Top 15 Common WordPress Issues and How to Fix Them (Complete Guide)

WordPress powers more than 40% of the web, yet it’s far from problem-free. From sudden white screens to updates breaking layouts, WordPress issues can appear at any stage, whether you’re running a small blog or a high-traffic business website.

The good news is that most WordPress problems are common, well-documented, and completely fixable without hiring a developer every time. The bad news is that many site owners panic, apply random fixes, and make the situation worse. In this guide, you’ll learn the top 15 most common WordPress issues, why they happen, and how to fix them properly using safe, proven methods.

1. WordPress White Screen of Death (WSOD)

What Causes It

One of the most frustrating problems WordPress users face is the WordPress White Screen of Death, where the site shows a blank page without any error message. Understanding why it happens and how to debug it properly can save you from unnecessary downtime and data loss. The white screen of death usually appears when WordPress encounters a fatal PHP error but cannot display it. Common causes include:

• Faulty plugins

• Incompatible themes

• Memory limit exhaustion

How to Fix It

Enable debugging to identify the error:

If the issue persists:

• Rename the plugins folder via FTP to disable all plugins

• Switch to a default theme like Twenty Twenty-Five

• Increase memory limit:

2. Error Establishing a Database Connection

Why It Happens

If WordPress suddenly fails to load and displays a database-related message, the issue is often tied to the Error Establishing a Database Connection, which usually occurs due to incorrect database credentials, corrupted tables, or server-level problems that need immediate attention. This error means WordPress cannot connect to the database. Causes include:

• Incorrect database credentials

• Corrupt database

• Server issues

Fix

Verify credentials in wp-config.php:

If credentials are correct, repair the database:

Then visit:

3. WordPress Stuck in Maintenance Mode

Cause

An interrupted update leaves WordPress stuck in maintenance mode. Sometimes WordPress updates don’t complete properly, leaving the site inaccessible with a temporary message. This usually means the site is WordPress Stuck in Maintenance Mode, a common issue that can be fixed quickly if you know where to look.

Fix

Delete the .maintenance file from the root directory using FTP or File Manager.

4. WordPress Not Sending Emails

Why This Happens

Most hosts block PHP mail functions, causing password resets and form emails to fail. A very common but often overlooked issue is Why WordPress Emails Are Not Sending, which can break contact forms, password resets, and order notifications if WordPress relies on the default PHP mail function instead of proper SMTP delivery.

Fix

Use SMTP instead of PHP mail.

Recommended approach:

• Install an SMTP plugin

• Use Gmail, Outlook, or your hosting email

Example configuration using Gmail SMTP:

• SMTP Host: smtp.gmail.com

• Encryption: TLS

• Port: 587

5. WordPress Login Page Refreshing or Redirecting

Cause

If WordPress appears to authenticate your login but then shows a blank screen or keeps loading endlessly, the issue is often related to WordPress Dashboard Not Loading After Login, commonly caused by plugin conflicts, exhausted memory, or corrupted admin files. Usually related to:

• Corrupt cookies

• Incorrect site URL

• Plugin conflicts

Fix

Clear browser cookies and cache.

Then check site URLs in wp-config.php:

If still broken, disable plugins via FTP.

6. WordPress Slow Loading or Poor Performance

Why It Happens

• No caching

• Large images

• Too many plugins

• Poor hosting

Fix

Essential steps:

• Use a caching plugin

• Optimize images

• Enable lazy loading

• Use a CDN

• Upgrade hosting if needed

Avoid installing multiple optimization plugins at once. If your admin area takes too long to load or becomes unusable during routine tasks, the problem is often related to Fix Slow WordPress Admin Dashboard, which is commonly caused by heavy plugins, excessive admin-ajax usage, or insufficient server resources.

7. WordPress 404 Errors on Posts

Cause

Broken permalink structure. Broken links and missing pages are often caused by permalink or rewrite rule issues, leading to 404 Page Not Found Errors in WordPress, which can harm both user experience and search visibility if not fixed correctly.

Fix

Go to:

If needed, ensure .htaccess contains:

8. WordPress Updates Breaking the Site

Sometimes a WordPress update completes but leaves the site unusable, resulting in a blank screen. This usually points to WordPress White Screen After Update, often caused by plugin incompatibility, theme conflicts, or unsupported PHP versions.

Why It Happens

• Plugin incompatibility

• Theme conflicts

• PHP version mismatch

Fix

• Always backup before updating

• Update plugins one by one

• Check PHP compatibility

• Roll back problematic plugins if needed

9. WordPress Images Not Uploading

Cause

Incorrect folder permissions.

Fix

Set permissions via FTP:

• /wp-content/uploads → 755

• Files → 644

If still broken, contact hosting support.

10. WordPress Redirecting to Old Domain or HTTP

Why It Happens

Hardcoded URLs after migration. If your WordPress site keeps redirecting incorrectly after switching to HTTPS, it can cause broken links and SEO issues. This is usually due to misconfigured URLs or .htaccess rules, and can be resolved by following the steps in Fix WordPress HTTP to HTTPS Redirect Issue.

Fix

Update URLs using database search-replace or via wp-config.php.

11. WordPress Memory Exhausted Error

Cause

Plugins or themes consuming too much memory. When WordPress shows a memory-related fatal error, it usually means the PHP memory limit is too low or a plugin/theme is consuming excessive resources. You can resolve this by following the steps in Fix Allowed Memory Size Exhausted Error in WordPress.

Fix

Increase memory limit:

If the issue continues, identify the plugin causing high memory usage.

12. WordPress Site Hacked or Malware Detected

If your WordPress site shows unexpected behavior, spam content, or redirects, it may be infected. You can safely clean your site by following the steps in Remove Malware from WordPress Manually, ensuring your website stays secure without losing SEO or content.

Signs

• Spam links

• Redirects

• Hosting warnings

Fix

• Scan site for malware

• Change all passwords

• Reinstall core files

• Remove unknown admin users

• Secure wp-admin access

13. WordPress REST API Errors

Cause

Server misconfiguration or plugin conflicts.

Fix

• Disable plugins temporarily

• Check .htaccess rules

• Ensure correct PHP version

• Fix mixed content issues

14. WordPress Not Updating Content in Google

If you notice that your latest WordPress edits are not appearing in Google search results, the problem might be related to caching, indexing, or canonical issues. You can learn how to resolve this with Fix WordPress Pages Not Updating in Google Search for faster indexing and accurate search visibility.

Why It Happens

• Caching

• Indexing delays

• Canonical issues

Fix

• Clear cache

• Inspect URL in Google Search Console

• Request reindexing

• Fix canonical tags

15. WordPress White Screen After Theme Change

Cause

Theme incompatibility with PHP version. If a recent plugin or theme update breaks your WordPress site, it’s often safer to revert to a previous version. You can follow How to Roll Back WordPress Plugin/Theme Version to restore functionality without losing data or settings.

Fix

Switch back to a default theme via FTP and update the broken theme.

When to Seek Professional Help

Some WordPress issues require advanced debugging, server-level fixes, or emergency recovery. If your site is down, losing traffic, or showing security warnings, immediate expert intervention can prevent permanent damage. If your WordPress site is completely down, hacked, or throwing critical errors that you can’t fix safely, it’s best to get Emergency WordPress Support from professionals who can diagnose and recover your site without risking data loss or SEO damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does WordPress break after updates?

Updates may introduce incompatibilities with plugins, themes, or PHP versions.

How do I fix WordPress without wp-admin access?

Use FTP or File Manager to disable plugins, switch themes, or edit configuration files.

Is WordPress secure?

Yes, but only when kept updated, properly configured, and secured with best practices.

How often should I backup my WordPress site?

Daily backups are recommended for active sites.

Can plugins slow down WordPress?

Yes, poorly coded or excessive plugins can severely impact performance.

What is the most common WordPress error?

The white screen of death and database connection errors are among the most common.

Final Thoughts

WordPress issues are frustrating, but they are rarely permanent. Understanding the root cause and applying the correct fix is the difference between a quick recovery and hours of wasted effort.

By learning how to diagnose and resolve common WordPress problems, you gain control over your website, protect your traffic, and ensure long-term stability.