
The message “There has been a critical error on this website” is commonly encountered on WordPress websites. It indicates a serious issue causing the site to be inaccessible. The reasons for this can vary widely, but they are often related to coding problems, plugin conflicts, theme issues, or server-related errors.
In this article, we will explore the possible causes of this error and suggest steps to resolve it.
1. What Are the Possible Causes?
a) Plugin Conflicts
Plugins add functionality to WordPress sites, but sometimes they conflict with each other. When this happens, the site may stop functioning properly, and the critical error message may appear.
b) Incompatible or Corrupt Theme
If you’ve recently changed or updated your theme, it may cause conflicts with the current site settings. Themes that are not properly coded or do not support the latest version of WordPress can cause errors.
c) PHP Version Issues
WordPress and its plugins require specific versions of PHP. If the PHP version on the server does not meet the site’s requirements, errors can occur. Some functions in older PHP versions may not be supported in newer plugins or themes.
d) Insufficient Server Resources
If your site uses too many server resources (memory, CPU, traffic), it may crash. This is common with larger sites hosted on shared servers.
e) Update Issues
Improper or interrupted updates to WordPress, plugins, or themes can lead to a broken site.
f) Code Errors
Manually adding or modifying code in your theme or plugins can lead to a critical error, especially if the code is not syntactically correct or incomplete.
2. How to Fix the Problem?
Step 1: Enable Debug Mode
WordPress has a built-in “Debug Mode” that allows you to see the exact cause of the error. To enable it:
- Connect to the server via FTP or use the file manager from your hosting account’s control panel.
- Find the
wp-config.php
file in the root directory of your site. - Add or modify the following line:phpCopy code
define( 'WP_DEBUG', true );
This mode will display specific errors and their locations. Once you’ve identified the problem, you can set this line back to “false” to prevent error display for visitors.
Step 2: Deactivate Plugins
If you suspect the issue is related to a plugin, you can temporarily deactivate them to see if that solves the issue.
- Access the
wp-content/plugins
directory via FTP. - Rename each plugin’s folder one by one (for example, from
plugin-name
toplugin-name-disabled
). - Check the site after each change to see if the error disappears.
Step 3: Switch Themes
If the problem may be related to the theme:
- In the
wp-content/themes
directory, rename the active theme folder. - WordPress will attempt to activate one of the default themes (such as
twentytwentyone
). - If the site loads without an error, the issue is likely with your theme.
Step 4: Update PHP Version
Check the PHP version your server is using and verify if it is compatible with your WordPress installation and plugins. If not, you may need to upgrade PHP to a recommended version (such as 7.4 or 8.0).
Step 5: Restore the Site from a Backup
If the issue cannot be easily resolved, consider restoring the site from the most recent working backup. Most hosting providers offer automatic backups as part of their services.
3. Preventing Future Errors
To avoid encountering similar critical errors in the future, follow these tips:
- Regularly update WordPress, themes, and plugins.
- Use high-quality plugins and themes from trusted sources, and check reviews and updates before installation.
- Schedule regular backups of your site so you can easily restore it in case of issues.
- Check the compatibility of new plugins and themes with your current WordPress version and PHP before installation.
Technical maintenance of a WordPress site includes regular updates of the WordPress core, themes, and plugins, security monitoring, speed optimization, and data backups. This maintenance also involves identifying and fixing technical issues, protecting against hacking attempts, and ensuring compatibility of all site components. Monthly maintenance is crucial as it provides stability, security, and a smooth user experience, preventing potential issues related to outdated software versions or security vulnerabilities that could lead to data loss or site malfunction.
Conclusion
The “There has been a critical error on this website” message can be alarming, but with the right troubleshooting steps, you can quickly restore your site. If the issue is complex and cannot be resolved easily, don’t hesitate to reach out to your hosting provider or a developer for assistance.