10 Major Problems of WordPress- Know the Easiest Solutions! 

Many individuals are using the platform in different contexts. Thus, everything won't always work well for varied reasons.

Have you gotten a white screen after installing new plugins or themes? Perhaps you have updated your website, and it is now stuck in WordPress troubleshoot mode? What about servers and database connectivity failures on the internal network?

There are a lot of typical WordPress errors. Almost all users may face these problems with WordPress at some point.  

If you're a newbie, dealing with these issues may be intimidating. WordPress problems appear to be difficult and too technical. So, you may be unsure where to begin in addressing them.

Don’t worry, you’ve come to the correct place. In this resource, we'll look at some of the basic WordPress problems and how to repair them. Also, discuss the WordPress security issues and WordPress troubleshooting mode. This way, you will be ready to interact with the WordPress problems.

Ensure your WordPress site is well-backed up!

Before getting into the major WordPress problems and how to fix them, make sure you have a backup of your site. Thus, if anything turns out wrong and you can't fix it using the methods below, you can return to a stage when everything was working fine.

You may maintain backups via your web-host. Though few hosting services provide that. Or you can use WordPress plug-ins alternatives:

1. Duplicator

1. UpdraftPlus

1. WP-DB-Backup, it is a WordPress database backup plugin

1. BackupBuddy, it is a paid backup plugin

1. VaultPress, it’s also paid

After performing the backup, you need an FTP client. Also, a text editor for coding related issues. Our Favfly experts recommend Filezilla as FTP client and Notepad++ as text editor.

Now, you’re all set to find the solutions to major WordPress problems.

10 Basic WordPress Problems with Best Solutions

1. Internal Server Error 500 Message

500 internal server errors are the most typical and confusing WordPress problems.

WordPress display error message when something is wrong, but the server is unsure of the source of the issue. Because the notification doesn't say where to seek for a solution, you’ve to figure it out.

Reason

i) A fault .htaccess file is the most probable reason for a 500 Internal Server Error notification.

ii) An incompatible plugin or theme or a defective WordPress installation, are also probable causes.

iii) PHP memory limitations can sometimes result in a 500 Internal Server Error. 

Check your website's error log to find out where the problem is. If you’ve a shared web hosting, then you might not access full error logging. 

You can learn more by using WP_DEBUG and looking through the error logs. Find the next line of code in your wp-config.php file:

define('WP_DEBUG', false); 

Replace it with:

define('WP DEBUG', true); 

Solution

1. Examine the .htaccess file

First, we will fix the corrupt .htaccess file.

On your server, you'll need FTP access. Find the .htaccess file under the root directory of your WordPress website. Rename the file and save.

Refresh your web page now. Kudos if it runs! Simply navigate to Settings>Permalinks in your WP admin panel and re-save the settings to produce a new .htaccess file.

1. Extension of PHP memory

Inadequate memory is causing internal server problems, then you'll need to raise the memory limit. It is done in wp-config.php.

To perform this, access the file via FTP and enter the following line:

define('WP_MEMORY LIMIT'_'64M');

It will increase the memory capacity to 64MB because of this. We can extend the memory limit to 128MB or 256MB.

This resolved the problem of limited memory with this method.

Though not all hosts enable you to raise your memory limit on your own. In this scenario, you must ask them to do so for you.

1. Turn off all plugins

A plugin issue or conflict might also cause this common WordPress problem.

The easiest way to fix it is to disable all plugins. Then reactivate them one by one until you find the source of the problem.

You may disable all plugins by renaming the plugin folder within wp-content via FTP if you don't have access to the admin area.

If a plugin caused the problem, this should give you access to the backend.

1. Upload the WordPress core files again.

Corrupted core files are another probable reason for a server problem.

You can repair this by installing the most recent version of WordPress. Update your existing installation's wp-admin and wp-includes folders with the ones you just installed.

You won't be losing any of your data, but it could help you solve your problem.

2. Syntax or Parse Error

Syntax mistakes are among the frequent problems with WordPress.

Reason

Rather than your site, WordPress display error message like the image above when you refresh. This warning shows that your code has an error. It just needs to be fixed. Browsers are very sensitive about this stuff, and cause trouble even if a bracket or semicolon is absent.

Solution

To address this WordPress problem, avoid pasting code snippets into your live site. Test the code in a text editor first and check the errors. If you notice the above error, you'll need to go back and fix whatever is missing with your syntax.

The browser will tell you which file has problems and even which line the parsing error occurs on. All you have to do is connect to your server through FTP.

You’ll be locked out of your site if you upload a new code snippet via your WordPress dashboard. So, you must use FTP to retrieve your site files.

Then navigate to the files, right-click to edit, and locate the line that the error message refers to. Either fix the syntax or remove the incorrect code.

Save and re-upload the file after that, then return to your site. Reload the page, and you should be ready.

3. White Screen of Death on WordPress

The white screen of death problem in WordPress results in a blank white screen with no error notice. Because there is no error signal or warning to suggest where anything may have gone wrong, it's quite puzzling.

The white screen may only appear in particular areas of your website.

Reason

A variety of factors can cause A WSOD.

i) The most common reason is plugin or theme support difficulties. A plugin may clash with another plugin. Or a plugin may not be suitable with the recent version of WordPress. A theme's functionality may also suffer because of an update.

ii) A PHP memory restriction or a server setup issue may cause this problem. 

Solution

When struck with the terrible white screen of death, follow these steps:

1. Raise the total memory size

Memory problems are a typical cause of this condition. As a result, the first step in resolving the problem is to increase the quantity of accessible memory.

For instructions, see the description above.

1. Turn off all plugins.

If a plugin is causing the issue, you may need to disable all of them. Then enable them one by one to figure out which one is causing the problem.

We've also discussed how to accomplish it higher up.

1. Select a basic theme

A defective theme might be the issue. You can test it by choosing one of the WordPress default themes. Default themes start with “Twenty” in the name.

You may make this modification through FTP if you don't have accessibility to the WordPress backend.

Rename the current theme folder in your theme folder. WordPress will revert to its default theme because of this. Of-course, it needs to be present in the same folder.

1. Enable the debugging mode.

If neither of the above methods work, you may force WordPress into debug mode. Insert the following code into wp-config.php:

define('WP_DEBUG', false);

To debug, change it from false to true and reload the file on your server. This will display cautions, errors, and notifications on the website. So, it will assist you in finding the specific confusion.

If you have a plugin like WP Reset installed, the remedy is much easier. Run the Emergency Recovery Script. Switch off plugins and themes until you locate the one that created problems. 

You'll have a restore point available when you log back onto your site. So, all it takes is a few seconds to restore it. Also, it will erase any modifications made to your website because of the incorrect update.

4. WordPress Error: Connection Timed Out

If it takes a long time for your page to load and then you receive an error saying it's not accessible, your connection has timed out. This WordPress error message you get from an overloaded or badly configured server.

Reason 

It usually occurs when a website's server is congested and cannot fulfil your browser's request. Your website attempts to perform more than the server can do. It is common in shared hosting setups with restricted resources.

Solution

There are a few methods for handling this situation.

1. Disable all plugins—plugin issues might sometimes cause timeouts. To find out how to correct them, look at the explanation above.

1. Change to the default theme - Theme problems can sometimes cause timed-out connections. Use one of the default WordPress themes. Follow the instructions higher up the page.

1. Boost your PHP memory limit–We've already discussed how to accomplish this. It's another option for dealing with these common WordPress problems.

If none of the suggestions above work, it's best to approach your hosting company.

5. Locked in WordPress Maintenance Mode

During an update, every visitor of your website will see a notification that it is coming back shortly.

It's okay. But the maintenance mode doesn't always go away.

Reason

If the update is cancelled or times out, this continuous maintenance mode occurs.

Worse, if it becomes stuck, it also locks you out of the admin area. So how are you going to solve it?

When you upgrade WordPress to a newer version, a temporary .maintenance file is created. The issue arises when the .maintenance file is not appropriately deleted after the update. Sometimes the upgrade process itself cannot be completed successfully.

Solution

You'll need to use FTP to access the root directory of your WordPress installation. Then find and remove the .maintenance file. This will fix the problem.

If your upgrade script timed out, it may not have completed the upgrade properly. It  deactivates your website.

In that situation, you may have to manually upgrade WordPress.

6. WordPress Error: Admin area is locked out

Sometimes you lose your WordPress website's password or login name. Because of password recovery, it's generally not a problem.

It will be tough if the recovery email fails for whatever reason.

So, what's next? Is it possible to start a website from the beginning? Hire some experts to re-enter? Fortunately, it's not quite as difficult as that.

Solution

If you can't get through the WordPress backend any longer, you can use PhpMyAdmin to reset your password in the database.

To perform so, go to your site's database and look for the wp users’ table. It might not have the same prefix as wp_ if you modified it during the installation.

In the user login column, look for your username and select edit on the left side. It might be a pencil icon.

On the following page, you'll see a field named user pass with a bunch of strange characters in it.

Delete everything in there and replace it with your new password. Then, in the function column, select MD5 from the drop-down option.

This ensures that it encrypted the new password when you save at the bottom.

7. Looping Login Redirect in WordPress

When accessing the WordPress dashboard, you may notice that the login page keeps diverting and reloading. We know this as a WordPress login redirect loop.

Let's see how to come out of the loop.

Solution

Clear the cookies in your web browser. It is the simplest method to remedy this redirection problem. This error occurs because WordPress uses browser cookies to verify your login credentials.

1. Go to Chrome Settings & Advanced » Clear Browsing Data to delete your browser cookies.

1. Delete your browser's cache and cookies. Make sure cookies are enabled in your browser.

1. Try logging in again by restarting your browser and refreshing your WordPress login page.
   

8. WordPress error in building a database connection

WordPress display error message like this when your site cannot access your database.

Reason

This may occur if you have altered or wrongly entered your database data, such as:

i) Your database's server

ii) Username for the database

iii) Password for the database

iv) Your database could be down or damaged

Solution

To repair this common WordPress problem, check if you're getting the same error on the front and back ends of your site.

If you see a unique problem on your website's wp-admin page, such as "One or more database tables are inaccessible." The database may require repair.

It's easy to repair your database. FTP access your website and find the wp-config.php file. Then enter the following piece of code before the line "That's all, quit editing!" :

define('WP_ALLOW_REPAIR', true); 

Save your modifications, then re-upload the file to your server. Then go to this page:

http://www.yoursite.com/wp-admin/maint/repair.php

Delete the line from your wp-config.php file once you've completed restoring your database.

If you believe your website has been hacked or corrupted, you must restore it. Sucuri SiteCheck will help you make sure your website is safe.

9. 404 Errors and Missing Images

This WordPress error looks like the above image. When you open a page, you get a 404 error page instead. The entire site is all right, however.

Isn't it strange? Don’t worry, it’s a normal problem and is quickly resolved. Improper rewrite rules cause it.

Solution

It may resolve this problem by re-saving your permalink structure under Settings > Permalinks.

This clears the .htaccess file and should solve the problem. If it doesn't you may have to do manual steps.

You can find the .htaccess file in your root directory, as you already know. Put the next pieces of code to it:

# BEGIN WordPress

<IfModule mod_rewrite.c>

RewriteEngine On

RewriteBase /

RewriteRule ^index\.php$ - [L]

RewriteCond %{REQUEST_FILENAME} !-f

RewriteCond %{REQUEST_FILENAME} !-d

RewriteRule . /index.php [L]

</IfModule>

# END WordPress

10. Image Upload Error

Are you getting this WordPress display error message while uploading media files?

Reason

Image upload problems with WordPress can appear in a variety of ways:

i) Your website's images are no longer visible.

ii) You’re unable to add media assets to your website

iii) When the upload completes, the image seems to be broken

iv) The whole media library isn't showing up correctly.

The issue looks tricky, but the solution is way more easily

Solution

Faulty file and folder permissions always cause image upload difficulties. It prevents WordPress from retrieving them correctly.

It can change permission levels. It's usually harmless, although it's inconvenient.

1. Change the file permissions:

• Connect FTP and navigate to the upload folder inside wp-content. 

• Choose File permissions from the context menu when you right-click it.

• Change the access level of the upload directory and all of its subdirectories to 744. Just type this number into the bottom area.
  
  
  
  

• Choose "Recurse into subdirectories" and "Apply to directories only."

• When you click OK, the FTP client will update your folders with the proper file permissions.

• After that, we must repeat steps for the files. This time we’ll pick permission level 644. 

• Select the recurse into subdirectories and activate "only file applications."
  
  
  
  
  Wait until the procedure is complete before pressing the OK button. Your picture upload should solve issues.
  If the problem remains, try changing the directory permissions to 755 instead of 744.
  The issues we discussed above are one of the most typical problems with WordPress. You learnt the reasons behind WordPress problems and solutions straight from our experts!
  Now let’s discuss the other problems like Hostgator problems with WordPress, WordPress security issues, WordPress troubleshooting mode.

Hostgator problems with WordPress

Hostgator is a website hosting provider. Despite their premium services, there are several issues. So, know the hostgator problems with WordPress before choosing,

HostGator limits the quantity of files you may upload. So, restricted storage can bother you.

Besides, their backup features are the worst in the industry. They charge $25 for each backup restore request.

Another disadvantage is their customer support. You’ve to wait a long time for support representatives to connect with you.

Their low uptime and slow performance might hurt your SEO efforts. Advanced functionalities like staging zones, built-in server-side caching systems are missing.

Consider all these drawbacks and select according to your requirements. 

WordPress security issues

Always take care of the security issues of your website. Being hacked is a waste of time, effort, and money. It can also risk your trustworthiness and reputation, especially if the threats influence your site's visitors.

What makes WordPress insecure?

Your WordPress website is not safe if it lacks an SSL certificate or has an improperly configured SSL certificate. Installing an SSL certificate is the simplest method to fix this

Chrome issue. However, we recommend using a WordPress security plugin for complete protection.

The most frequent WordPress security issues happen by the following ways:

• Brute Force Attacks

Brute force cyberattacks on WordPress refer to the process of repeatedly inputting various login and password combinations until a combination is successful.

• Exploits for File Insertion

When vulnerable code is used to load external files, file inclusion attacks occur.

• Injections into SQL

SQL injection is when an attacker gets access to your WordPress database and all of your website's data. They may create a new admin-level user account via SQL injection.

• Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) 

XSS occurs when an attacker induces a victim to load vulnerable javascript scripts into a web page. These scripts are used to steal information from visitors’ browsers.

• Malware

Malware, or malicious software, is software that is used to gain unauthorised access to a computer system.

Approaches you may take to make your website more secure:

1. For each user account, create a strong password.

2. Add a security plugin to WordPress.

3. Enable two-factor authentication in WordPress.

4. Make sure your WordPress site is up to date.

5. Configure your server's permissions properly.

6. Run virus scans regularly.

7. Create a solid WordPress backup strategy.

8. Enable Brute Force Protection in WordPress.

WordPress troubleshooting mode

The WordPress troubleshoot mode is critical to figure out what's causing an issue.

You can use the Health Check plugin to troubleshoot typical website issues. It gives debug information to find issues with site configurations.

When you're in WordPress troubleshooting mode, you can see if a problem remains in a simple WordPress configuration. Because, the currently logged-in user gets a basic version of WordPress with all plugins deactivated and default theme enabled.

You can figure out which plugin or theme is causing the issues, so you can report it to the developers.

Hope you have gotten answers for your queries on WordPress problems. Feel free to contact us if you have any further questions.