Learn how to fix common WordPress errors in 2025 with easy step-by-step solutions. Troubleshoot issues like the white screen, database errors, plugin conflicts, and more.
Introduction
WordPress remains the most popular content management system (CMS) in 2025, powering millions of websites worldwide. But like any platform, WordPress sites can encounter errors — from white screens of death to database connection issues — that can disrupt your website’s functionality and user experience.
Knowing how to fix common WordPress errors in 2025 quickly and efficiently is essential for every website owner, developer, and admin.
In this guide, we will walk you through the most frequent WordPress errors you might face in 2025 and provide step-by-step solutions to fix them without stress.
Top Common WordPress Errors and How to Fix Them
1. White Screen of Death (WSOD)
Symptoms: Your site shows a blank white page with no error message.
Causes: Plugin/theme conflicts, PHP memory limits, or coding errors.
How to Fix:
Increase PHP memory limit via
wp-config.phpby adding:define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M');Deactivate all plugins by renaming the
pluginsfolder via FTP/cPanel.Switch to a default WordPress theme like Twenty Twenty-Five.
Enable debugging to find errors by adding to
wp-config.php:define('WP_DEBUG', true);Contact your hosting provider if none of the above works.
2. Error Establishing a Database Connection
Symptoms: The site shows a message like “Error establishing a database connection.”
Causes: Incorrect database credentials, database server down, or corrupted database.
How to Fix:
Verify database credentials (
DB_NAME,DB_USER,DB_PASSWORD,DB_HOST) inwp-config.php.Check with your hosting provider if the database server is down.
Repair the database by adding this line to
wp-config.php:define('WP_ALLOW_REPAIR', true);
Then visithttp://yourwebsite.com/wp-admin/maint/repair.phpto repair.Restore from a recent backup if corruption persists.
3. Internal Server Error (500 Error)
Symptoms: The server returns a generic “500 Internal Server Error.”
Causes: Corrupt .htaccess file, PHP memory exhaustion, plugin/theme conflicts.
How to Fix:
Rename the
.htaccessfile to.htaccess_backupto reset it.Log into WordPress dashboard > Settings > Permalinks and click “Save” to regenerate
.htaccess.Increase PHP memory limit as in WSOD fix.
Disable all plugins and switch to a default theme.
Check server error logs for clues.
4. 404 Page Not Found Error on Posts
Symptoms: Individual posts or pages return 404 errors.
Causes: Permalink settings issues or .htaccess rewrite rules missing.
How to Fix:
Go to WordPress dashboard > Settings > Permalinks.
Without changing settings, click “Save Changes” to flush rewrite rules.
Check if
.htaccessfile exists and has correct WordPress rewrite rules.
5. WordPress Stuck in Maintenance Mode
Symptoms: Your site displays “Briefly unavailable for scheduled maintenance. Check back in a minute.”
Causes: Interrupted WordPress update process leaves a .maintenance file.
How to Fix:
Use FTP/cPanel file manager to delete the
.maintenancefile in your WordPress root directory.Clear your browser cache and reload the site.
6. Connection Timed Out
Symptoms: Your website shows “connection timed out” or is loading very slowly.
Causes: Server resource limits, heavy plugins/themes, or traffic overload.
How to Fix:
Increase PHP memory limit.
Disable heavy plugins and switch to lightweight themes.
Optimize your website with caching plugins (e.g., W3 Total Cache).
Consider upgrading your hosting plan for better resources.
7. Failed Auto-Update or Plugin Installation
Symptoms: Auto-updates or plugin installations fail or get stuck.
Causes: File permission issues, low PHP limits, or server restrictions.
How to Fix:
Check and correct file permissions (folders: 755, files: 644).
Increase max execution time in
php.ini:max_execution_time = 300Install plugins manually via FTP if needed.
8. Mixed Content Warning (HTTP/HTTPS Issues)
Symptoms: Browser shows “Not Secure” warning or mixed content errors.
Causes: Site uses HTTPS, but some URLs load over HTTP.
How to Fix:
Install and activate the Really Simple SSL plugin for automatic HTTPS setup.
Manually update URLs in the database using plugins like Better Search Replace.
Use browser dev tools to find insecure elements and update URLs.
Tips to Prevent WordPress Errors in 2025
Keep WordPress, themes, and plugins updated regularly.
Use trusted and regularly updated plugins/themes.
Backup your website frequently with plugins like UpdraftPlus.
Choose a reliable hosting provider with good uptime and support.
Monitor website performance and error logs regularly.
FAQs About Fixing WordPress Errors
Q1: What if I can’t access my WordPress dashboard?
Try accessing your site via FTP or hosting control panel to deactivate plugins/themes manually or fix files.
Q2: How can I enable debugging in WordPress?
Add define('WP_DEBUG', true); to your wp-config.php file to show detailed error messages.
Q3: Are these fixes safe to perform on live websites?
Most fixes are safe, but always back up your site before making changes to avoid data loss.
Q4: Can I fix errors without technical knowledge?
Yes, many fixes are simple, but if unsure, consult a WordPress developer or your hosting support.
Q5: How do I restore a backup if something goes wrong?
Use backup plugins like UpdraftPlus to restore from saved backups, or ask your hosting provider for assistance.
Conclusion
WordPress errors can be frustrating, but with the right approach, you can fix them swiftly and keep your website running smoothly in 2025.
Understanding the common WordPress errors and their solutions helps you minimize downtime and provide a seamless experience to your visitors.
Keep your WordPress core, plugins, and themes updated, backup your site regularly, and choose quality hosting to avoid many common problems.
Need help troubleshooting a specific WordPress error? Feel free to ask!
