How to Fix Common WordPress Errors Print

Here are the WordPress problems we see most often, and how to fix them yourself.

"There Has Been a Critical Error on This Website"

This is usually caused by a plugin or theme.

1. Check your site admin's email inbox. WordPress usually sends a message with a special link that lets you log in safely and see which plugin caused the problem
2. If you can log in, go to Plugins and deactivate the plugin named in the email, or the one you most recently installed or updated
3. If you can't log in, open File Manager, go to public_html/wp-content, and rename the plugins folder to plugins-off. This turns off every plugin
4. Log in to WordPress, rename the folder back to plugins, then turn plugins back on one at a time until you find the one causing the problem

A Blank White Screen

Treat it the same as a critical error above. Also check Metrics > Errors in cPanel for the reason.

"Error Establishing a Database Connection"

WordPress can't reach its database. Usually the database details in wp-config.php don't match.

1. In File Manager, open public_html/wp-config.php and note DB_NAME, DB_USER and DB_PASSWORD
2. In cPanel, open Manage My Databases and check the database and user exist, and the user is added to the database
3. If you're not sure of the password, change the database user's password in cPanel and update DB_PASSWORD in wp-config.php to match

"Too Many Redirects"

1. In WordPress, go to Settings > General and make sure WordPress Address and Site Address match exactly, both starting with https://
2. If you can't log in, check for redirect plugins or extra rules in .htaccess. See What Is the .htaccess File?
3. Clear your browser cache

Pages Show "404 Not Found" but the Home Page Works

Go to Settings > Permalinks and click Save Changes. This rebuilds your .htaccess rules.

Can't Upload Large Files

Raise upload_max_filesize and post_max_size in the MultiPHP INI Editor. See How to Change Your PHP Version and Settings.

Locked Out

See How to Reset Your WordPress Admin Password.

Nothing Working?

Restore your site from before the problem with JetBackup, or open a ticket with Technical Support.