How to Fix (There Has Been a Critical Error on This Website) in WordPress (2025 Guide) | Quantum IT Innovation

Have you recently encountered the dreaded message “there has been a critical error on this website” while working with your WordPress site? Take a breath and relax, because you are not the first to experience that. Also, this mysterious error message can be daunting and troubling to others when they learn that their website is no longer accessible to users and administrators. In this article guide, Quantum IT Innovation elaborates on the causes, the solutions, and the preventive measures for this common issue with WordPress.

It does not matter if you are just starting off or already have some experience working as a webmaster, figuring out the primary reason for the downtime will be crucial to bring the site up and running swiftly. By following the proper protocol and having the right tools, this problem can, most of the time, be resolved without any destruction of content or the features of the site.

What does “There has been a critical error on this website” mean?

The WordPress critical error message on this website attempts to designate that the error in the site's PHP code is so severe that the entire site crashes and cannot be accessed. It is caused by numerous reasons, such as a conflict of plug-ins, issues with themes, corrupted files, or an error in the server setup or configuration.

The last reason is that this severe error was applied to be a part of WordPress 5 point 2 update, along with the rest of WordPress updated for the sake of better error protection protocols for the platform. Previously, WordPress, instead of showing a white screen, also known as the white screen of death, would inform the user with some form of functionality blocked indication that something is critically wrong.

Common Causes of WordPress Critical Errors

Conflicts with Plugins: One of the main causes of WordPress critical errors is plugins that are simply incompatible or not coded properly. Your entire website, including essential functions, will come crashing down due to the malfunctioning plugin. Conflicts are caused by multiple plugins trying to do the same function or after a recent plugin update.
Errors with Them: A WordPress version incompatibility or bug issue is likely contained within an updated or new theme. Frontend crashes and backend conflicts are likely due to custom themes with outdated functions. Default themes like Twenty Twenty-One restore the basic WordPress features and solve problems usually caused by other themes.
Mismatch in PHP Version: As a result of outdated or incompatible PHP versions running on your hosting server, critical errors are likely. The right functioning of some themes and plugins relies on certain PHP versions. The absence of such a version often leads to the failure of these plugins and themes. For optimal performance, security, and even compatibility with plugins, ensure updating the server's PHP version.
Core Files Corrupted: Malicious software and improper file edits can lead to the infection of core WordPress files. Admin access becomes disabled and site elements are broken, resulting in an unstable CMS. The issue can be fixed by restoring from backup or replacing corrupted files with fresh core files of WordPress.
Memory Limit Exhaustion: WordPress needs enough PHP memory to function. When it exceeds the limit, it can crash. This typically happens during resource-heavy operations like large file uploads or plugin installs. You can increase the memory limit by editing the wp-config.php file or contacting your hosting provider.
Missing or Renamed Files: Renaming or accidentally deleting essential files like wp-config.php or .htaccess can trigger this error. Without these configuration files, WordPress cannot load properly, resulting in a site-wide breakdown. Using a file manager or FTP client, you can restore or recreate these files to regain access.

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How to Fix the "There Has Been a Critical Error on This Website" WordPress Issue

Enable Debug: Debugging WordPress issues begins with enabling the debug mode. This action will help pinpoint the issue accurately. You can view detailed error logs that will help you identify exact files or functions. These logs will be located in your site files and give you insight into whether the issue has arisen due to the plugins, themes, or core settings.
Turn Off All Plugins: One of the main causes of WordPress's critical errors stems from the plugins themselves. To set straight what the problem is, you will have to look for FTP access to your site or find your host’s control panel and disable all the plugins completely. If your website goes back to functioning properly, then it is true that one of the plugins was the issue. After that, you can start re-enabling each plugin one at a time to find out which plugin was the reason for the issue.
Switch to a Default Theme: Recently installed or updated themes may not work with some versions of WordPress or with other plugins that are accessible on the device or system. To help check if it is the theme that causes the issue, you can use a default theme like Twenty Twenty-Three. If your site operates normally afterwards, then the issue is unsurfaced due to the theme.
Change the PHP Version: Running an older version of PHP may result in compatibility difficulties when used with WordPress and its plugins. Please log in to your hosting account and verify what PHP version you are currently using. Most times, errors and crashes due to faulty new themes or plugins are resolved by upgrading to a supported level of PHP, like PHP 7.4 or higher.
Examine Cores for Damage: The site may suffer serious disruptions due to damaged or missing files within the WordPress core. The root cause for this could be faulty updates, malware, or careless edits to files. A simple approach would be to restore a fresh version of the WordPress core which does not wipe your content and configuration. This will allow you to maintain all of your data while other data is being repaired.
Restore from the Backup: Restoring a recent but clean website backup will remove any unwanted changes that may have activated the critical error. The backup may be from the host provider or a plugin used without any compromise on functionality. Backup restoring allows the website to revert to a known stable version. Regardless of which backup is being used, ensure that it is fully functional before restoration.
Contact Hosting Provider: When in doubt or if technical solutions don't work, contact your hosting provider. They can offer deeper insights into server-level issues and access tools to troubleshoot problems beyond WordPress itself. Their support team may help with resolving memory limit issues, server misconfigurations, or malware infections affecting your site.

Preventing WordPress Critical Errors

Always back up your site before updates: Creating a backup before updating any WordPress-related items, such as the core, themes, or plugins, is integral. This ensures that the backup can restore the site to a functioning state without causing the loss of data or functionality.
Use staging environments to test new plugins/themes: Staging environments and sites allow for testing plugins before using them on websites. Staging sites provide a replica of the actual sites, which allows for testing and error prediction without causing real-time repercussions.
Keep WordPress, themes, and plugins updated: Regularly updating WordPress plugins and themes is vital for maintaining the functionality and security of the platform. Developers release updates to resolve bugs, eliminate security holes, and enhance overall effectiveness. Postponing updates leads to the emergence of critical issues and threats from hackers.
Keep an Eye on your PHP Error Logs: Keeping an eye on your server's PHP error logs aids in identifying problems before they grow. These logs are critical for understanding issues related to warnings, deprecations, or fatal errors on your site so that you can mitigate them before a crash happens.
Avoid Modifying Core Files: Modifying core files in WordPress, such as wp-config.php or index.php, may result in syntax errors and other compatibility bugs that could bring your site down. Instead, make use of child themes or custom plugins to implement changes. This means your modifications will not be removed due to updates breaking the site.
Use Trusted Themes and Plugins: Do not download themes and plugins from sites other than the WordPress official repository or verified non-official vendors. Stop using nulled or cracked software, as it is often a Trojan horse that severely damages your site by introducing critical bugs and compromising security.

Why Trust Quantum IT Innovation For WordPress Services?

Quantum IT Innovation specializes in offering consistently operating WordPress solutions. Our qualified team is at your service 24/7 to resolve any critical problems troubling your business website built on WordPress.

Also, we specialize in Business optimization solutions, Web and App Development, & Digital Marketing for B2B and B2C agencies and companies across the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Ireland, and the Middle East.

Our WordPress Services Include:

Custom WordPress Development: We create fully bespoke WordPress websites from the ground up according to your brand and goals. Be it a straightforward blog site, a sophisticated corporate webpage, or an advanced e-commerce shop, we provide robust, flexible, safe, and mobile-friendly solutions.
Performance Optimization: Losing users because of a content page taking too long to load is not an option. We improve speed performance on WordPress sites by optimizing loading times, image files, caching, and delivering a smooth and fast user experience on all devices.
Ongoing Maintenance & Support: We provide ongoing support services to ensure up-to-date security and functionality of your site. This includes plugin updates, bug fixing, and uptime monitoring to ensure your site functions optimally while avoiding interruptions.
WordPress Security Hardening (New Service): Priorities come first. We set firewalls, scan for malware, defend against brute force attacks, and implement safeguarded login methods to enhance security and shield your site from cyberattacks and unauthorized access.

With over a decade of experience and 500+ WordPress websites optimized, we bring a tailored and proactive approach to every project.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. Why does my WordPress site display “There has been a critical error on this website”?

“There has been a critical error on this website.” WordPress means that your WordPress site is experiencing a fatal PHP error, most likely because of a clash between a plugin and a theme, corrupted core files, or a PHP version that is not compatible. As a result, the site ceases to function to requires additional troubleshooting to ascertain the precise issue.

2. Can I fix the critical error without knowledge of coding?

Yes, many of the issues can be solved without advanced coding using cPanel or FTP to deactivate plugins or by returning to a default theme. Nevertheless, if the error is more complex and attributable to lower-level code or server issues, it is always advisable to seek a professional so that no further damage is done.

3. How can I prevent WordPress from crashing again?

To mitigate the chances of recurrent crashing, it is advisable to update all plugins, associated themes, and WordPress regularly. Use reputable hosting services, avoid making direct core modifications, and always backup your site, these practices help keep your site secure while ensuring stability.

4. Will fixing the error affect my site content?

In most cases, fixing a critical error involves technical changes in the backend, like disabling plugins or uploading fresh core files. These actions don’t impact your site content. However, it's always a good idea to backup your data beforehand to avoid accidental loss during troubleshooting.

5. Should I hire a developer to fix this issue?

If you’re unfamiliar with server access, PHP files, or database recovery, hiring a professional WordPress developer is wise. They can quickly diagnose and resolve the issue without risking further damage. Quantum IT Innovation provides expert WordPress support to get your site back up and running smoothly.