January 25, 2025

10 Common WordPress Issues and How to Fix Them Like a Pro

WordPress is a powerful and flexible platform, but like any CMS, it's not immune to issues. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced developer, chances are you've faced a few frustrating WordPress problems. The good news? Most of them have simple fixes. In this post, we’ll explore 10 common WordPress issues and how to solve them like a pro.

1. White Screen of Death (WSOD)

Issue: Your site loads a blank white screen, with no error message.

Fix:

  • Disable plugins via FTP by renaming the /wp-content/plugins/ folder.

  • Switch to a default theme like Twenty Twenty-Four.

  • Increase PHP memory limit in wp-config.php:

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

2. Internal Server Error (500 Error)

ssue: Generic server error often caused by corrupted .htaccess or plugin/theme conflict.

Fix:

  • Rename .htaccess to .htaccess_old via FTP.

  • Re-save permalink settings in WordPress Dashboard.

  • Deactivate plugins and switch themes to troubleshoot conflicts.

3. Error Establishing a Database Connection

Issue: WordPress can't connect to the database.

Fix:

  • Check wp-config.php for correct database credentials.

  • Contact your hosting provider to ensure the database server is running.

  • Repair the database by adding this line to wp-config.php:

				
					define('WP_ALLOW_REPAIR', true);

4. Stuck in Maintenance Mode

Issue: After an interrupted update, your site is stuck showing "Briefly unavailable for scheduled maintenance."

Fix:

  • Use FTP or File Manager to delete the .maintenance file from your root directory.

5. 404 Errors on Posts or Pages

Issue: Posts show a 404 error while the homepage loads fine.

Fix:

  • Go to Settings > Permalinks and click "Save Changes" to regenerate .htaccess.

6. Images Not Uploading

Issue: Uploads fail or images appear broken.

Fix:

  • Check file permissions for /wp-content/uploads/ (should be 755 or 775).

  • Clear cache and browser cookies.

  • Deactivate image optimization plugins temporarily.

Slow Website Performance

Issue: Pages load slowly, affecting SEO and user experience.

Fix:

  • Use a caching plugin like WP Super Cache or W3 Total Cache.

  • Optimize images using tools like Smush or ShortPixel.

  • Consider switching to a better hosting provider or using a CDN like Cloudflare.

8. Plugin Conflicts

Issue: Two or more plugins interfere with each other, breaking your site.

Fix:

  • Deactivate all plugins and reactivate one by one to identify the culprit.

  • Replace the conflicting plugin with an alternative.

  • Check for plugin updates or contact the developer.

9. Theme Customizations Disappear After Update

Issue: Custom changes made to a theme vanish after updating it.

Fix:

  • Always use a child theme for customizations.

  • Backup your site regularly before any update.

  • Consider adding custom CSS in the Customizer or via a plugin instead.

10. Login Page Redirect Loop

Issue: You can’t log in, and the login page keeps reloading.

Fix:

  • Clear browser cookies and cache.

  • Check your site URL settings in the database (wp_options table).

  • Add these lines to wp-config.php if necessary:

				
					define('WP_HOME', 'https://yourdomain.com');
define('WP_SITEURL', 'https://yourdomain.com');

Final Thoughts

WordPress issues can be frustrating, but with the right knowledge and tools, most problems are easy to resolve. Bookmark this guide or share it with clients—it might save you hours of troubleshooting in the future. As a WordPress developer, mastering these fixes not only boosts your confidence but also sets you apart as a true professional.