There Has Been a Critical Error on This Website: 6 Quick Fixes

By Jenn Cox Post May 22, 2024 0 Comments

There Has Been a Critical Error on This Website: 6 Quick Fixes

WordPress ranks among the world’s most popular website-building platforms, utilized by millions to create everything from simple sites to intricate enterprise solutions.

Despite its widespread use, WordPress isn’t flawless!

A common issue users encounter is the alarming message, “There has been a critical error on this website. Please check your site admin email inbox for instructions.”

This post will guide you on how to swiftly fix this critical error in WordPress. We’ll also explore the causes of this error and provide tips on how to prevent it. So, let’s dive in!

Table of Contents

What is a Critical Error in WordPress?

A critical error in WordPress is an issue that hinders it from loading all the essential scripts needed for proper functionality.

critical-error-message

Previously, encountering this WordPress issue would result in a fatal error message or a white screen of death, which most beginners found challenging to resolve on their own.

To assist users, WordPress now includes a feature that detects when a plugin or theme causes a critical error and sends a notification to the admin email address. If you don’t see this notification in your inbox, be sure to check your spam folder.

The email provides detailed information about the cause of the issue, such as errors from malfunctioning plugins or themes, database corruption, or insufficient memory. It also specifies the exact line where the error occurred.

Additionally, the email includes a recovery link, allowing you to access your site in recovery mode. By using this link, you can log into your WordPress dashboard and address the issue directly.

What Causes the “There has been a critical error on this website” Error?

The issue typically arises due to a faulty plugin, script, or code that disrupts WordPress’s normal operation. Failing to address this problem will prevent WordPress from loading its essential files.

Another reason for this error could be copying and pasting code snippets from tutorials onto your site, especially if the code is incorrect or incompatible. Additionally, conflicts with other WordPress plugins or custom code can also lead to this error.

With that in mind, let’s delve into resolving the critical error in WordPress and restoring functionality to your website.

How to Fix the “There has been a critical error on this website” Error?

Now, we’ll outline six rapid solutions to assist you in resolving the “There has been a critical error on this website” issue.

1. Check Error Logs:

First, you can check the error log file that stores PHP error details.

To do so, use Cpanel, and navigate to the file manager>public_html folder. Look for the error_log file as shown below:

error log

The most recent error entry will appear at the end of the file, showing the date and time. You can refer to this error log to determine the root cause of the issue on your website.

2. Enable Debug in WordPress:

WordPress features a built-in debugging system designed to pinpoint coding errors within the core software, themes, and plugins.

Enabling debug mode allows you to observe any PHP issues occurring on your site and pinpoint their origin. To activate WordPress debug mode, access the wp-config.php file in your public_html directory.

Click on “View/Edit wp-config.php file,” as demonstrated below.

debug

Then add the following code lines at the document’s bottom, just before the message /*That’s all, stop editing! Happy publishing.*/ Once done, click on the Save button. Don’t forget to upload the file back to the server.

define( 'WP_DEBUG', true );
define( 'WP_DEBUG_DISPLAY', false );
define( 'WP_DEBUG_LOG', true );

Debugging is now enabled on your site, and errors will be written to the log. You can locate the debug log in the wp-content folder named debug.log.

3. Switch to a Default Theme:

To further address the critical error, consider changing your WordPress theme to a default option. This action can resolve the critical error problem within your current WordPress theme if faulty code is causing the issue.

Now navigate to the /wp-content/themes folder, and you will notice a list of all the themes installed on your website. Download all the theme folders on your computer for backup.

For example as shown in the below screenshot, you have to delete current installed themes except default themes:

theme

Once the installed theme is deleted in your site, you can try visiting your website

If your WordPress theme caused the “There has been a critical error on this website” error, it will disappear now, and you’ll be able to access your website.

4. Deactivate All the Plugins:

When encountering a critical error, a plugin is frequently the culprit. Identifying the problematic plugin may seem challenging, especially if your site has numerous plugins.

However, there’s a straightforward method to pinpoint the issue: deactivate all plugins and check if the error is resolved. If it is, reactivate the plugins one by one until your site functions properly again. This process will help you identify the problematic plugin.

Now open cPanel and go to File Manager in your WordPress hosting account.

Navigate to the /wp-content/ folder. Locate the plugins folder, right-click on it, and select the Rename option, as shown below.

rename plugin

Next, change the plugin’s folder name to anything you like.

WordPress searches for the plugins folder to load the active plugins on your site. When it fails to find the plugins folder, it cannot activate the plugins and automatically sets them to deactivated status.

Now, you can visit your website to verify if the critical error message has disappeared.

5. Raise the PHP Memory Limit:

Although a plugin or theme may be responsible for your website’s malfunction, the PHP memory limit often turns out to be the true cause of the “There has been a critical error on this website” message.

What is PHP’s memory limitation?

When a single PHP script exceeds the allocated amount of RAM (also known as memory) on your web server, WordPress enforces a strict limit. This can lead to the occurrence of a critical error or the white screen of death.

To increase the PHP limit, access your site through FTP and open the wp-config.php file. Add the below code snippet before the final line.

define( 'WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '128M' );

Once you’ve added the code, click on the Save button.

6. Check for Malware:

Malware can sometimes be the cause of the “There has been a critical error on this website” issue, especially if you come across unfamiliar PHP scripts that cannot be attributed to your plugins or theme. Dealing with malware becomes challenging when you’re locked out of your website and unable to conduct a scan.

Differentiating between legitimate and suspicious files added by malware is difficult, and randomly deleting core files can have negative consequences. Malware can also manipulate PHP files by hiding scripts within them, making detection challenging for non-developers.

No need to worry if you come across the message “There has been a critical error on this website. Please check your site admin email inbox for instructions.”

Thankfully, there are methods to diagnose even the most ambiguous error messages. Just check your email and look for a message from WordPress to pinpoint the issue and resolve it promptly.

By going through a checklist of common solutions, you should be able to address the critical error and restore your site’s functionality.

If you’re still unable to resolve the critical error after following the steps above, please contact us, and we’ll be happy to assist you.

FAQs

1. What should I do if I suspect malware is causing the critical error?

If malware is suspected, it’s crucial to contact your web host for assistance in malware removal and securing your website.

2. What if the quick fixes mentioned in the blog don’t resolve the critical error?

If the suggested fixes don’t work, it’s recommended to seek professional help, you can contact us or contact WordPress support forums for further troubleshooting steps.

3. Can I prevent critical errors from occurring in the future?

While it’s challenging to completely eliminate the possibility of critical errors, you can minimize the risk by regularly updating WordPress, themes, and plugins, using reputable plugins, and regularly backing up your website.

4. What should I do if I don’t receive an email notification with instructions after encountering a critical error?

If you don’t receive an email from WordPress with instructions, first check your spam or junk folder. If you still don’t find it, verify that your site’s admin email address is correctly configured in WordPress settings.

5. Are there any tools or plugins that can help prevent critical errors?

Yes, there are plugins and tools available that can help monitor website health, detect errors, and provide alerts. Consider using plugins like WP Health, Debug Bar, or Query Monitor to enhance error detection and prevention.

6. Should I consider hiring a professional to handle critical errors on my WordPress site?

If you’re unsure about resolving critical errors or if they persist despite attempting the suggested fixes, hiring a WordPress developer or consultant can be beneficial. They can offer expert guidance and ensure your site is restored safely.

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