WordPress Troubleshooting

WordPress sites can sometimes encounter errors. Oftentimes the problem is a small one, but it can have a big impact. What's more, it take a long time to figure out what is the cause behind the error. In this article, you'll find ways and tools to help you troubleshoot your site.

Tips for troubleshooting

  • The log files of a site record nearly all events related to its operation. The first place to check is the PHP error log in the WordPress admin, under Tools > Logs > php-error.log, or on the server in /data/log/php-error.log. If you find references in the log to a specific plugin, for example, temporarily disable the plugin and check if the problem is fixed.
  • Caches speed up the site, but sometimes they can be the cause of undesired outcomes. Purge caches in the WordPress admin, or from the command line with the wp-purge-cache command.
  • Try the default theme that comes with WordPress, any one of the Twenty themes. If the problem is resolved, take a closer look at the main theme and its files.
  • Disable plugins one by one. If the problem was resolved for a particular plugin, take a closer look at its files. If you can't disable plugins on a live site, you may attempt to do so in a staging environment (shadow).
  • Install an older version of the theme or plugin. Sometimes broken code is introduced into the site with the install of a plugin, and an older version is a viable alternative before a patch is released.
  • Premium (paid) themes and plugins: if you encounter problems, you should contact the developers of the theme or plugin by contacting their customer service, or taking a look at the documentation and support forums to find out if other users are experiencing the same problem.
  • Remove old WordPress transients.

Problems persist, what next?


If this list did not help you with your problem, please contact our customer support via email (help@seravo.com). Please gather as much information as possible about the problem so that we can resolve the issue quickly and efficiently. The following things will help us in providing assistance:

  • Knowing when the problem started
  • Steps on how the error occurs, i.e. how the problem can be repeated
  • Whether the problem started after a specific action, such as an update
  • If possible, include screenshots and any error messages in your email

Thank you!

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