8 Ways To Fix WordPress Fatal Error

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Encountering this WordPress error can definitely be stressful. The term ‘fatal’ suggests serious problems, even potential data loss. But take a deep breath—your site is neither dying nor beyond repair. It just needs some routine troubleshooting and fixing.

Consider this error a signal that something needs attention, perhaps a plugin issue or a small coding glitch. While it’s a disruption to your user experience and your daily administrative tasks, it is fixable. 

In this article, we’ll show you how to troubleshoot the error. We’ll break down all the steps. Your site will be back to normal in no time. 

TL;DR: Start by restoring your site from a reliable backup. Use a staging site to troubleshoot and resolve plugin or theme issues.

What is the WordPress fatal error?

A WordPress fatal error is a critical problem that stops your website from working properly. This type of error usually happens because of a problematic code or a conflict within your site’s themes, plugins, or even WordPress’s core files.

Common reasons for a fatal error include memory limits being exceeded, incompatible code, or essential files not being where they should be. When this happens, you might see a “briefly unavailable for scheduled maintenance” message or a PHP error showing up on your screen.

To find out exactly what the problem is, you can use error logs or turn on WordPress debug mode. These tools help identify what the issue is. Once you’ve identified it, you can try solutions like checking or disabling problematic plugins or themes, increasing your memory limits, or restoring your site from a backup.

How to fix the WordPress fatal error?

Now that we understand what a WordPress fatal error is and some common causes, it’s time to fix it. In the following section, we will walk through simple steps to troubleshoot and resolve the issue. 

1. Restore your site

When faced with a WordPress fatal error, the first crucial step is to restore your site from a WordPress backup. This step is important because it quickly returns your site to its last known stable state, minimizing downtime and protecting your content. It allows you to address the root cause without the pressure of disrupting your user’s experience.

But, a restore is only effective if you can access a backup. If you need your dashboard to access your backups, you may not be able to restore your site. If your backups need to be stored manually, you may not be able to restore your site fully. This is why we recommend using a WordPress backup plugin like BlogVault to restore your site. It offers an external dashboard that you can access even if your admin panel is inaccessible. It also has an emergency connector that connects to your site even if it has crashed. 

Expert opinion. We tested all the top backup plugins and put them through rigorous testing. We checked for resource usage, speed of backup, automation, reliability of restores and more. We found that BlogVault was the best , by far, for the following reasons
– Reliable, automatic daily backups
– Quick and easy site restoration
– Secure offsite storage
– User-friendly interface
– Seamless integration with WordPress

2. Enable debugging

Debugging essentially allows you to illuminate the underlying processes and errors of your website. It offers a comprehensive view of what might be going awry.

By activating debugging, detailed error messages are revealed. These error logs provide insights into whether a particular plugin, theme, or code is responsible for the fatal error. You can also use PHP error logs to find out more information. 

Although debugging itself does not resolve the issue, it is instrumental in directing you towards an effective solution. 

  1. Connect to your server using an FTP client
  2. Navigate to the root directory of your WordPress installation. This is typically where your website’s wp-config.php file is stored. 
  3. Carefully scroll down until you find the following line:
define('WP_DEBUG', false); 

Change this line from false to true. If it doesn’t exist, add the following lines above the “That’s all, stop editing!” on your site.

  1. Save the changes you’ve made to the wp-config.php file and reupload it back to the server if you need to.
  2. Retrigger the error so that it can be logged. 
  3. Reconnect to your server and look for a file called debug.log in the wp-content folder.
  4. Open this file to review the logged errors and warnings. This information will help identify the cause of the fatal error.
  5. After you’ve identified and resolved the issues, return to the wp-config.php file and either remove or change define(‘WP_DEBUG’, true); back to false. This will prevent error messages from showing on your live site.

3. Review plugin conflicts 

Plugins are vital to extending the functionality of a WordPress site, but sometimes, they can be the culprits behind fatal errors. When different plugins clash, code conflicts can arise, disrupting your site’s smooth operation. Checking for plugin conflicts is a crucial step in resolving these errors, helping restore your website’s functionality. 

Pro Tip: Always troubleshoot plugin conflicts on a staging site first to prevent issues on your live site. This way, you can safely identify and resolve conflicts without disrupting your site’s functionality.

  1. Use your admin credentials to access the WordPress admin panel of your staging site.
  2. On the left sidebar, click on Plugins to view all installed plugins.
  3. Select all plugins by checking the box at the top of the list.
  4. From the Bulk Actions dropdown menu, choose Deactivate, and then click Apply. This will deactivate all your plugins.
  5. Activate each plugin one at a time by clicking the Activate link under the plugin name.
  6. After activating each plugin, check your site for issues.
  7. If the error returns after activating a specific plugin, note it down as it might be the source of the conflict.

After identifying the conflicting plugin, investigate what might have caused the issue. If a recent update triggered the conflict, consider rolling back to an earlier version and monitor for a developer fix. If the plugin hasn’t been updated in a while, check for any available updates. 

For plugins that are significantly outdated, seek a newer alternative that developers actively maintain. Whatever solution you choose, always test it in a staging site before applying changes to your live site. This ensures that any resolutions won’t inadvertently cause further issues.

Note: If you cannot access the admin panel, use an FTP client or cPanel to access your files. Navigate to the wp-content/plugins/ directory, and rename the folder of each plugin to deactivate them. You can then reactivate them one-by-one by restoring their original names, following the same testing process as above.

4. Increase your PHP memory limit

Sometimes, WordPress fatal errors occur because your site runs out of memory provided by the server. Increasing the PHP memory limit can resolve these errors, giving your site more resources to handle demanding tasks smoothly. Let’s learn how to boost the PHP memory limit in WordPress.

  1. Use an FTP client like FileZilla or your web host’s control panel to access your website’s files.
  2. Navigate to the root directory where your WordPress is installed. Look for the wp-config.php file.
  3. Open the wp-config.php file in a text editor and add the following line just before the comment that says “That’s all, stop editing! Happy publishing”:
define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M');

This sets the memory limit to 256 megabytes. You can adjust this number based on your needs and your host’s capabilities.

  1. Save the changes, and if using an FTP client, upload the modified file back to your server, overwriting the original.
  2. Visit your WordPress site to confirm the errors are resolved.

5. Update everything

The next step in troubleshooting is to update everything: WordPress core, themes, and plugins. Keeping everything current is key to ensuring your site is secure and running efficiently. But, be cautious—updates can sometimes lead to new conflicts, and a plugin update might even crash your site. So, here’s how to play it safe: 

  1. Test updates on a staging site first to catch any issues before they reach your live site. 
  2. Always make a backup before updating, so you can easily revert if something goes wrong. 
  3. Use a tool like UpdateLens to evaluate the risks involved with an update
  1. Check update notes for any potential changes that could impact your site. These precautions help you minimize risks while keeping your WordPress site up to date.

Pro Tip: Use BlogVault’s Sandbox feature for safe updates. It creates a staging site, applies the update, and runs a visual test for changes. If issues arise, you can troubleshoot on the staging site, ensuring your live site remains unaffected and stable.

6. Check file permissions

Incorrect file permissions can sometimes be the hidden cause behind a WordPress fatal error. File permissions determine who can read, write, or execute files and folders on your website. If permissions are misconfigured, WordPress may be unable to access required files, leading to errors. Ensuring proper permissions can help resolve these access issues and restore normal site functionality.

For this tutorial, we’re going to talk about how to check permissions using Cyberduck:

  1. Launch Cyberduck and connect to your server using your FTP credentials.
  2. Locate the root directory of your WordPress site.
  3. Right-click on the file or folder you want to check.
  4. Click on Get Info from the menu.
  5. Look at the Permissions section to view the current settings.
  6. Enter 644 for files or 755 for folders.
File permissions
  1. Select Apply Changes or Save to update permissions.
  2. Check your WordPress site to see if the error resolves.

7. Contact your webhost

If troubleshooting efforts aren’t resolving a WordPress fatal error, contacting your hosting provider is a smart next step. Hosting providers often have access to additional diagnostic tools and can offer insights into server-related issues that may be affecting your site. They have the expertise to help identify and resolve complex problems, such as server configuration errors or deeper access-related issues. Additionally, they can assist with modifications that might be beyond your current setup, ensuring your site returns to optimal performance. Engaging with your hosting provider not only helps in resolving current issues but also strengthens your site’s overall support framework.

8. Reinstall WordPress

If all other troubleshooting methods fail and your WordPress site still experiences a fatal error, reinstalling WordPress might be the necessary last step. This process ensures that your core WordPress files are intact, replacing any corrupted or missing ones that could be causing the error.

Pro tip: Before proceeding, create a comprehensive backup of your entire site, including the database and all files. This protects your content and settings in case you need to restore them.

  1. Download the latest version of WordPress from the official website.
  2. Use an FTP client to upload all files, except the wp-content folder and wp-config.php file, to your server, overwriting existing files.
  3. Once the reinstallation is complete, check your website to see if the fatal error has been resolved.
  4. If any custom modifications to core files were lost, reapply them carefully.

Note: Reinstalling WordPress can fix stubborn errors but comes with risks like losing custom core file changes and potential data loss if not handled carefully. Plugins and themes may face compatibility issues if they rely on specific modifications. Additionally, errors during reinstallation can cause configuration problems or downtime. 

To avoid these pitfalls, ensure backups are in place and understand each step. If you’re unsure, consulting a WordPress expert or your hosting provider can help minimize the risks.

How to prevent the WordPress fatal error?

Preventing a WordPress fatal error is all about proactive maintenance and best practices. By taking preventive measures, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of encountering such disruptive issues. 

  1. Keep your WordPress core, themes, and plugins up to date. Updates often include security fixes and improvements that reduce error risks. Use tools like UpdateLens to reduce the risk levels of an update. 
  2. Choose themes and plugins from reputable developers with good reviews and regular updates. This minimizes the chances of installing faulty or insecure code.
  3. Only install necessary plugins to prevent conflicts and reduce the load on your site, decreasing the chance of errors.
  4. Regular backups ensure that if an error does occur, you can quickly restore your site to its previous state. Use services like BlogVault for peace of mind.
  5. Allocate sufficient PHP memory to your site to handle its processes smoothly. This can prevent errors related to running out of memory.
  6. Use WordPress’s debugging features to identify and resolve issues proactively. This helps catch potential problems before they escalate.
  7. Before applying updates to your live site, use a test environment. A test environment will ensure compatibility and functionality.
  8. Regularly clean and optimize your database to enhance performance and reduce the chances of errors caused by database issues.
  9. Keep an eye on your server’s performance and resource usage to identify potential issues that could lead to errors.
  10. Implement a child theme for any theme customizations to ensure updates won’t overwrite your changes. This keeps your site customizations intact while staying current.

Final thoughts

Encountering a WordPress fatal error is a common experience among website admins, especially those new to the platform. Although these errors can be daunting, the key is knowing how to resolve them swiftly. Understanding basic troubleshooting steps, such as identifying plugin conflicts and managing updates, is crucial. Backup plugins like BlogVault can be invaluable in preventing such errors from disrupting your site. With its comprehensive suite of features, including reliable backups, safe updates, and a secure staging environment, BlogVault allows you to address potential problems proactively. 

FAQs

How do I fix fatal error in WordPress?

To fix a fatal error in WordPress, start by identifying the error source. Enable debugging to get detailed error messages and review error logs for clues. Common fixes include disabling faulty plugins or themes, increasing PHP memory limits, and restoring a recent backup. If the error persists, consider reinstalling WordPress or reaching out to your hosting provider for assistance.

How do you resolve a fatal error?

Resolving a fatal error involves pinpointing the cause and applying targeted solutions. Begin by deactivating plugins and themes to see if the issue resolves. Check for code conflicts or server resource limits as potential culprits. Implement fixes such as memory upgrades or code corrections, and use a backup to restore your site if necessary. Consulting with a WordPress expert may also help if the issue is complex.

How do I fix the fatal error detected?

A “fatal error detected” message indicates a critical issue preventing your site from functioning. Address it by checking for conflicts in plugins or themes, adjusting server settings like memory limits, and verifying file permissions. Use debugging tools to identify the exact error and apply targeted fixes. Ensure regular site backups for quick restoration in case of persistent problems.

What is the fatal error notification on WordPress?

The fatal error notification in WordPress alerts you to a serious problem that has caused your site to stop functioning properly. It typically results from code conflicts, memory exhaustion, or missing files and can manifest as a PHP error message or a blank screen. The notification helps you begin troubleshooting by signaling where to investigate on your site or server.

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