that line:
define(‘WP_HOME’, ‘http://mywebsite.com’);
define(‘WP_SITEURL’, ‘http://mywebsite.com’);
Replace ‘mywebsite.com’ with your domain. Don’t forget to save the changes, and upload the file to your server.
Method 2: Update functions.php File
In your FTP client, go to ‘wp-content/themes/’ and now open the folder for your active theme.
Search the functions.php file. Now open it.
Insert the below-mentioned lines at the bottom of the functions.php file:
update_option( ‘siteurl’, ‘http://mywebsite.com’ );
update_option( ‘home’, ‘http://mywebsite.com’ );
Now again Save your changes.
Now access the “Settings” > “General” and update the ‘WordPress Address (URL)’ and ‘Site Address (URL)’ as needed. Afterward, delete the code you added to your functions.php file.
