WordPress errors can be frustrating. Here are solutions for the most common issues.
White Screen of Death
Your site shows a blank white page.
Enable Debug Mode
Edit wp-config.php:
define('WP_DEBUG', true);
define('WP_DEBUG_LOG', true);
Check wp-content/debug.log for errors.
Disable Plugins
- Access your site via FTP or File Manager
- Rename wp-content/plugins to plugins_old
- If site works, rename back and disable plugins one by one
Switch Theme
- Rename wp-content/themes/your-theme to your-theme_old
- WordPress will activate a default theme
- If site works, your theme has an issue
Error Establishing Database Connection
Verify Database Credentials
Check wp-config.php:
define('DB_NAME', 'your_database');
define('DB_USER', 'your_username');
define('DB_PASSWORD', 'your_password');
define('DB_HOST', 'localhost');
Repair Database
Add to wp-config.php:
define('WP_ALLOW_REPAIR', true);
Visit: yourdomain.com/wp-admin/maint/repair.php
Remove the line after repair.
Check MySQL Server
In cPanel, verify MySQL is running. Contact support if it's down.
500 Internal Server Error
Check .htaccess
- Rename .htaccess to .htaccess_old
- If site works, regenerate in Settings → Permalinks
Increase PHP Memory
Add to wp-config.php:
define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M');
Check PHP Version
Ensure your PHP version is compatible with WordPress and your plugins.
Login Redirect Loop
Can't access wp-admin, keeps redirecting.
Clear Cookies
Clear browser cookies for your site.
Check Site URLs
In phpMyAdmin, check wp_options table:
- siteurl
- home
Both should match your actual URL.
Disable Plugins via Database
In wp_options, find active_plugins and clear its value.
404 Errors on Pages
Reset Permalinks
- Go to Settings → Permalinks
- Click Save Changes (without changing anything)
Check .htaccess
Ensure WordPress rules are in .htaccess:
# 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
Maintenance Mode Stuck
Delete the .maintenance file in your WordPress root directory.
Getting More Help
If issues persist:
- Check WordPress forums
- Review plugin/theme support
- Contact BearHost support