Navigating Common WordPress Errors: A Comprehensive Guide for Site Efficiency

Table of Content

• Common WordPress Errors
  • The White Screen of Death (WSOD)
  • HTTP 500 – Internal Server Error
  • Database Connection Establishment Error
  • Error 404 – Page Not Found
  • Error 403 – Forbidden Status Code
  • Error – “Briefly unavailable for scheduled maintenance. Check back in a minute.”
  • Error 502 – Bad Gateway
  • Auto-upgrade Failure
  • Images Not Working
  • Connection Time-out
  • Parse Error: Unexpected
  • SSL Errors
• FAQs Related to Common WordPress Errors
• Conclusion

Here’s a scenario for you. You’ve used WordPress, the best CMS platform, to create a high-quality website. It’s packed with creative design and all the latest features and functionalities. Then what could go wrong? Well, a few common WordPress errors on the website may just throw your plans off the rails. 

Although WordPress is the best web development platform, you may still encounter some errors on your website. Whether it’s a broken theme, a pesky syntax error, or a mysterious 404 page, any common WordPress error may result in a negative user experience. But don’t worry; WordPress developers have got solutions for every error. 

The first step to alleviating any problem is properly understanding it. So, in this blog, we’ll discuss a few of the most common WordPress errors, their cause, and how you can fix them. Although it’s highly improbable to make a WordPress website completely error-free (since there are so many moving parts), we can try and make it as flawless as possible. 

So without further ado, let’s start with the first WordPress error.

Common WordPress Errors

Sometimes, websites may encounter some common WordPress errors, which can throw off users and website owners alike. But if you already have an idea about what these errors are and how you can resolve them, they’ll stop being intimidating. With that thought, let’s check out the most common WordPress errors and their solutions.

1. The White Screen of Death (WSOD)

As the name suggests, in case of this error, you’ll be left staring at a blank white page instead of your beautiful website. You may also see a message saying, “There has been a critical error on your website.” Although this error may seem a little vague and unclear, the word “critical” suggests a catastrophic failure. 

What Causes The White Screen of Death?

Since there is no code associated with this common WordPress error, it can be a little challenging and perplexing to identify the root cause at first glance. But here are a few common triggers for the White Screen of Death:

• Plugin Conflicts: Incompatibility or malfunctions during the plugin installation may lead to the WSOD error. 
• Theme Issues: Installing a poorly-coded or perhaps outdated theme can also trigger the WSOD. So make sure the theme installation process goes according to the industry standards. 
• Memory Limit Exhaustion: If your website’s memory limit is reached or exceeded, it can result in the WSOD.
• Syntax Errors: Errors in the code of your theme’s functions.php file or other critical files can lead to the WSOD.

There are several other issues that may result in the White Screen of Death. But don’t worry; you can take care of this issue quite easily. 

How to Resolve It?

Now, since there are so many triggers, there are several ways to troubleshoot and fix this problem:

• Activate the WordPress debug mode: With this feature, you can easily debug the common WordPress errors on every page. So you can identify the issue and fix it more accurately. 
• Clear the Cache: Even after the WSOD has been fixed, you may see outdated files from your website. So we recommend you clear the cache of your website at the earliest. 
• Disable your Plugins: We suggest you disable the plugins on your website individually and check the presence of WSOD each time. That way, you’ll see which plugin is causing this issue. 
• Disable the Theme: If you have used a custom or third-party theme on your website, it could be the culprit. So disable it and replace it with one of the default themes using SFTP. 
• Raise the Memory Limit of your Website: Edit your php.ini file and raise the maximum memory limit of your WordPress website. 

For the most part, these steps should take care of the White Screen of Death. But since there are several issues that may cause this common WordPress error, you may even try and get in touch with a WordPress development company. 

2. HTTP 500 – Internal Server Error

HTTP 500 is a common WordPress error code that indicates something has gone wrong with the web server. But the server is unable to specify the exact cause of the issue. So instead of providing a detailed error message, the server displays the “HTTP 500 Internal Server Error” message. That leaves the website owners and users puzzled about the problem. 

What Causes the Internal Server Error?

HTTP 500 is one of the most common WordPress errors. It can be caused by a variety of issues, both within the WordPress installation and even on the server side. But here are a few common triggers for Internal Server Errors in websites:

• Plugin or Theme Conflicts: Incompatible or poorly coded plugins and themes can clash with each other or with the WordPress core. That results in the HTTP 500 error.
• Syntax Errors in Code: Errors in the PHP code of themes, plugins, or custom functions can cause the server to fail and trigger this common WordPress error.
• Exhausted PHP Memory Limit: When a WordPress script requires more memory than the PHP memory limit allocated by the server, it can lead to the HTTP 500 error.
• Corrupted .htaccess File: Issues with the .htaccess file, like incorrect configurations or corrupted code, can cause the server to malfunction.
• Server Configuration Issues: Problems with server configurations, permissions, or mod_security rules can also result in the HTTP 500 error.
• Failed WordPress Update: A failed WordPress update or incomplete file uploads during updates can cause server errors, including the HTTP 500 error.

Although these causes may seem a little daunting, you don’t need to worry. There are several ways to alleviate these issues and, in turn, the Internal Server Error quite easily. 

How to Resolve the Internal Server Error?

Resolving the HTTP 500 Internal Server Error in WordPress requires a methodical approach. You have to identify and address the underlying cause. Here’s how:

• Reprocess the Plugins and Themes: First, deactivate the plugins on your website. Then see if the error is resolved. If it has, you can move forward to reactivating the plugins one by one and test each time to identify the problematic plugin. But if the error still persists, try switching to the default theme. 
• Check the PHP Version Compatibility: Make sure your hosting environment is compatible with the current PHP version for your WordPress website. 
• Review the Error Logs: Access your server’s error logs. They may provide specific error messages indicating the cause of the HTTP 500 error. We recommend you choose the best WordPress hosting provider. They’ll help you locate the logs and review the error codes.
• Check PHP Memory Limit: Increase the PHP memory limit by adding the following code to your site’s wp-config.php file. Try increasing the memory limit value if you already have this line in your wp-config.php file.

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

• Verify .htaccess File: Rename your current .htaccess file to something like .htaccess_old. After that, access the WordPress Admin Dashboard and navigate to the Permalinks. Then, click “Save Changes” to generate a new .htaccess file. 
• Check Server Configuration: Contact your hosting provider and inquire about server configuration issues that could cause the HTTP 500 error. That includes mod_security rules or PHP settings.

Last but not least, make sure your WordPress installation and all plugins are up to date. Outdated software can cause compatibility issues and server errors. If all fails, you can even try restoring to a recent backup of your website.

Perform these troubleshooting steps one at a time and test your website after each action. That will help you isolate the cause of this common WordPress error and fix it easily. 

3. Database Connection Establishment Error

This common WordPress error occurs when WordPress websites have problems connecting to the database storing all the website’s content, settings, and user info. 

When this error occurs, visitors may see a message “Error establishing a database connection” or something similar. It means WordPress cannot establish a connection to the database. So it can’t retrieve or save critical data, leading to an error. 

What Causes the Error Establishing Database Connection?

There are several factors that may trigger the Database Connection Establishment Error:

• Incorrect Database Credentials: Suppose the database username, password, database name, or host details in the wp-config.php file are incorrect. Then WordPress won’t be able to connect to the database.
• Database Server Unavailability: The database server hosting your site’s database might be down or experiencing high traffic, causing connection issues.
• Server Configuration Errors: Server misconfigurations, such as low PHP memory limits or blocked database connections, can lead to several common WordPress Errors.
• Corrupted Database: In rare cases, the database itself may be corrupted due to an incomplete update or a hardware issue.

By identifying and resolving the root cause of the Database Connection Establishment Error, you can ensure a better fix for your WordPress website. 

How to Resolve the Database Connection Establishment Error?

If there is an error establishing the database connection, it can lead to various issues and errors that disrupt the proper functioning of your WordPress site. But WordPress development services use several methods to take care of this common WordPress error:

• Check Database Credentials: Double-check the database username, password, database name, and host details in the wp-config.php file to ensure they are accurate.
• Test Database Connection: Try connecting to the database manually using database management tools (e.g., phpMyAdmin) or command-line tools to verify that the database server is accessible.
• Restart Database Server: If the database server is unresponsive, contact your hosting provider to check the server status or restart the database server.
• Review Server Configuration: Review PHP memory limits and server configurations to ensure they meet the requirements for WordPress to function properly.
• Repair and Optimize Database: WordPress’s database management and optimization tool can repair and optimize the WordPress database to address corruption issues. Add this code to the wp-config.php file to activate this feature for your website.

define( 'WP_ALLOW_REPAIR', true 

After you have saved the file, upload it back to your server and open ‘https://yourwebsiteurl.com/wp-admin/maint/repair.php‘ in your browser. Then, just click on either button and run this tool. After the process completion, the page will reload and show a message showing the database tables have been fixed. But don’t forget to remove the line of code “WP_ALLOW_REPAIR” from the wp-config.php file.

As with any troubleshooting process, make sure to take your website’s backup before making any changes to avoid potential data loss. So if all else fails and you have a recent backup, consider restoring the database and files to a working state.

4. Error 404 – Page Not Found

This HTTP status code is one of the most common error codes for WordPress websites. It occurs when a visitor tries to access a page on your WordPress website that does not exist or cannot be found. 

This error message informs the user that the requested page is not available on the server. It serves as a way to communicate to users that the page they were looking for may have been deleted, moved, or never existed in the first place. 

What Causes the Error 404 – Page Not Found?

Here are a few reasons you may encounter the Error 404 “Page Not Found” on your WordPress website:

• Broken Permalinks: Suppose the URL structure of your website’s pages is incorrect or the permalinks are not set up properly. In that case, users may encounter a 404 error when trying to access specific pages.
• Deleted or Moved Pages: If a page has been deleted or its URL has been changed without setting up proper redirects, users will receive a 404 error when trying to access the old URL.
• Misspelled URLs: Users may mistype the URL or follow a broken link from an external website, resulting in a 404 error.
• Incorrect .htaccess Rules: Incorrect or misconfigured .htaccess rules can lead to incorrect URL routing and trigger the 404 error.

Remember that some 404 errors are normal, especially if you’ve recently reorganized or updated your website. If you are trying to shift one or more of the website pages, we recommend you opt for the WordPress 301 redirect. 

How to Resolve the Error 404 – Page Not Found?

Here are a few ways you can resolve the error 404 “Page Not Found” on your WordPress website:

• Check Permalink Settings: Go to your WordPress dashboard, navigate to Settings -> Permalinks, and click “Save Changes” to refresh the permalink structure. This action can resolve 404 errors caused by permalink issues.
• Redirect Deleted or Moved Pages: If you have deleted or moved a page, set up 301 redirects from the old URL to the new one using plugins like Redirection or Yoast SEO. That ensures the users are redirected to the correct page.
• Fix Broken Links: Regularly check for broken links on your website using tools like Broken Link Checker and fix them to prevent 404 errors for users.
• Custom 404 Error Page: Create a custom 404 error page that provides users with helpful information and navigation options to continue exploring your website.
• Review .htaccess File: If you suspect .htaccess rules are causing the 404 error, review the file for any misconfigurations or remove any custom rules temporarily to see if it resolves the issue.
• Use Redirect Plugins: Consider using redirect plugins like Redirection or Simple 301 Redirects. That will help manage redirects and avoid 404 errors caused by changes in your site’s structure.

By executing these resolutions on your website, you can ensure that visitors find the content they are looking for and experience a seamless journey on your WordPress site.

5. Error 403 – Forbidden Status Code

The 403 Forbidden Error occurs when a website user is denied access to a particular page. It indicates that the server has understood the user’s request, but it refuses to authorize access. 

What Causes the Error 403 – Forbidden Status Code?

Here are a few factors that may trigger this common WordPress error:

• Insufficient Permissions: The user attempting to access the page does not have the necessary permissions or credentials to view the content.
• Incorrect File Permissions: Incorrect file permissions on the server can prevent access to certain files or directories, leading to the 403 error.
• Security Restrictions: The server or website may have security configurations or firewall rules that block access to certain URLs or IP addresses.
• Hotlink Protection: If hotlink protection is enabled, it can block access to resources from external websites, leading to the 403 error.

It can be pretty painful when you have created an excellent website, but the users are denied access. But don’t worry; there are some ways to take care of this issue.

How to Resolve this Common WordPress Error?

Here are a few excellent steps taken by the WordPress experts to take care of this error:

• Check File Permissions: Ensure that the directories and files on your server have the correct permissions. Directories should typically have a permission of 755, and files should have a permission of 644. Avoid setting overly permissive permissions that may compromise security.
• Review .htaccess File: Check your website’s .htaccess file for any rules or configurations that could be causing the 403 error. Temporarily remove or modify these rules to see if they are the cause.
• Disable Security Plugins: If you have security plugins installed, try disabling them to see if they are the reason behind the 403 error. If the error disappears, re-enable the plugins one by one to identify the culprit.
• Check Hotlink Protection: If hotlink protection is enabled, review its settings and whitelist necessary URLs or domains to allow access.
• Inspect Web Server Configuration: Review your web server’s configuration files to ensure there are no restrictions that could be causing the 403 error.
• Verify User Permissions: If the error occurs for specific users or roles, check their permissions in the WordPress dashboard and ensure they have the necessary access rights.

By systematically addressing the 403 forbidden error, you can successfully grant users the appropriate access to the content on your WordPress website.

6. Error – “Briefly unavailable for scheduled maintenance. Check back in a minute.”

When a website is undergoing scheduled maintenance or updates, it displays this common WordPress error. During this update process, WordPress puts the site in maintenance mode. It prevents any conflicts or data corruption that may occur while the update is being performed.

What Causes this WordPress Error?

Here’s what may be the reason behind the error – “Briefly unavailable for scheduled maintenance. Check back in a minute.”:

• Automatic Updates: WordPress automatically updates itself for minor releases (e.g., security updates). During this process, the maintenance mode is activated to ensure a smooth update.
• Manual Updates: When you manually update WordPress, plugins, or themes from the WordPress dashboard, maintenance mode is enabled. It helps safeguard against any potential issues during the update.
• Failed Update: In some cases, a failed update attempt can trigger the maintenance mode message. That leaves the site inaccessible until the issue is resolved.

This error can literally deter the visitors from using your website, bringing down the traffic. But don’t worry; there are ways to solve this issue.

How to Resolve this Common WordPress Error?

Generally, this message should disappear after a short period when the update process is completed. However, if the message persists or if your site remains stuck in maintenance mode, follow these steps to resolve the error:

• Clear Browser Cache: First, try clearing your browser cache and cookies. The maintenance mode message might be cached in your browser, and clearing the cache could resolve the issue.
• Check Site Files: Sometimes, a failed update can leave behind maintenance mode files that prevent your site from coming out of maintenance mode. Connect to your server using FTP (file transfer protocol) or a file manager provided by your hosting panel. Look for a file named “.maintenance” in the WordPress file & directory structure. Delete this file.
• Ensure Proper File Permissions: Check that the file permissions for your WordPress installation are correct. Directories should have a permission level of 755, and files should be set to 644. Incorrect permissions can cause issues with updates.
• Disable Maintenance Mode Manually: If the “.maintenance” file is not present, but the maintenance mode message persists, you can manually disable maintenance mode by adding the following line to your site’s wp-config.php file, just above the line that says “That’s all, stop editing! Happy blogging.”

define( 'WP_MAINTENANCE', false );

• Verify Plugins and Themes: If the issue persists, check if any plugins or themes may be causing the problem. Temporarily deactivate all plugins and switch to a default WordPress theme (e.g., Twenty Twenty-One) to see if the maintenance mode message disappears.
• Check for Failed Updates: In some cases, a plugin or theme update can fail and leave the site in maintenance mode. Review your recent updates, and if you suspect any problematic updates, revert to a previous version of the plugin or theme.
• Update Manually: If the issue persists and automatic updates are not working, you can try updating WordPress, plugins, or themes manually by downloading the latest versions from the official WordPress.org repository and uploading them to your site via FTP.

Remember to always back up your WordPress site before performing any manual updates or modifications to ensure that you can restore your website in case anything goes wrong during the troubleshooting process.

If you’re still unable to resolve the issue, consider seeking assistance from your web hosting provider. They’ll help you troubleshoot the problem effectively.

7. Error 502 – Bad Gateway

This common WordPress error indicates an issue with communication between two servers. It occurs when the web server acting as a gateway or proxy server cannot receive a valid response from an upstream server. These servers include a PHP server and a database server. 

What Causes the Error 502 – Bad Gateway?

Here are a few factors that may cause the 502 Bad Gateway error:

• PHP-FPM Time-out: If PHP-FPM (FastCGI Process Manager) takes too long to respond to requests, the gateway server may time out, resulting in the 502 error.
• Overloaded PHP or Database Server: High traffic or resource-intensive processes on the PHP or database server can cause delays in responding to requests, leading to the 502 error.
• Faulty Proxy Configuration: If your WordPress site uses a reverse proxy or load balancer, misconfigurations in the proxy server settings can trigger the 502 error.
• Web Server Issues: Problems with the web server itself, such as misconfigurations or temporary outages, can also lead to the 502 error.

These issues may seem a little daunting, given the consequence is a bad gateway error. But don’t worry; there’s something you can do.

How to Resolve the 502 Bad Gateway Error?

Here are a few ways you can try and resolve this common WordPress error:

• Check PHP-FPM Configuration: Review your PHP-FPM settings and increase the request time-out values if necessary to give the server more time to respond.
• Optimize PHP & Database Performance: Optimize your PHP code and database queries to reduce the load on the server and improve response times.
• Check Server Load & Resources: Monitor your server’s performance and resource usage to identify potential bottlenecks or high loads that could cause the 502 error.
• Verify Proxy Settings: If you’re using a reverse proxy or load balancer, check its configuration for any errors or misconfigurations.
• Test Web Server Stability: Ensure that your web server is running correctly and reliably. Restart the server if needed to clear any temporary issues.
• Use a Content Delivery Network (CDN): Implement a CDN to distribute server load and improve the delivery of static assets, reducing the strain on the origin server.
• Enable Debugging & Error Logging: Enable PHP error logging and WordPress debugging to identify potential issues and error messages that could shed light on the cause of the 502 error.

As with any troubleshooting process, it’s essential to create a backup of your website before making any changes. That will help avoid potential data loss or further issues.

8. Auto-upgrade Failure

This WordPress error refers to an unsuccessful attempt to automatically update the WordPress core, themes, or plugins to the latest versions.

WordPress and its plugin and theme contributors regularly release updates that include bug fixes, security patches, and new features. Auto upgrades are designed to simplify the process of keeping your website up-to-date. But occasionally, these updates may encounter issues and fail to complete successfully.

What Causes The Auto-upgrade Failure?

Here are a few reasons for auto-upgrade failure:

• Server Configuration: Server settings or restrictions can interfere with the auto-upgrade process, preventing the necessary files from being downloaded or installed.
• A glitch in Connection: If the website or its hosting server experiences a glitch in connection during upgradation, the system may stop the upgradation process.
• File Permissions: Incorrect file permissions on your website’s files or directories can prevent the auto-upgrade from writing new files.
• Incompatible Themes or Plugins: Some themes or plugins may not be compatible with the latest WordPress version, causing conflicts during the upgrade.
• Insufficient Memory: Low PHP memory limits on the server can lead to a failed upgrade, particularly if the update requires more resources than available.

Failed upgrades can happen due to various factors, and troubleshooting may require patience and careful testing. But don’t worry; there are several ways to heal this issue.

How to Resolve the Auto-upgrade Failure?

Here’s how you take care of the auto-upgrade failures:

• Create a Backup: Before attempting to fix the issue, create a complete backup of your website, including the database and all files. That ensures you can restore your site to a working state if anything goes wrong during the resolution process.
• Check Server Configuration: Review your server’s configuration and ensure that there are no restrictions or security settings that might be blocking the auto-upgrade process. Check with your hosting provider if necessary.
• Set Correct File Permissions: Ensure that your files and directories have the correct permissions to allow WordPress to write new files during the upgrade. The standard permissions for files are usually 644; for directories, it’s 755.
• Deactivate Plugins & Switch to Default Theme: Temporarily deactivate all plugins on your website and switch to a default WordPress theme, such as Twenty Twenty-One. That helps identify if any plugins or themes are causing conflicts with the upgrade process.
• Increase PHP Memory Limit: If your server has low PHP memory limits, try increasing the memory limit to your wp-config.php file by adding the following code:

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

• Manually Upgrade WordPress: If the auto-upgrade continues to fail, you can attempt a manual upgrade. Download the latest WordPress package from the official website and replace the core files on your server. (We’ll discuss the Manual WordPress Upgradation process even further in the FAQs.)
• Test Auto-Upgrade Again: After making the necessary changes, try initiating the auto-upgrade again and check if it completes successfully.
• Enable Debugging: Enable WordPress debugging to capture any error warnings that may provide insights into the cause of the failed upgrade.

By identifying and resolving the underlying causes of a failed auto-upgrade, you can ensure that your WordPress website remains updated with the latest features and security patches. That contributes to a smooth and secure online experience for your visitors.

9. Images Not Working

When it comes to the “Images Not Working” error in a WordPress website refers to the issue where images are not being displayed or are broken on the website. Instead of showing the actual images, users may see placeholders or broken image icons.

What Causes the “Image Not Working” WordPress Error?

Several reasons can lead to images not working in WordPress:

• Incorrect File Paths: If the file paths to the images are incorrect or have been changed, WordPress won’t be able to locate and display the images.
• File Permissions: Incorrect file permissions on the server can prevent WordPress from accessing and displaying images.
• Corrupted Image Files: If the image files themselves are corrupted or not in a supported format, they won’t be displayed.
• Image Linking Issues: Broken links or URLs to the images can cause them not to load properly.

You must systematically address the potential causes of the “Images Not Working” error and implement the proper solutions. 

How to Resolve this Common WordPress Error?

The following steps will help you fix the “Images Not Working” error in your WordPress website:

• Check File Paths: Review the file paths to the images in your WordPress media library and ensure they are correct. If necessary, re-upload the images and update the file paths in your content.
• Verify File Permissions: Check the file permissions on your server for the image files and directories. The standard permissions for image files are usually 644; for directories, it’s 755.
• Re-Upload Corrupted Images: If the images are corrupted or not displaying, try re-uploading them to the media library from the original source or a backup.
• Update Image Links: If you have manually linked images in your content, ensure the URLs are correct and point to the right location.
• Use Relative URLs: Prefer using relative URLs for images rather than absolute URLs to prevent issues with incorrect linking when moving your website or migrating to a different domain.
• Clear Cache: Clear your website’s cache and browser cache to ensure you are viewing the most up-to-date version of the website and the images.
• Test with Different Browsers: Check if the issue is specific to a particular browser or occurs universally. Sometimes, browser-specific issues can affect image display.
• Disable Plugins: Temporarily disable image-related plugins to check if they are causing the problem. Re-enable them one by one to identify the conflicting plugin.

With these implementations, you can ensure that images are correctly displayed on your WordPress website. That enhances the overall user experience and visual appeal of your content.

But if the issue still persists, you may consult with a WordPress development agency. Their experts will contact the hosting team and fix the problem accordingly.

10. Connection Time-out

A “Connection Time-out” error means the browser or user attempting to access the website fails to establish a connection with the server within a specific time limit. It also indicates that the server took too long to respond to the client’s request. And as a result, the connection attempt is terminated. 

What Causes the Connection Time-out Error?

Connection time-outs can happen due to various reasons, and understanding the causes is essential in resolving the issue.

• Server Overload: The server hosting your WordPress website may be under heavy load or experiencing high traffic. So it may struggle to respond to new connection requests promptly, leading to time-outs.
• Slow Server Response: The server’s response time to execute PHP scripts and database queries can affect the time it takes to establish a connection.
• Network Issues: Oftentimes, there are some network problems, like DNS resolution failures, connectivity issues, or firewall restrictions. They can prevent the server and client from establishing a connection.
• Resource-Intensive Plugins or Themes: Certain plugins or themes may require more server resources. That causes delays in response times and triggers connection time-outs.
• PHP Execution Time Limit: PHP scripts running on the server have an execution time limit. If a script takes longer to execute than the allowed time, it can result in a connection time-out.
• DDoS Attacks: Distributed Denial of Service attacks can overload the server. So it may be difficult for legitimate users to connect to the website.
• Misconfigured Settings: Incorrect server configurations, PHP settings, or WordPress settings can also contribute to connection time-out errors.

Some of these causes may seem a little critical. But there are ways to take care of them.

How to Fix the Connection Time-out Error?

Remember that the resolution of connection time-out errors can vary depending on the underlying cause. So it may require a combination of approaches to identify and fix the problem effectively.

• Check Your Internet Connection: Ensure your internet connection is stable and working correctly. Try accessing other websites to confirm if the problem is specific to your WordPress site or your connection.
• Consult with the Hosting Provider: If the problem persists, contact your hosting provider’s support team. Check if there are any server-related issues or network problems affecting your website.
• Increase PHP Execution Time: As mentioned earlier, you can increase the PHP execution time limit in your server’s php.ini or .htaccess file to allow more time for PHP scripts to execute.
• Optimize Your Website: Identify and optimize resource-intensive plugins or themes. Consider using a caching plugin to reduce server load and improve performance. You may even opt for WordPress speed optimization services to ensure aversion to connection time-out or any other performance-related issues.
• Deactivate the Website Plugins: Deactivate your website’s plugins and then reactivate them one by one to identify the problem. Then remove the problem-causing plugin and install the best alternative.
• Check for DDoS Attacks: Use security plugins or services to detect and mitigate DDoS attacks if they are affecting your site’s availability.
• Review Server Configurations: Ensure that your server settings, PHP configurations, and WordPress settings are properly configured.
• Test with a Different Browser: Try accessing your website from a different web browser to rule out any browser-specific issues.
• Use Content Delivery Network (CDN): Implementing a CDN can distribute your website’s content across multiple servers globally, reducing latency and improving connection times.

If you have exhausted the basic troubleshooting steps, consider seeking help from a professional WordPress developer. They’ll analyze and resolve the issue specific to your website setup.

11. Parse Error: Unexpected

“Unexpected” Parse errors are among the most common errors in WordPress websites. They mean you have probably forgotten to include a character in the code. It also indicates that the PHP code could not be parsed correctly by the server. It may have encountered an unexpected token or expression.

The most common Unexpected Parse Errors are:

• Unexpected ‘=’: It indicates you’ve forgotten the ‘$’ when referencing a variable.
• Unexpected ‘)’: It indicates you’ve forgotten the opening bracket ‘(‘.
• Unexpected ‘(‘: It indicates you’ve forgotten the closing bracket ‘)’.
• Unexpected T_STRING: It indicates you’ve forgotten a quotation mark or a semicolon at the end of the previous line.
• Unexpected T_ELSE: It indicates you’ve written an else statement without opening an ‘If’ statement.

Although “Unexpected” may seem just a mistake, there are some causes for this common WordPress error.

What Causes Unexpected Parse Errors in WordPress Websites?

Here are a few common triggers for Unexpected Parse Errors:

• Typos and Syntax Errors: The most common cause of this error is a typo or syntax mistake in the PHP code. It could be missing a semicolon, using the wrong quotes, or improper use of parentheses or brackets.
• Incorrect Plugin or Theme Installation: Sometimes, a parse error can occur if a plugin or theme is not installed correctly or if the files are corrupted during the installation process.
• Incompatible PHP Version: Certain PHP functions or syntax may not be supported in older PHP versions, leading to parse errors.
• Code Snippet Pasting: If you added custom code snippets to your theme’s functions.php file or other files and made errors while doing so, it can result in parse errors.

Moreover, occasionally, updating WordPress core or plugins may lead to parse errors. Especially if the new version is incompatible with your current codebase.

How to Fix the Unexpected Parse Errors?

Here are the steps to resolve the Unexpected Parse Errors:

• Identify the Affected File: The error message usually includes the filename and line number where the parse error occurred. So identify the file to locate the problematic code.
• Review the Code: Inspect the code around the line mentioned in the error message and look for any syntax errors, missing semicolons, mismatched brackets, or any other mistakes.
• Correct the Syntax: Once you identify the error, fix the syntax error, and save the file. Common syntax errors include:
  • Missing semicolons at the end of lines.
  • Incorrect use of single and double quotes.
  • Mismatched parentheses, brackets, or curly braces.
• Restore from Backup: If the parse error occurred after making changes to your theme’s files or after installing a plugin or updating WordPress, and you cannot identify the issue, you can revert to a backup version of your website to restore the code to a working state.
• Use FTP: If you cannot access your WordPress dashboard due to the parse error, you can use an FTP client to access your WordPress website’s files and make the necessary corrections.
• Check PHP Version Compatibility: If the error occurs after updating WordPress or a plugin, check the documentation to ensure that the new version is compatible with your current PHP version. If needed, upgrade your PHP version to a supported one.
• Debugging Plugins: You can use a debugging plugin like “Debug Bar” or “Query Monitor” to help identify and locate the parse error.
• Seek Professional Help: If you are unsure how to fix the parse error, consider seeking assistance from WordPress programmers who can pinpoint and resolve the issue quickly.

Remember to create backups before making any changes to your site’s code. That will let you restore your website to its previous state if anything goes wrong while troubleshooting.

12. SSL Errors

SSL is one of the primary security reinforcements for any WordPress website. A working SSL ensures “https” instead of “http” in front of your website’s URL. But SSL errors are among the most common WordPress errors that occur when there are issues with the SSL/TLS certification. This certification helps secure the connection between the user’s web browser and the website’s server. 

What Causes the SSL Errors in WordPress Websites?

Here’s what can cause these common WordPress errors:

• Expired SSL Certificate: SSL certificates have a limited validity period, typically ranging from a few months to a few years. If the SSL certificate has expired, the browser will raise an SSL error.
• Misconfigured SSL Certificate: Incorrect configuration of the SSL certificate, such as incorrect domain names, can lead to SSL errors.
• Self-Signed Certificates: If you use a self-signed SSL certificate instead of one issued by a trusted Certificate Authority (CA), most browsers will raise an SSL warning.
• Mismatched URLs: Let’s say your WordPress site loads the content (e.g., images, stylesheets, scripts) from non-secure (HTTP) URLs while your site is served over HTTPS. Modern browsers will raise mixed content warnings.
• Insecure Elements: If your site includes external resources, such as images or scripts, from non-secure (HTTP) sources, it can trigger SSL warnings.
• SSL Certificate Chain Issues: Problems with the SSL certificate chain, where the browser cannot verify the certificate’s authenticity, can lead to SSL errors.
• Unsupported SSL Protocol: If your web server is using an outdated or unsupported SSL/TLS protocol version, it may cause compatibility issues with modern browsers.

An SSL error can be devastating to the security of your WordPress website. So make sure you identify the root cause of this issue and follow the resolution techniques we have mentioned below. 

How to Resolve this Common WordPress Error?

Here’s how a WordPress web development company fixes this error:

• Check SSL Certificate Expiry: Ensure that your SSL certificate is still valid and has not expired. Contact your certificate provider to renew it if necessary.
• Verify SSL Certificate Configuration: Double-check that the SSL certificate is correctly installed and configured on your web server. Make sure the certificate is issued for the correct domain name.
• Use Trusted SSL Certificates: Obtain SSL certificates from reputable Certificate Authorities (CAs) to avoid SSL warnings in browsers.
• Update Insecure URLs: Search for any insecure (HTTP) URLs within your website’s content and update them to use secure (HTTPS) URLs. That includes links to images, scripts, stylesheets, and other resources.
• Implement a Content Security Policy (CSP): A CSP helps prevent mixed content issues by specifying which types of content are allowed to load on your website.
• Check SSL Certificate Chain: Ensure the SSL certificate chain is configured correctly. This chain should include the certificate itself, intermediate certificates, and the root certificate.
• Enable the Right SSL/TLS Protocols: Make sure your web server is configured to support modern and secure SSL/TLS protocols. Disable outdated protocols like SSLv2 and SSLv3.
• Force SSL in WordPress: You can enforce SSL across your entire WordPress website by adding the following lines to your wp-config.php file:

define('FORCE_SSL_ADMIN', true);
define('FORCE_SSL', true);

• Test Your SSL Configuration: Use online tools like SSL Labs to test your SSL configuration and identify any potential issues.
• Clear Browser Cache: After resolving SSL errors, you might need to clear your browser’s cache to see the changes take effect.

If you are unsure how to resolve SSL errors or encounter complex issues, consider seeking assistance from WordPress specialists with expertise in SSL and server configurations.

A website has several dynamic components that ensure the best design and functionalities. But that also means issues of different kinds, and the ones mentioned above are not the only most common WordPress errors. However, there is an easy way to take care of that. At WPWeb Infotech, we offer comprehensive WordPress website maintenance packages. So you don’t have to worry about these common WordPress errors.

Conclusion 

There are some common WordPress errors every website created with this CMS encounters at some point in time. But if you have the right knowledge or personnel at hand, they can be easily resolved. 

Some basic troubleshooting steps can always come in handy. Remember to back up your site regularly, update plugins and themes, and keep WordPress core updated. But if you encounter complex issues beyond your expertise, don’t hesitate to seek help from a professional WordPress development service provider. If you want the best protection for your website from these kinds of common WordPress errors, get in touch with our specialists today!