When tackling website issues, systematic troubleshooting is key. This checklist details common causes and solutions. For prevention, see our Maintenance Checklist. Start with likely issues and progress to more complex ones as needed.
General WP Troubleshooting
- Clear Browser Cache: Issues might just be due to old data stored in your browser.
- Check Error Logs: These can provide insights into what’s causing the problem.
- Flush and Deactivate Caching: Disable caching plugins or server-side caching solutions via WP admin and/or the webhost admin area.
- Permalink Structures: Verify that the WordPress permalink settings are consistent and not causing unwanted redirects. Consider flushing the permalinks if issues persist.
- Check JavaScript/Ajax Errors: Use the developer console to identify any potential script errors.
- Review Recent Changes: A recently made change or update could be the culprit.
- Theme & Plugin Updates: Make sure your themes and plugins are up-to-date. Sometimes, outdated code can lead to conflicts.
- Plugin Conflict Test: Deactivate all plugins and reintroduce them one by one to detect conflicts.
- Theme Test: Switch to the WP default theme to determine if the issue persists. Remember, this action may result in the loss of widgets.
- Deactivate Theme or Plugin Modules: Within your active theme or feature plugin, consider disabling specific modules to pinpoint the problem.
- WP Core Version: Ensure you’re running a stable and supported version of WordPress. Running an outdated or beta version might be problematic.
- JavaScript Dependency Checks: Ensure all JavaScript components and their enqueue priorities work together.
- Check Plugin Settings: Ensure configurations are set up correctly.
- .htaccess File: Sometimes, .htaccess file misconfigurations can cause issues. Checking its content and structure might be helpful.
- Database Issues: Consider optimizing or repairing the database.
- Read Plugin Changelogs and Support Forums: They might offer solutions to known problems.
- File Permissions: Incorrect file and directory permissions can be problematic.
- PHP Version: If certain functions or plugins aren’t working, there might be a PHP version incompatibility. Consider adjusting.
- SSL Issues: Confirm your SSL certificate is valid and correctly set up.
- Check for CDN Issues: CDNs can sometimes interfere with site functionality.
- WP Debug Mode: Enable in wp-config.php to view potential PHP errors.
- Site Speed Analysis: Tools like Google PageSpeed Insights or GTmetrix can help identify potential performance bottlenecks.
- External Service Connections: Confirm connections to third-party services or APIs.
- Server Health Check: Ensure your server is responsive and isn’t facing any downtime or overloads.
- Server Resource Monitoring: Overuse can cause issues. Ensure adequate CPU, RAM, and disk space.
- Security Scans: Run a security scan to ensure no malware or security breaches are affecting the site.
- Multisite Checks (if applicable): If running a WordPress Multisite, ensure that network settings are correctly configured.
Specific Issues
- Admin Access: If unable to access the WP admin, it could be due to plugin conflicts or security measures blocking access.
- Auto-Update Failures: If WordPress auto-updates fail, it could be due to file permission issues or misconfigurations with the update process.
- Refresh Dashboard Updates: Within the WordPress Dashboard, go to „Updates“, then click on the „Check again“ button to refresh and clear any cached update data.
- Premium Plugin Licensing: For paid plugins, deactivate and then reactivate the license to ensure validation and functionality.
- Manual Post Order Issues: With post archive anomalies, if using „Post Types Order“, adjust the order slightly and retest. Some tweaks can resolve these issues.
- User Roles & Capabilities: Ensure user permissions haven’t been mistakenly altered.
- Compatibility Mode: Some plugins or themes may require specific compatibility modes; verify those settings.
- Post Returns 404 Error: This often relates to permalink issues. Consider re-saving the permalink structure in settings.
- 503 Service Unavailable: It can be due to server resources being overused. Deactivating heavy plugins might help.
- Redirect Issues: If your website is stuck in a redirect loop, it could be due to misconfigurations in plugins, themes, or .htaccess.
- Missing Images: If images aren’t showing up, it could be due to incorrect file paths or permission issues.
- Visual Editor Problems: If the visual editor isn’t loading, it could be due to JavaScript issues or plugin conflicts.
- RSS Feed Errors: Ensure the RSS feed is working and doesn’t contain any errors, especially if you recently added plugins that modify the feed.
- Hosting Provider Notices: Check if your hosting provider has sent out any notices about server upgrades or changes.
This checklist is non-exhaustive and may be updated with emerging issues. For a more comprehensive understanding, consult additional online resources. Remember, taking a break can sometimes provide clarity.
