There Has Been a Critical Error on This Website Solutions

• Enable WordPress debug mode to identify the error
• Deactivate all plugins via File Manager or FTP
• Switch to a default theme
• Increase PHP memory limits
• Restore your site using a backup

Understanding the “Critical Error” Message

The error message signals that something has gone wrong in your WordPress site, making it temporarily unusable. This could be caused by several factors, including:

• A plugin or theme conflict.
• Exhausted PHP memory.
• Corrupted WordPress files.
• Compatibility issues with outdated software.

The good news is that WordPress provides some clues to help identify the source of the problem, which you can use to troubleshoot effectively.

Step 1: Enabling Debug Mode to Identify the Issue

Before diving into fixes, the first step is to uncover what’s causing the critical error. WordPress has a built-in debug mode that provides detailed error messages, helping you pinpoint the problem.

How to Enable Debug Mode

1. Accessing wp-config.php:
   To enable debug mode, you’ll need access to your WordPress files. This is done through your hosting control panel or an FTP (File Transfer Protocol) client like FileZilla. Once logged in, navigate to your website’s root directory, which is usually named public_html or matches your site’s name.
   Inside this folder, you’ll find a file named wp-config.php. Open it for editing.

Adding Debug Code:
In the file, look for the line that says */ That’s all, stop editing! Happy publishing. */**. Just above this line, add the following code:

define(‘WP_DEBUG’, true);  

define(‘WP_DEBUG_LOG’, true);  

1. Save the file and reload your website.
2. Interpreting the Debug Information:
   With debug mode enabled, your site will display a more detailed error message instead of the generic critical error. This will indicate the exact file or plugin causing the issue, giving you a clear starting point for troubleshooting.

Step 2: Deactivating All Plugins

Plugins add functionality to WordPress sites, but they’re also a common source of critical errors. A recent update or conflict between plugins might be the root cause.

How to Deactivate Plugins Without Access to the Dashboard

If you can’t access the WordPress admin area, you can deactivate plugins via your hosting control panel or FTP:

1. Navigate to the wp-content folder in your site’s directory.
2. Locate the folder named plugins and rename it to something like plugins_disabled.

This action deactivates all plugins at once. If your site loads correctly after doing this, it means one of the plugins is causing the error.

Identifying the Problematic Plugin

Once you regain access to your dashboard, rename the folder back to plugins and then deactivate plugins one by one. Each time, refresh your site to see if the error reappears. When it does, you’ll have found the culprit.

Step 3: Switching to a Default Theme

If deactivating plugins doesn’t solve the problem, the issue may lie with your site’s theme. A corrupted or outdated theme can cause compatibility issues.

How to Switch Themes Without the Dashboard

1. In the wp-content/themes directory, locate your active theme’s folder.
2. Rename it, for example, from mytheme to mytheme_disabled.

When WordPress doesn’t detect your active theme, it will automatically switch to a default theme like Twenty Twenty-Three.

If your site starts working, the issue lies within your previous theme. You may need to reinstall or update it to fix the problem.

Step 4: Increasing PHP Memory Limit

Sometimes, the critical error occurs because WordPress runs out of memory to execute scripts. Increasing the PHP memory limit can resolve this.

How to Increase PHP Memory Limit

1. Open the wp-config.php file in your root directory.

Add the following line above the / That’s all, stop editing! Happy publishing. / comment:

define(‘WP_MEMORY_LIMIT’, ‘256M’);  

      2. Save the file and refresh your site.

If the error disappears, the issue was related to memory exhaustion.

Step 5: Restoring Your Site from a Backup

If none of the above solutions work, restoring your website to an earlier, error-free state is a reliable option.

How to Restore Using Your Hosting Provider

Most hosting providers offer backup and restore tools. Here’s how to use them:

1. Log in to your hosting control panel.
2. Look for a section labeled Backups or Site Restore.
3. Choose a backup created before the critical error occurred and restore your site.

This method overwrites corrupted files, often resolving the issue entirely.

Preventing Future Critical Errors

To minimize the chances of encountering the “There has been a critical error on this website” message in the future, follow these best practices:

1. Keep Everything Updated

Outdated WordPress core files, plugins, or themes can lead to compatibility issues. Set up automatic updates or check regularly for new versions.

2. Use Reliable Plugins and Themes

Always choose plugins and themes from reputable developers. Avoid installing too many as they can slow down your site and increase the risk of conflicts.

3. Create Regular Backups

Backups are your safety net. Tools like UpdraftPlus allow you to schedule automatic backups, ensuring you always have a recent version of your site to restore if needed.

4. Monitor Your Website’s Health

Plugins like Jetpack or Sucuri can help monitor your site for performance and security issues, alerting you to problems before they become critical.

5. Limit Plugin Usage

Only install plugins that are absolutely necessary for your site’s functionality. The fewer plugins you have, the lower the risk of conflicts.

Conclusion

The message “There has been a critical error on this website” may seem daunting, but it’s a common WordPress problem with straightforward solutions. By enabling debug mode, deactivating plugins, switching themes, increasing PHP memory, or restoring a backup, you can resolve the issue effectively.

Preventative measures like keeping your site updated, monitoring its health, and creating regular backups ensure you won’t have to face this error often. With a little patience and the steps outlined here, your site will be back online in no time!

If you found this guide helpful, share it with others experiencing the same issue. Let’s keep WordPress websites running smoothly!