How to Fix WordPress Fatal Errors: A Step-by-Step Guide

Are you experiencing a fatal error on your WordPress website? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of identifying and fixing common WordPress fatal errors.

What is a Fatal Error in WordPress?

A fatal error in WordPress is a critical error that prevents your website from functioning properly. It’s usually caused by a coding issue, a plugin or theme conflict, or a server-side problem. When a fatal error occurs, WordPress displays a error message, and your website becomes inaccessible.

Common Causes of Fatal Errors in WordPress

1. Plugin conflicts: Incompatible or poorly coded plugins can cause fatal errors.
2. Theme issues: Custom or poorly coded themes can lead to fatal errors.
3. Coding errors: Syntax errors or incorrect coding practices can cause fatal errors.
4. Server-side issues: Server configuration problems, such as incorrect PHP versions or insufficient memory, can lead to fatal errors.
5. Corrupted files: Corrupted WordPress core files or plugin/theme files can cause fatal errors.

How to Fix WordPress Fatal Errors

Step 1: Identify the Error

• Check the error message: Look for the error message displayed on your website. It usually provides information about the error, such as the file and line number causing the issue.
• Check the error logs: Review your website’s error logs to identify the error. You can access error logs through your hosting provider’s control panel or by using a plugin like WP_Debug.

Step 2: Disable Plugins and Themes

• Disable all plugins: Go to the WordPress dashboard and disable all plugins. If the error persists, it’s likely a theme or server-side issue.
• Switch to a default theme: Switch to a default WordPress theme, such as Twenty Nineteen, to rule out theme-related issues.

Step 3: Update WordPress and Plugins

• Update WordPress: Ensure you’re running the latest version of WordPress.
• Update plugins: Update all plugins to their latest versions.

Step 4: Check for Corrupted Files

• Check WordPress core files: Verify that WordPress core files are not corrupted. You can do this by comparing your files with the official WordPress repository.
• Check plugin and theme files: Verify that plugin and theme files are not corrupted. You can do this by re-downloading the plugin or theme and comparing the files.

Step 5: Increase Memory Limit

• Increase PHP memory limit: Increase the PHP memory limit to ensure WordPress has enough memory to function properly. You can do this by adding the following code to your wp-config.php file:

define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M');

Step 6: Debug WordPress

• Enable WP_Debug: Enable WP_Debug to display detailed error messages. You can do this by adding the following code to your wp-config.php file:

define('WP_DEBUG', true);

• Use a debugging plugin: Use a plugin like WP_Debug or Debug Bar to identify and fix errors.

Step 7: Seek Support

• Contact your hosting provider: Reach out to your hosting provider for assistance with server-side issues.
• Contact a WordPress developer: Hire a WordPress developer to help you fix the error.

Conclusion

Fixing WordPress fatal errors requires patience and persistence. By following these steps, you can identify and fix common errors. Remember to always keep your WordPress installation, plugins, and themes up to date, and to monitor your website’s error logs to prevent errors from occurring in the future.

Tips and Variations

• Use a staging site: Test changes on a staging site before applying them to your live site.
• Use a backup plugin: Regularly backup your website using a plugin like UpdraftPlus or VaultPress.
• Use a security plugin: Use a security plugin like Wordfence or MalCare to protect your website from malware and other security threats.