WordPress is a popular content management system used by millions of websites around the world. However, like any software, it is not immune to issues and errors. These can range from simple layout issues to more complex issues such as the white screen of death or a 500 internal server error. Troubleshooting these issues can be a daunting task for many WordPress users, but with the right approach, it can be relatively simple. In this guide, we’ll go over the basic steps you can take to troubleshoot a WordPress website correctly.

Step 1: Check the Website’s Status

The first step in troubleshooting a WordPress website is to check its status. Is the website down for everyone, or just for you? You can use online tools such as IsItDownRightNow or DownForEveryoneOrJustMe to check the website’s status. If the website is down for everyone, then the problem is likely with the hosting server or the domain name. In this case, you should contact your hosting provider or domain registrar for assistance.

Step 2: Check for Error Messages

If the website is up and running, but you’re experiencing issues, the next step is to check for any error messages. These can include the white screen of death, a 500 internal server error, or a 404 error. The error message will often provide information on what is causing the problem and can help you narrow down the troubleshooting process.

Step 3: Check the Website’s Logs

Website logs can provide valuable information on any issues that are occurring on the site. These logs can include PHP errors, database errors, and server errors. Your hosting provider should be able to provide you with access to your website’s logs. You can also use plugins such as WP Log Viewer to view the logs directly from the WordPress dashboard.

Step 4: Deactivate All Plugins

Plugins are a common cause of issues with WordPress websites. They can conflict with the theme, other plugins, or even the WordPress core itself. To test if a plugin is causing the issue, deactivate all of them and see if the problem persists. If the issue is resolved, you can then reactivate each plugin one by one, testing the website after each reactivation, to find out which plugin was causing the problem.

Step 5: Switch to the Default Theme

If deactivating all plugins doesn’t resolve the issue, the next step is to switch to the default WordPress theme. This will test if the problem is with the current theme. If the issue is resolved after switching to the default theme, then the problem is with the current theme. You can then switch back to your original theme and check if the problem persists.

Step 6: Check for Theme and Plugin Updates

Outdated themes and plugins can also cause issues with a WordPress website. Make sure that all themes and plugins are updated to their latest versions. If updates are available, apply them and test the website again to see if the issue has been resolved.

Step 7: Check the Website’s Configuration

In some cases, the issue may be related to the website’s configuration. Check the website’s .htaccess file, PHP version, and other server-side settings to make sure everything is configured correctly. If you’re unsure how to do this, contact your hosting provider for assistance.

Step 8: Reinstall WordPress

If none of the above steps resolve the issue, the next step is to reinstall WordPress. Make sure to back up your website before reinstalling WordPress, as this will delete all of your website’s files and data. After reinstalling, restore your website’s files and data, and test the website to see if the issue has been resolved. For more information on WordPress please contact us.