To identify errors on your WordPress website, follow these steps:
- Enable WordPress Debugging: In your WordPress installation, locate the wp-config.php file and open it in a text editor. Look for the line that says “define(‘WP_DEBUG’, false);” and change it to “define(‘WP_DEBUG’, true);”. This enables the debugging mode in WordPress, which will display error messages on your site.
- Reproduce the Error: Visit the page or perform the action that is causing the issue on your website. This will trigger the error and generate the error message.
- View Error Messages: After reproducing the error, refresh the page, and you should see specific error messages displayed on your website or in the browser’s console. These error messages will provide information about the nature of the error and where it occurred.
- Check the Error Logs: If error messages are not displayed on your website, you can check the error logs on your web server. The location of the error logs depends on your hosting provider and server configuration. Common places to look for error logs are the “error_log” file or the “logs” directory in your hosting account. Contact your hosting provider if you’re unsure where to find the error logs.
- Troubleshoot the Error: Once you have identified the error message, search for it online to find possible solutions. WordPress forums, developer documentation, and plugin/theme support forums can be helpful resources. Look for the specific error message or any relevant codes or keywords mentioned in the error message.
- Disable Plugins and Themes: If the error is caused by a specific plugin or theme, try disabling them one by one to pinpoint the source of the issue. Temporarily switch to a default WordPress theme (such as Twenty Twenty-One) and deactivate plugins to see if the error persists.
- Restore from Backup: If you made recent changes to your website, such as installing a new plugin or updating WordPress, and the error occurred afterward, consider reverting those changes by restoring your website from a backup. This can help undo any modifications that may have caused the error.
If you are unable to resolve the error on your own, consider seeking assistance from a WordPress developer or support community who can provide more targeted help based on the specific error message and circumstances.
To identify errors on your WordPress website:
- Enable WordPress Debugging: Open the wp-config.php file and change “define(‘WP_DEBUG’, false);” to “define(‘WP_DEBUG’, true);”. This displays error messages.
- Reproduce the Error: Trigger the issue on your website.
- View Error Messages: Check for error messages displayed on your site or in the browser’s console.
- Check Error Logs: Look for error logs on your web server. Contact your hosting provider for assistance.
- Troubleshoot the Error: Search online for the error message to find solutions. Use WordPress forums and plugin/theme support.
- Disable Plugins and Themes: Temporarily disable plugins and switch to a default theme to identify the source of the error.
- Restore from Backup: If recent changes caused the error, restore your website from a backup.
If unable to resolve the error, seek assistance from a WordPress developer or support community.