WordPress is an amazing platform, but sometimes, things go wrong. Instead of panicking, let’s debug and fix common errors using simple code tweaks.
1. Enable Debug Mode in WordPress
Issue: Your site is breaking, but you have no idea what’s causing it.
Solution: Enable debugging by adding this to wp-config.php:
define('WP_DEBUG', true);
define('WP_DEBUG_LOG', true);
define('WP_DEBUG_DISPLAY', false);This creates a debug.log file in wp-content where you can check errors.
2. Fix “Headers Already Sent” Error
Issue: You see an error saying “Cannot modify header information – headers already sent.”
Solution: This usually happens due to extra spaces before <?php or after ?> in your theme files. Open wp-config.php or functions.php and ensure there are no blank spaces before the first <?php tag.
3. Fix WordPress Auto-Logout Issue
Issue: WordPress keeps logging you out randomly.
Solution: Add this to wp-config.php to fix cookie issues:
define('COOKIEPATH', '/');
define('SITECOOKIEPATH', '/');If the issue persists, check your site URL settings in wp-config.php:
define('WP_HOME', 'https://yourwebsite.com');
define('WP_SITEURL', 'https://yourwebsite.com');4. Fix Theme or Plugin Syntax Errors
Issue: You edited a theme or plugin file and now your site is down with a “Parse error.”
Solution: Revert the change by accessing your site via FTP and restoring the original file. If you don’t have a backup, rename the faulty plugin or theme folder in wp-content to deactivate it.
5. Fix WordPress Stuck in Maintenance Mode
Issue: After updating, your site is stuck in “Briefly unavailable for scheduled maintenance.”
Solution: Delete the .maintenance file in your WordPress root directory using FTP.
6. Fix “Missing Stylesheet” Error When Installing a Theme
Issue: You try uploading a theme and get a “missing stylesheet” error.
Solution: Make sure you’re uploading the correct .zip file. Some theme files come in a package with extra documentation—only upload the theme folder inside.
Stay in Control of Your WordPress Site
These debugging techniques will help you keep your site running smoothly without relying on external plugins for every fix. Mastering these simple solutions will save you time and frustration.