Fix the Critical Error in WordPress: Step-by-Step Guide

Fix the Critical Error in WordPress

WordPress may sometimes display an error message saying, ‘There has been a critical error on this website. Please check your site admin email inbox for instructions.t. One of the most dreaded problems that WordPress user come across is the Critical Error. When this error occurs, it could render your website inaccessible, inflicting frustration and panic. In this article, we will discuss a step-via-step guide on how to fix the Critical Error in WordPress.

Understanding the Critical Error in WordPress?

Before we delve into the answers, permit’s understand what the Critical Error in WordPress. When this error occurs, you’ll see a message that asserts, “There has been a critical error in your website.” This errors usually effects in the dreaded “White Screen of Death” (WSOD), leaving your website completely clean and inaccessible.

Causes of the Critical Error in WordPress

The Critical Error can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

1. Plugin or Theme Compatibility: Incompatible plugins or themes can conflict with the WordPress core, leading to a Critical Error.
2. Memory Exhaustion: If your website exceeds the allocated memory limit, it can trigger this error.
3. Corrupted Core Files: Damage to WordPress core files due to a failed update or malware can lead to a Critical Error.
4. PHP Compatibility Issues: Incompatibility between PHP versions can also result in a Critical Error.

How to fix the Critical Error in WordPress?

Step 1: Identify the Cause

The first and crucial step is to identify the root cause of the Critical Error. To do this, you can enable WordPress debugging, which will provide more detailed error messages.

1. Edit the wp-config.php File: Access your website files via FTP or cPanel File Manager and find the wp-config.php file. Add the following code just above the “That’s all, stop editing!” line:

define( 'WP_DEBUG', true );
define( 'WP_DEBUG_LOG', true );
define( 'WP_DEBUG_DISPLAY', false );

2. Reproduce the Error: Now, try to access your website again. The detailed error message will be logged in a file called debug.log inside the wp-content folder.

Step 2: Deactivate Plugins and Themes

Incompatible plugins or themes are common culprits behind the Critical Error. Let’s deactivate them to check if this resolves the issue.

1. Access Recovery Mode: If you are using WordPress version 5.2 or higher, you might enter Recovery Mode after encountering the Critical Error. From there, you can access the Dashboard and proceed with deactivation.
2. Deactivate Plugins: Go to the WordPress Dashboard, navigate to “Plugins,” and select “Installed Plugins.” Deactivate all plugins at once and check if the error disappears.

3. Switch to a Default Theme: If deactivating plugins doesn’t solve the issue, navigate to “Appearance” > “Themes” and switch to a default WordPress theme temporarily.

Also Read: How to Fix Image Upload Issue in WordPress

Step 3: Increase Memory Limit

If the Critical Error persists, the next step is to increase the memory limit of your WordPress website.

Edit wp-config.php File: Access the wp-config.php file again and add the following code just above the “That’s all, stop editing!” line:

define( 'WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '512M' );

Save Changes: Save the file and upload it back to your server, overwriting the previous version.

Step 4: Reinstall WordPress Core Files

If the error still persists, there might be an issue with your WordPress core files. Reinstalling them can fix any corrupted files.

1. Download Fresh WordPress: Visit wordpress.org and download the latest version of WordPress.
2. Replace Core Files: Extract the downloaded WordPress ZIP file and upload the contents (excluding wp-content folder) to your website directory, replacing the existing files.

Step 5: Check PHP Compatibility

If all the above steps do no longer work, there is probably a compatibility trouble with the PHP model your website is using.

Contact Your Hosting Provider: You can contact your web hosting company and inquire approximately the PHP model this is compatible with your website.

Change PHP Version: If wished, alternate the PHP model through your hosting cPanel or by contacting your hosting provider.

Conclusion

Facing the Critical Error in WordPress can be stressful, but with the right steps, you can troubleshoot and resolve the issue efficiently. By identifying the cause, deactivating plugins and themes, increasing memory limit, and reinstalling WordPress core files, you can get your website back online and running smoothly.