7 Fixes: There Has Been A Critical Error On This Website

Imagine this: you log into your WordPress site, ready to publish your latest masterpiece or tweak a crucial setting, only to see “There has been a critical error.” Panic sets in. What went wrong? Is my site lost forever? The error comes out of nowhere and there is no indication of what caused it. 

The good news is that most WordPress errors, including this one, have a set of troubleshooting methods you can try. With a little guidance, you can have your site back up and running in no time.

TL;DR: Use a staging site to troubleshoot the problem safely. This way, you can identify and fix plugin conflicts or other issues without risking your live site.

What does it mean to see “there has been a critical error on this website”?

When you encounter the “there has been a critical error” message, the first step is to keep calm. This error often pops up suddenly and leaves you in the dark about its cause. That’s because WordPress is sensitive to changes in plugins, themes, and updates. A conflict in these elements can trigger this error. For example, two plugins might not get along, or a new update could clash with your theme. Such conflicts can prevent WordPress from loading your site properly, resulting in this vague error message.

When you encounter the “there has been a critical error” message on WordPress, it usually links back to several common causes. Knowing these can help you tackle the issue more confidently.

• PHP errors: These come from problematic code in plugins or themes. If they’re not compatible or contain bugs, they can disrupt your site. A tiny error in the code can lead to big problems.
• Memory limits: Your hosting environment has a set PHP memory limit. If your site needs more memory than that, it might crash. This often happens with sites that have lots of plugins or high traffic.
• Plugin conflicts: Sometimes, multiple plugins try to perform the same task or clash in their operations. Such conflicts can lead to critical site errors.
• Theme issues: Just as with plugins, themes can have bugs or compatibility problems. An outdated or poorly-coded theme can destabilize your site and cause errors.
• Corrupted files: If WordPress files become corrupted, it can disrupt your site. Such corruption might occur during a bad update or faulty file transfer.
• Failed updates: Sometimes, a failed theme update isn’t completed properly. Whether it’s WordPress core, plugins, or themes, incomplete updates can cause serious issues.

How to fix the “there has been a critical error on this website” error?

Facing the “there has been a critical error” message can be daunting, but fixing it is often simpler than it seems. With a methodical approach, you can identify the cause and apply the right solution. 

1. Get your site back

When a WordPress critical error strikes, the first thing you should do is restore your site from a backup. Doing this swiftly brings your site back to its last stable version. It reduces downtime and keeps your content safe. This gives you the space to solve the root problem without affecting your visitors’ experience.

However, successfully restoring your site depends on having access to solid backups. If your backups are only reachable through the WordPress dashboard, issues may arise if you need that dashboard to fix your site. Manual backups might also fall short of a complete restoration. This is why using a backup plugin like BlogVault is smart. BlogVault provides an external dashboard, so you can regain access even if your admin panel is down. Plus, its emergency connector helps link to your site if it crashes.

Expert insight: We analyzed and tested leading backup plugins for factors like resource usage, backup speed, automation, and reliability of restores. Our top choice was BlogVault, excelling for these reasons:
– Reliable, automatic daily backups
– Quick and easy site restoration
– Secure offsite storage
– User-friendly interface
– Smooth integration with WordPress

2. Enable debugging

When your WordPress site throws the “there has been a critical error” message, diving into the root cause requires some detective work. One of the most effective tools at your disposal is WordPress debugging. By enabling debugging, you can reveal error messages and logs that provide crucial insights into what’s going wrong. These messages can point out whether it’s a faulty plugin, a theme issue, or something else entirely.

1. Use your website hosting panel or an FTP client to access your site files.
2. Find the wp-config.php file in the root folder of your WordPress installation.
3. Download a copy of wp-config.php to your computer for backup safety.
4. Open the wp-config.php file with a text editor like Notepad or TextEdit.
5. Locate the line that says:

 define('WP_DEBUG', false);.

6. Change false to true, so it reads as:

 define('WP_DEBUG', true);.

6. Save your changes to the wp-config.php file.
7. Upload the modified wp-config.php file back to your server.
8. Refresh your WordPress site to see any error messages or logs generated.
9. Once finished troubleshooting, remember to revert WP_DEBUG back to false.

3. increase PHP memory limit

Sometimes, “there has been a critical error” occurs because your site needs more memory than the server allows. When your site runs complex plugins or processes, it may require more memory to function smoothly. Increasing this limit gives your site more breathing room to operate without errors. Here’s how you can increase your PHP memory limit:

1. Access your site files via your hosting panel or an FTP client.
2. Locate the wp-config.php file in your WordPress root directory.
3. Make a backup copy of wp-config.php before proceeding.
4. Open the wp-config.php file using a text editor like Notepad or TextEdit.
5. Add the following line of code before the line that says That’s all, stop editing!: 

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

6. Sa ve your changes and upload the modified wp-config.php back to your server.
7. Check your site to see if the error persists.

4. Pinpoint plugin conflicts

Plugins are key to boosting your WordPress site’s features, but they can also trigger the “there has been a critical error” message. Conflicts between plugins can cause code issues that interrupt your site’s operation. Identifying these plugin clashes is vital to resolving the error and restoring your site’s functionality.

Pro Tip: To avoid further issues, start by testing for plugin conflicts on a staging site. This keeps your live site free from disruptions while you find and fix the problem.

1. Use your admin credentials to access the WordPress admin panel of your staging site.
2. On the left sidebar, click Plugins to view all installed plugins.
3. Select all plugins by checking the box at the top of the list.
4. In the Bulk Actions dropdown menu, choose Deactivate, then click Apply. This will disable all plugins.
5. Reactivate each plugin individually by clicking Activate under its name.
6. After enabling each plugin, check your site to see if the critical error appears.
7. If the error returns with a specific plugin, you’ve likely found the source of the conflict.

Once you’ve found the conflicting plugin, check to see what triggered the conflict. If it was a recent update, rollback the update and wait for the developers to release a fix. If it hasn’t been updated recently, look for an update. If it is a severely outdated plugin, look for a new replacement that is better maintained by the developers. Whatever you decide, test it on a staging site first and then push it to a live site. 

Note: If the admin panel is inaccessible, use an FTP client or cPanel to access your site files. Go to the wp-content/plugins/ directory and rename each plugin’s folder to deactivate them. Then, rename them back to reactivate one-by-one, checking for the critical error each time.

5. Addressing theme conflicts

Themes give your WordPress site its look and feel, but they can sometimes be the root of the “there has been a critical error” message. A theme may contain outdated code or a theme update may have compatibility issues, which can lead to site disruptions. 

To do this, start by creating a staging site and taking a backup. Then, switch to a default theme like Twenty Twenty-Four. Check your site to see if the critical error persists. If resolved, the issue likely lies with your original theme.

Next, find out what triggered it? Did the theme get updated recently? You may want to rollback the theme update. Is it not working with a new update to WordPress or a plugin? Maybe the theme is very outdated. If so, you can handle these issues by updating your theme to the latest version, which often fixes bugs and compatibility problems.

If an update doesn’t help, contact the theme’s support team. Give them a detailed report of the problem and any error messages for specific help. If support does not fix the issue, or the theme still causes trouble, think about switching to a different theme. Choose one that is regularly updated, suits your site’s needs, and has good user reviews for better stability and compatibility.

6. Check file permissions

Incorrect WordPress file permissions can sometimes cause the “there has been a critical error” message in WordPress. Permissions control who can read, write, or execute files and folders on your site. If these are set incorrectly, WordPress might not access the files it needs, leading to errors. Fixing these permissions can help get your site back to normal.

Here’s how to check and change permissions using Cyberduck:

1. Open Cyberduck and connect to your server with your FTP details.
2. Find the root directory of your WordPress site.
3. Right-click on the file or folder you need to check.
4. Select Get Info from the menu.
5. In the Permissions section, see what the current settings are.

1. Change to 644 for files or 755 for folders.
2. Click Apply Changes or Save to update the permissions.
3. Revisit your WordPress site to check if the error has been fixed.

7. Reach out to the web host

If you’ve tried everything to fix the “there has been a critical error” message and nothing has worked, it might be time to reach out to your hosting provider. They have access to resources and tools that can offer deeper insights into server-related issues that you can’t fix on your own.

Before contacting support, collect all the details about the problem. This includes error messages, logs, and steps you’ve already taken to troubleshoot. Use your hosting provider’s support channels like chat, email, or phone to get in touch. Clearly explain the issue and provide the gathered information. Hosting providers can check server logs, resource usage, and configurations that might be causing the error. They might find something you missed.

Follow their instructions carefully to resolve the issue. Be open to suggestions from your host about upgrading plans if it will help resolve the error. With your hosting provider’s support, you can often resolve stubborn issues that can’t be fixed with basic troubleshooting.

How to prevent the “there has been a critical error”?

Avoiding the “there has been a critical error” message is often about proactive management and maintenance. Here’s how you can minimize the chances of encountering this error:

• Regular backups: Ensure you have a reliable backup plugin in place. Use tools like BlogVault to automatically back up your site. This way, you can quickly restore it if something goes wrong.
• Keep WordPress updated: Regularly update your WordPress core, plugins, and themes. Updates typically include bug fixes and security enhancements that can prevent errors.
• Use quality plugins and themes: Choose plugins and themes from reputable developers. Check reviews and update history to ensure they are reliable and well-maintained.
• Use UpdateLens: UpdateLens is a tool that uses an algorithm to score updates based on risk levels. It’s a good way to quickly assess if an update is safe to conduct. BlogVault users may have access tp it, depending on your subscription plan. 
• Limit plugin usage: Don’t overload your site with too many plugins. Only use the ones necessary for your site’s functionality. Fewer plugins reduce the chance of conflicts.
• Implement a staging site: Test changes, updates, and new installations on a staging site before going live. This helps identify potential issues without affecting your actual site.
• Increase PHP memory limit: Set a higher PHP memory limit to ensure your site has the resources it needs to run smoothly.
• Monitor site health: Regularly check your site for errors, loading speed, and performance. Use monitoring tools like Airlift and BlogVault to catch issues early.
• Secure hosting environment: Choose a hosting provider that offers a secure and robust server environment. Quality hosting can prevent many server-related issues.
• Regular maintenance: Schedule routine maintenance to keep your site optimized. This includes clearing unnecessary files, checking links, and optimizing databases.

Final thoughts

Facing the “there has been a critical error” message can be daunting. It’s, for lack of a better word, critical. However, the good news is that this error is fixable. With a structured approach to troubleshooting, you can identify and resolve the issue affecting your WordPress site. More importantly, this error is preventable with the right tools and practices.

Using BlogVault for regular backups and restoration gives you a safety net when things go wrong. Regular site updates, quality plugins, and a reliable hosting provider all contribute to a stable WordPress environment. By being proactive, you can minimize the risk of critical errors and ensure your site runs smoothly.

FAQs

How do I fix a critical error in WordPress?

To fix a critical error, start by enabling debugging to identify the source of the problem. Check for plugin conflicts by deactivating all plugins and reactivating them one by one. Switch to a default theme to see if your current theme is causing the issue. Ensure file permissions are correctly set. If you’re unable to resolve the error, reach out to your hosting provider for assistance.

How to remove a critical error?

Removing a critical error involves identifying its cause. Begin with debugging to gather error details. Roll back any recent updates to plugins or themes that might have triggered the error. Ensure that your PHP memory limit meets your site’s requirements. Consider restoring your site from a backup if the error cannot be resolved manually.

How to remove errors in WordPress?

To remove errors in WordPress, regularly update your core files, plugins, and themes to their latest versions. Ensure your site configuration, such as file permissions, is correct. Use a staging site to test changes and updates before applying them to your live site. If an error occurs, refer to debugging logs to pinpoint and address the issue.

How do I fix errors in WordPress?

Fixing WordPress errors typically involves identifying the root cause. Enable WordPress debugging to gain insights into errors. Look for plugin or theme conflicts and deactivate them as needed. Check your hosting environment settings, including PHP memory limit and file permissions. If errors persist, consult your hosting provider for further support.