10 Common WordPress Problems (And How to Fix Them)

WordPress powers over 40% of the web, making it the most popular CMS in the world. However, even the best tools come with their challenges. If you’re running a WordPress website, chances are you’ve run into at least one of these common issues.

1. White Screen of Death (WSOD)

Problem: Your site loads as a blank white screen.
Solution: Deactivate plugins via FTP or File Manager, switch to a default theme, and increase the PHP memory limit.

2. Internal Server Error (500)

Problem: A generic error with no clear explanation.
Solution: Check for corrupt .htaccess files, increase PHP memory, or contact your host.

3. Error Establishing a Database Connection.

Problem: A generic error with no clear explanation.
Solution: Check for corrupt .htaccess files, increase PHP memory, or contact your host.

4. Plugin Conflicts

Problem: Installing or updating a plugin breaks your site.
Solution: Deactivate all plugins and reactivate them one by one to find the culprit.

5. Theme Compatibility Issues

Problem: New themes break layouts or features.
Solution: Test themes in a staging environment before activating them live.

6. Broken Permalinks

Problem: 404 errors on posts and pages.
Solution: Go to Settings > Permalinks and click “Save Changes” to refresh your permalinks.

7. Slow Website Speed

Problem: 404 Long load times hurt user experience and SEO.
Solution: Optimize images, use a caching plugin, upgrade hosting, and minimize scripts.

8. Failed Auto-Updates

Problem: WordPress core or plugin updates fail.
Solution: Manually update via FTP or file manager and check file permissions.

9. Login Page Redirect Loop

Problem: You’re stuck in a loop after logging in.
Solution: Clear browser cookies, update .htaccess, and check plugin conflicts.

10. Hacked Website

Problem: Unauthorized access or defacement.
Solution: Restore a clean backup, scan for malware, and harden site security with a plugin like Wordfence.