Fixing the ‘Critical Error on This Website’ in WordPress: The Definitive Guide

Preface

Experiencing the ‘Critical Error on This Website’ message in WordPress can be alarming. It’s like your website is suddenly speaking in code—and not the good kind! But don’t panic. This guide is designed to help you understand what this error means and, more importantly, how to fix it. We’ll walk you through a series of troubleshooting steps, from the simplest to the more technical, ensuring you can get your site back up and running smoothly. Whether you’re a beginner or have some experience with WordPress, this definitive guide will provide you with the knowledge and tools you need to tackle this common issue.

Understanding the ‘Critical Error’ in WordPress

The dreaded ‘Critical Error on This Website’ message in WordPress is often accompanied by the following message: “There has been a critical error on this website. Please check your site admin email inbox for instructions. Learn more about debugging in WordPress.“

But what does this actually mean? Simply put, it indicates that WordPress has encountered a problem it can’t resolve on its own. This error message was introduced in WordPress 5.2 as part of an effort to provide more user-friendly error reporting.

Info: This error is a catch-all for various issues, making it sometimes tricky to diagnose the root cause.

Common Causes:

• Plugin Conflicts: Incompatible or poorly coded plugins are a frequent culprit.
• Theme Issues: A faulty theme or a conflict between the theme and a plugin can trigger the error.
• PHP Errors: Problems with your PHP version, memory limit, or custom code can lead to critical errors.
• Database Issues: Although less common, database errors can also be responsible.

Initial Steps: Don’t Panic!

Before diving into troubleshooting, take a deep breath. Your website isn’t necessarily broken beyond repair. Here are a few immediate steps to consider:

1. Check Your Email: As the error message suggests, WordPress usually sends an email to the administrator email address with more details about the error.
2. Clear Your Browser Cache: Sometimes, the error is simply a caching issue. Clear your browser’s cache and try accessing your website again.
3. Deactivate All Plugins via FTP/SFTP: If you can’t access your WordPress dashboard, use an FTP client (like FileZilla) or SFTP to connect to your server. Navigate to the wp-content folder and rename the plugins folder to plugins_deactivated. This will disable all plugins. Then, check if your site is working.

   wp-content/plugins to wp-content/plugins_deactivated
   

Diagnosing the Problem

If the initial steps don’t resolve the issue, it’s time to dig a little deeper. Here’s a systematic approach to diagnosing the cause of the ‘Critical Error’.

Activating WordPress Debug Mode

WordPress has a built-in debug mode that can help you identify the source of the error. To enable it, you’ll need to edit the wp-config.php file, which is located in the root directory of your WordPress installation.

1. Access wp-config.php: Use an FTP client or your hosting provider’s file manager to access the file.
2. Edit the File: Add the following lines of code to the file:

define( 'WP_DEBUG', true );
define( 'WP_DEBUG_LOG', true );
define( 'WP_DEBUG_DISPLAY', false );

• WP_DEBUG: Enables or disables WordPress debugging mode.
• WP_DEBUG_LOG: When set to true, errors will be logged to a debug.log file in the wp-content directory.
• WP_DEBUG_DISPLAY: When set to false, errors won’t be displayed on your website, but they will still be logged.

Hint: Setting `WP_DEBUG_DISPLAY` to `false` is recommended for live websites to avoid displaying sensitive information to visitors.

3. Check the debug.log File: After enabling debug mode, visit your website to trigger the error. Then, check the debug.log file for detailed error messages. The log will often point to the specific plugin, theme, or file causing the problem.

Identifying Plugin Conflicts

If the debug.log indicates a plugin conflict, follow these steps:

1. Reactivate Plugins One by One: If you deactivated all plugins earlier, reactivate them one at a time. After activating each plugin, check your website to see if the error returns. If it does, the last activated plugin is likely the culprit.
   https://www.startmakingwebsites.com/how-to-install-wordpress-plugins/

Hint: When you have located the broken Plugin you can also search the WordPress directory for an alternative to the Plugin

2. Replace the Problematic Plugin: Once you’ve identified the conflicting plugin, consider replacing it with an alternative or contacting the plugin developer for support.
   Don’t forget to check out these AI plugins to boost your blog: https://www.startmakingwebsites.com/top-10-valuable-ai-plugins-for-wordpress-to-boost-your-blog/

Checking Your Theme

Your WordPress theme could also be the source of the ‘Critical Error’. To check:

1. Switch to a Default Theme: Temporarily switch to a default WordPress theme like Twenty Twenty-Three. You can do this from your WordPress dashboard (if accessible) or by renaming your current theme’s folder via FTP/SFTP.
2. Test Your Website: If the error disappears after switching themes, the issue lies within your original theme. Consider updating your theme, contacting the theme developer, or switching to a different theme.

Hint: If you want to replace your theme, then checkout Themeforest

Advanced Troubleshooting

If the above steps don’t resolve the ‘Critical Error’, you may need to delve into more advanced troubleshooting.

Increasing PHP Memory Limit

WordPress requires a certain amount of PHP memory to function properly. If your memory limit is too low, it can lead to errors.

1. Edit wp-config.php: Add the following line to your wp-config.php file:

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

This code increases the memory limit to 256MB. Adjust the value as needed.

It can also be that the theme itself is the problem. You can checkout how you can customize your astra theme here:Create a Sticky Navigation for Astra Starter Templates

Checking PHP Version Compatibility

Ensure that you’re using a compatible PHP version for your WordPress installation and plugins. Outdated PHP versions can cause conflicts and errors.

1. Check Your PHP Version: You can usually find this information in your hosting provider’s control panel.
2. Update PHP: If you’re using an outdated version, update to a newer, supported version. Consult your hosting provider for instructions.

Error Logs via cPanel

Web hosting control panels, such as cPanel, often provide access to error logs that can offer more specific information about the ‘Critical Error’. Here’s how you can access and interpret them:

1. Access cPanel: Log in to your web hosting account and find the cPanel link.
2. Locate Error Logs: In cPanel, look for the “Error Logs” or “Errors” icon, usually found in the “Metrics” or “Logs” section.
3. Review Error Messages: Open the error log file and review the error messages. These logs often contain details about the exact files and lines of code causing issues, such as PHP errors, database connection problems, or file permission issues.
4. Analyze and Troubleshoot: Use the information in the error logs to pinpoint the problem. Common issues include:
   • PHP Errors: Syntax errors, undefined functions, or deprecated code. Correct these issues by editing the relevant PHP files.
   • Database Errors: Errors connecting to the database or incorrect SQL queries. Resolve these by checking your database credentials and optimizing queries.
   • File Permission Issues: Incorrect file permissions preventing WordPress from accessing necessary files. Adjust permissions as needed.

Hint: Always back up your website before making any changes to the database or PHP files. Tools like Bluehost can provide you with an easy solution.

Restore From Backup

If all else fails, restoring your website from a recent backup is a reliable way to resolve the ‘Critical Error’.

1. Access Your Backups: Use your hosting provider’s backup tools or a WordPress backup plugin to access your backups.
2. Restore Your Website: Follow the instructions to restore your website to a previous state before the error occurred.

Hint: Regular backups are crucial for website maintenance and disaster recovery.  

Conclusion

The ‘Critical Error on This Website’ message can be intimidating, but with a systematic approach and the right tools, you can diagnose and resolve the issue. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle this common WordPress problem and keep your website running smoothly. Remember to always back up your website regularly, keep your plugins and themes updated, and stay informed about the latest WordPress best practices. Happy website building!