Bad Method Call Exception in Laravel: What It Is and How to Fix It

Your Laravel project is going well. You have set everything. Then, bam! You received this message- “Bad Method Call Exception.” It just seems like your application’s flow has hit a big wall. It leaves you wondering: what happened? 

You may see an error like this:

BadMethodCallException: Call to undefined method App\Models\User::someMethod()

This error might be problematic because you can’t easily find what the reason is. It is not as simple as a missing semicolon or a typo. “Bad Method Call Exception” usually pops up when Laravel tries to call a method on something that doesn’t exist or isn’t what it’s supposed to be.

Once you understand how this error happens, then it’s simple to fix it. In this post, we will discuss the common cause of this exception and how Laravel development experts go about fixing it. Let’s break it down.

What Is a Bad Method Call Exception?

A “Bad Method Call Exception” in Laravel occurs when the code attempts to use a non-existent method within it. Laravel does not recognize the function you call, so it simply throws this error to make you realize that something is wrong. 

This usually shows up when working with Eloquent techniques. For example, calling the method $user->getProfile() without a getProfile function defined in your model will leave Laravel with nothing to do and throw that exception. 

It’s saying: “Hey, I can’t find the method you’re asking for.” This could be something small, like a typographical error, a missing relationship, or you’re using a dynamic method that hasn’t been set up properly. Once you find out where the source of the problem is, the problem’s usually pretty simple to fix.

Common Causes of Bad Method Call Exception in Laravel

This error doesn’t just pop up out of nowhere. There’s usually a clear reason behind it. Most of the time, it’s something small that’s easy to overlook–like a typo or calling a function that doesn’t exist. Here are some of the usual suspects that can lead to a Bad Method Call Exception in Laravel.

Typing Mistakes

This is the most common reason. A small typo in a method name can break things.

User::get Details(); // Typo: should be getDetails()

Laravel looks for getDetails() on the User model but can’t find it, so it throws the exception.

Undefined Method on Model

If you’re calling a method that doesn’t exist in the model, you’ll get this error.

User::find(1)->sendEmail(); // If sendEmail() doesn't exist in the model

Always make sure the method exists in your model or a related trait.

Missing Eloquent Relationships

If you forget to define a relationship method, Laravel will think it’s a normal method call.

$user->posts(); // If posts() relationship is not defined

To fix this, define the relationship:

public function posts()
{
return $this->hasMany(Post::class);
}

Scope Method Mistakes

Laravel uses scope methods for reusable queries. But they need to follow the right naming pattern.

This is wrong:

public function active()
{
return $this->where('status', 'active');
}

This is correct:

public function scopeActive($query)
{
return $query->where('status', 'active');
}

Call it like:

User::active()->get();

Macro Not Registered

Macros allows you to add custom methods to Laravel classes, such as the query builder. If you try to use a macro before registering it, Laravel won’t recognize it.

Builder::newMethod(); // If 'newMethod' macro is not defined yet

Register your macros in the right place, like a service provider.

Even though the causes might look different, they all come down to the same thing: Laravel is trying to run a method it can’t find. The good news is that once you know what to check for, it becomes much easier to fix and avoid in the future.

How to Debug “Bad Method Call Exception in Laravel”

When this error shows up, it can feel confusing at first. But with the right steps, you can track down the issue pretty quickly. Laravel usually gives enough information in the error message to help you figure out what’s going wrong. You need to know where to look and what to check.

Here are some simple steps to find and fix the problem:

1. Read the full error message. It tells you which method and class caused the issue.
2. Check for typos. One letter off can cause the error.
3. Look at the class or model. Does it really have the method you’re trying to use?
4. Use tools like dd() or dump() to inspect objects and see what methods are available.
5. Use an IDE with autocomplete. This helps avoid calling undefined methods.

Once you’ve found the cause, fixing it is usually quick. The more you run into and solve these kinds of issues, the easier it becomes to spot them early in your code. Debugging might seem tricky at first, but it’s a great way to learn more about how Laravel works behind the scenes.

Real Examples of Bad Method Call Exceptions

Below are some common real-life situations where this error can pop up in a Laravel application. Each example includes a short explanation of the problem and how to fix it in a simple way.

Typo in Method Name

Sometimes, a simple spelling mistake in your method name can cause Laravel to throw a Bad Method Call Exception.

$user = User::find(1);
$user->getProfile(); // Typo here

Fix:

The method name is spelled incorrectly (getProfile). Laravel doesn’t recognize this as a valid method on the model. Fixing the spelling will solve the problem.

$user->getProfile();

Calling a Non-Existent Relationship

When you try to access a relationship method that hasn’t been defined in your model, Laravel can’t find it and throws an error.

$post = Post::find(1);
$comments = $post->comments; // Method doesn't exist

Fix:

The relationship name comments don’t exist on the Post model. Make sure the correct relationship method is defined and called with the right spelling.

$comments = $post->comments;

Missing Local Scope

This happens when you try to use a query scope that hasn’t been defined in the model.

$users = User::active()->get(); // No scopeActive defined

Fix:

To fix this, you need to define the local scope method inside your model. Laravel will look for a method called scopeActive.

public function scopeActive($query) {
return $query->where('status', 'active');
}

Calling a Method on a Null Value

If a model lookup returns null (for example, if the ID doesn’t exist), and you try to call a method on that null, it will result in an exception.

$user = User::find(999); // User doesn’t exist
echo $user->getProfile(); // Trying to call method on null

Fix:

Before calling a method on the model, check if the object exists. This avoids trying to use a method on a null value.

if ($user) {
echo $user->getProfile();
}

Even minor errors in your code can lead to Bad Method Call Exceptions. Attention to method names, model relationships, and null checks will save you from such issues and keep your app running smoothly.

How to Prevent Bad Method Call Exceptions in Laravel?

To save time and avoid confusion, it’s better to prevent these exceptions from happening in the first place. Here are a few simple practices to develop cleaner code and minimize the chances of hitting a Bad Method Call Exception:

• Double-Check Method Names: Always ensure you’re using the correct method names, especially with calls made on a model or a class. A slight typing mistake can generate an exception.
• Keep Models and Relationships Clean: When dealing with Eloquent relationships, fully define the relationships in your model, double-check method names and the spelling in your code.
• Use IDE or Code Editors with Auto-Suggestions: It would be better if you work in an IDE that offers auto-complete, such as VS Code or PHPStorm. It can detect bugs while you type, and it also provides you with method names so you can consciously avoid calling an undefined one.
• Avoid Guessing – Check the Docs: When you’re in doubt about a method or its functionality within Laravel, refer to the official Laravel documentation and even the source code of Laravel itself. It’s better to verify than to assume.
• Write Unit Tests: Testing your code can catch issues before they are deployed. Even simple tests can help you confirm that logic is working correctly.
• Keep Laravel Updated: With new Laravel versions being released, there come fixes and enhancements. Keeping your framework updated will simplify debugging and prevent the occasional disaster.

Following these tips can save you from running into frustrating errors later. While it’s not always possible to avoid every mistake, being careful with your code and using the right tools can make a big difference. Over time, these habits will help you write more reliable and maintainable Laravel applications.

FAQs for Bad Method Call Exception In Laravel

Let’s Conclude

Facing the “Bad Method Call Exception” in Laravel can be frustrating. But it is usually easy to fix if you know what to look for. From a missing relationship to an undefined method on a model or even a misplaced comma, the first step in solving any issue is identifying its root cause. 

You can always avoid such problems with the tips we have given here. Always keep an eye out for small mistakes, like calling methods on null values or forgetting to register macros.

If you are facing issues in your project frequently, consulting a leading Laravel development agency can help you achieve the desired results.