Ever seen a blank white screen instead of your WordPress site? Or maybe a scary error message like “Syntax Error” or “Memory Exhausted”? PHP errors can crash your site, frustrate visitors, and leave you scrambling for a fix.
These errors don’t just look bad—they can hurt your traffic, sales, or even your site’s security. Ignoring them means risking downtime, lost data, or worse. But here’s the good news: most PHP errors are easy to fix once you know where to look.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to debug the most common PHP errors in WordPress—step by step. No confusing tech talk, just clear examples and simple fixes. By the end, you’ll be able to tackle errors like a pro and keep your site running smoothly. Let ‘s dive in!
Why PHP Errors Happen in WordPress (And Why You Should Care)
PHP errors in WordPress usually pop up when something goes wrong with your code, plugins, or server settings. Maybe a plugin update failed, your theme has a bug, or your server ran out of memory. These errors can break your site, making pages load wrong or not at all. If you don’t fix them, visitors might see broken pages, search engines could drop your rankings, and you might even lose sales. The good news? Most PHP errors are easy to find and fix—if you know what to look for. Understanding why they happen helps you stop them before they cause real trouble.
The White Screen of Death: How to Fix It Fast
The “White Screen of Death” (WSOD) is one of the scariest WordPress errors—your site goes completely blank with no error message. Usually, it happens when PHP crashes silently, often due to a faulty plugin, theme, or low memory limits. To fix it, start by turning off all plugins or switching to a default theme. If that doesn’t work, check your server’s error logs or enable WordPress debugging. The WSOD doesn’t have to stay a mystery—with a few quick steps, you can bring your site back to life in minutes.
“Syntax Error, Unexpected…” – What It Means and How to Solve It
A “Syntax Error, Unexpected…” message means WordPress found a mistake in your PHP code—like a missing semicolon, bracket, or typo. This often happens after editing theme files, pasting custom code, or installing a poorly coded plugin. The error tells you exactly where the problem is (check the line number in the message). To fix it, undo recent changes, restore a backup, or carefully correct the code. Even a small typo can crash your site, so always double-check before saving. Once fixed, your site should load normally again.
Memory Exhausted? Boost Your PHP Limits Easily
Ever seen the dreaded “Allowed memory size exhausted” error? This happens when your WordPress site tries to use more memory than your server allows. Plugins, themes, or heavy traffic can push your site past its limit, causing crashes. The fix? Increase your PHP memory limit! You can do this by editing your wp-config.php file or contacting your hosting provider. Just add define(‘WP_MEMORY_LIMIT’, ‘256M’); to give WordPress more breathing room. With this simple tweak, you’ll stop memory errors and keep your site running smoothly.
“Call to Undefined Function” – Finding the Missing Piece
If WordPress shows a “Call to undefined function” error, it means your site is trying to use a function that doesn’t exist. This usually happens when a plugin or theme is missing a required file or wasn’t installed correctly. First, check if the plugin/theme is active and up to date. If the error persists, try reinstalling it. Sometimes, the function belongs to another plugin—so make sure all dependencies are installed. A quick fix now saves you from bigger headaches later!
Database Connection Errors: Getting Back Online
A “Error establishing a database connection” message means WordPress can’t talk to your database—and your site won’t load. This scary error often happens when login details in wp-config.php are wrong, the database server is down, or your site gets too much traffic. Start by checking your database username and password. If those are correct, contact your hosting provider—your database might need repair. Don’t panic! Most times, this error is temporary and easy to fix.
Plugin or Theme Conflicts? How to Spot the Culprit
Is your site acting strange after a new update? A plugin or theme conflict might be the culprit. To find the problem, deactivate all plugins and switch to a default theme (like Twenty Twenty-Four). Then, reactivate them one by one until the issue returns. Found the troublemaker? Update it, replace it, or contact the developer for help. Testing like this helps you fix errors fast—without guessing.
Using WP_DEBUG: Your Secret Weapon for Fixing Errors
Want to see hidden PHP errors? Turn on WP_DEBUG! This powerful tool reveals errors that would otherwise stay invisible. Just add define(‘WP_DEBUG’, true); to your wp-config.php file. Suddenly, you’ll see warnings and notices that explain why something’s broken. Remember to turn it off when you’re done (false instead of true)—debug mode shouldn’t stay on for live sites. It’s like turning on a flashlight in a dark room!
Preventing PHP Errors in the Future (Best Practices)
Stop errors before they start! Keep WordPress, plugins, and themes updated—developers fix bugs in new versions. Always back up your site before making changes, so you can restore it if something breaks. Use trusted plugins and themes, and avoid editing core files unless you know what you’re doing. Need custom code? Test it on a staging site first. A little caution today saves you from big problems tomorrow!
Final Thoughts
PHP errors in WordPress can be intimidating, but they don’t have to ruin your day. With the right approach, you can quickly diagnose and fix common issues—whether it’s the dreaded White Screen of Death, a syntax error, or a memory limit problem.
Key takeaways:
✔ Enable WP_DEBUG to uncover hidden errors (but disable it on live sites).
✔ Check for plugin/theme conflicts—deactivate and test one by one.
✔ Increase PHP memory limits if your site struggles under heavy load.
✔ Always back up before making changes—safety first!
By following these steps, you’ll keep your site stable and avoid unnecessary downtime.
Need expert help? Reach out at info@adrian-portfolio.com—I’m happy to assist!
Now go squash those PHP errors like a pro! 🚀
10 FAQs About Debugging PHP Errors in WordPress
1. What causes the White Screen of Death (WSOD)?
It usually happens due to a PHP fatal error, often from a faulty plugin, theme, or exhausted memory. Enable debugging or check server logs to find the exact cause.
2. How do I enable WP_DEBUG in WordPress?
Add this to your wp-config.php file:
define(‘WP_DEBUG’, true);
define(‘WP_DEBUG_LOG’, true); // Logs errors to /wp-content/debug.log
Remember to disable it (false) after troubleshooting!
3. What does “Allowed memory size exhausted” mean?
Your PHP script is using more memory than your server allows. Fix it by increasing the limit in wp-config.php:
define(‘WP_MEMORY_LIMIT’, ‘256M’);
4. How do I fix a “Syntax Error, Unexpected…” message?
The error usually points to the exact line. Check for:
✔ Missing semicolons (;)
✔ Unclosed brackets ({}, ())
✔ Typos in function names
5. Why do I see “Error establishing a database connection”?
Your wp-config.php has incorrect database credentials, the MySQL server is down, or your database is corrupted. Verify your DB details or contact your host.
6. What does “Call to undefined function” mean?
A plugin or theme is trying to use a function that doesn’t exist. Reinstall the plugin/theme or check for missing dependencies.
7. How do I check for plugin conflicts?
- Disable all plugins
- Switch to a default theme (e.g., Twenty Twenty-Four)
- Reactivate plugins one by one until the error reappears
8. Should I edit WordPress core files to fix errors?
Never! Use a child theme or custom plugin instead. Core edits get overwritten in updates.
9. How can I prevent PHP errors in the future?
✔ Keep WordPress, plugins, and themes updated
✔ Use trusted plugins (check ratings & support)
✔ Test changes on a staging site first
10. Where can I find PHP error logs?
✔ Server logs (Check cPanel > Error Logs or ask your host)
✔ WordPress debug.log (If WP_DEBUG_LOG is enabled)
Still stuck? Email me at info@adrian-portfolio.com—I’ll help you debug it! 🛠️
I’m a web developer with hands-on experience building and managing WordPress-based websites. My portfolio features real-world projects in recruitment UX, Arduino systems, and Python development, all focused on clean, user-centred design.