there has been a critical error on this website. wordpress​

How to Fix the ‘There Has Been a Critical Error on This Website’ Message in WordPress

As a WordPress user, encountering the message “There has been a critical error on this website” can be a significant roadblock. This generic error notification can leave you and your visitors frustrated, as it doesn’t specify what went wrong. In this post, we will explore the common causes of this error and provide you with actionable steps to troubleshoot and resolve the issue effectively.

Understanding the Error

The “critical error” message signifies that something is amiss within your WordPress installation. The reasons can vary widely, but typical culprits include:

• Plugin Conflicts
• Theme Compatibility Issues
• PHP Errors
• Exceeding Memory Limits

Step-by-Step Solutions

1. Enable Debugging Mode

To effectively diagnose the issue, enabling WordPress debugging mode is essential. This feature will reveal detailed error messages that can guide your troubleshooting efforts.

• Access your site via FTP or your hosting provider’s file manager.
• Locate the wp-config.php file in the root directory.
• Add the following lines of code just before the line that says /* That's all, stop editing! Happy blogging. */:

php

define(‘WP_DEBUG’, true);
define(‘WP_DEBUG_LOG’, true);
define(‘WP_DEBUG_DISPLAY’, false);

After saving your changes, reproduce the error and check the debug.log file in the wp-content directory for specific error messages.

2. Deactivate All Plugins

Plugin conflicts are a common cause of critical errors.

• Navigate to the wp-content/plugins directory.
• Rename the plugins folder to something like plugins_old. This action will deactivate all plugins.
• Check if your site loads successfully. If it does, rename the folder back to plugins and reactivate each plugin one by one to identify the one causing the issue.

3. Switch to a Default Theme

If deactivating plugins doesn’t resolve the issue, your active theme might be at fault.

• Go to the wp-content/themes directory.
• Rename your current theme’s folder to deactivate it.
• WordPress will revert to a default theme (like Twenty Twenty-One).
• Check if the error persists. If your site works, the issue likely lies within your previous theme.

4. Increase PHP Memory Limit

If your website is running low on memory, increasing the PHP memory limit may resolve the error.

• Open the wp-config.php file.
• Add the following line above the line that says /* That's all, stop editing! Happy blogging. */:

php

define(‘WP_MEMORY_LIMIT’, ‘256M’);

5. Consult Your Hosting Provider

If the issue remains unresolved, your hosting provider can offer valuable assistance. They can check for server-related issues or configurations that may be contributing to the error.

Conclusion

Encountering the “There has been a critical error on this website” message can be frustrating, but it’s a fixable issue. By following the steps outlined above, you can troubleshoot effectively and restore your website’s functionality.

Need Help?

If you’re still experiencing difficulties or prefer professional assistance, our digital marketing team specializes in WordPress troubleshooting and optimization. We can diagnose the issue quickly and implement effective solutions tailored to your needs.

Contact us today for a consultation and let us help you keep your WordPress site running smoothly!