How to Fix Common WordPress Problems

WordPress July 2026 · 5 min read

White Screen of Death (WSOD)

The white screen of death — blank white page with no error — is usually caused by a plugin or theme conflict, or running out of PHP memory.

Fix steps:

• Via FTP/File Manager, rename /wp-content/plugins/ to /wp-content/plugins-disabled/
• If site loads, a plugin was causing it — rename folder back and re-enable plugins one by one
• If still broken, switch theme: rename your theme folder in /wp-content/themes/
• Increase PHP memory — add to wp-config.php: define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M');

Error Establishing a Database Connection

This error means WordPress can't connect to your MySQL database.

• Check wp-config.php — verify DB_NAME, DB_USER, DB_PASSWORD, DB_HOST are correct
• Login to Control Panel → MySQL Databases — confirm the database exists and user has privileges
• If credentials look right, try repairing the DB: add define('WP_ALLOW_REPAIR', true); to wp-config.php, then visit yourdomain.com/wp-admin/maint/repair.php

WordPress Stuck in Maintenance Mode

After a failed update, WordPress creates a .maintenance file and stays in maintenance mode forever.

Fix: Using File Manager, go to your WordPress root directory (public_html) and delete the file named .maintenance. Your site will come back immediately.

Too Many Redirects Error

Usually caused by incorrect site URLs or SSL misconfiguration.

• WP Admin → Settings → General — check WordPress URL and Site URL are identical and use https://
• If locked out, fix via phpMyAdmin: in wp_options table, update siteurl and home values
• Check .htaccess for conflicting redirect rules

WordPress Admin Login Not Working

• Click "Lost your password?" and reset via email
• If no email received: reset password via phpMyAdmin → wp_users → find your user → change user_pass to a new MD5 hash
• Or use WP-CLI: wp user update admin --user_pass=newpassword

Slow WordPress Site

• Install WP Super Cache or W3 Total Cache plugin
• Optimise images with Smush or ShortPixel plugin
• Use PHP 8.1+ (Control Panel → PHP Settings)
• Deactivate plugins you don't use — each plugin adds load time
• Upgrade hosting plan if traffic has grown

WordPress Security Issues / Site Hacked

• Install Wordfence Security — free scan and firewall
• Change all passwords (WP admin, hosting, email)
• Update all themes and plugins to latest versions
• Restore from backup (Dashboard → Backup → Restore)
• Contact SkyeFlare support for emergency cleanup assistance

Enable WordPress Debug Mode

Add these lines to wp-config.php to see actual PHP errors instead of blank screens:

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

Errors are logged to /wp-content/debug.log. Remember to disable debug mode once fixed.