If you’ve ever seen the message “There has been a critical error on your website” pop up out of nowhere, I know how frustrating that feels. I’ve dealt with this exact issue more times than I can count, and trust me, there’s always a reason behind it, and there’s always a fix.
This kind of error usually shows up without warning and can make your whole website go blank. It might feel like everything’s broken, but most of the time, it comes down to something simple like a plugin or a theme update.
In this blog, I’ll walk you through how to fix critical error in WordPress using the same steps I take to get websites back online without digging through hours of tech jargon.
What’s the “There Has Been a Critical Error on Your Website” Message?
This message means WordPress has hit something it can’t process, so it shuts down the page completely. I’ve seen it happen after updates, new plugin installs or even small changes that didn’t seem risky at the time.
When this error shows up, it usually means there’s a deeper issue like a PHP crash, a broken theme file or a plugin conflict. WordPress throws the “There has been a critical error on your website” message as a safety stop so nothing worse happens.
The immediate impact? Your entire website might go blank or show just this message. You might even get a critical error WordPress login issue where you’re locked out completely and if you’re not ready, it feels like everything’s gone. But the good news is, it’s fixable, and usually faster than you think.
Common Causes of the “There Has Been a Critical Error on Your Website”
This error doesn’t just show up for no reason. In every case I’ve worked on, it came down to one of these four causes. The key is figuring out which one triggered it for you.
Plugin Conflicts
Plugin Conflicts according to me are the most common causes behind this error. A plugin might clash with WordPress itself or with another plugin. It only takes one update or bad line of code to break everything.
Theme Incompatibilities
Sometimes a theme update doesn’t play well with your current plugins or WordPress version. Even small theme changes can cause big issues if something inside isn’t coded properly.
PHP Errors
If your WordPress installation runs into broken or outdated PHP code, it can trigger the “There has been a critical error on your website” message instantly. That includes syntax mistakes, deprecated functions or memory overloads.
Database Connection Issues
When WordPress can’t connect to your database, the whole website fails. Corrupted files, wrong credentials or hosting problems can all trigger this in a second.
Basic Troubleshooting Steps for “There Has Been a Critical Error on Your Website”
When this error appears, it’s often due to a recent change or conflict. Here are some basic WordPress error troubleshooting methods:
Enable Debugging Mode in WordPress
To identify the root cause, enable WordPress’s debugging mode:
Step 1: Access your website’s files via FTP or your hosting provider’s file manager.
Step 2: Locate and open the wp-config.php file in your website’s root directory.
Step 3: Add the following lines just before the line that says /* That’s all, stop editing! Happy blogging. */:
- define(‘WP_DEBUG’, true);
- define(‘WP_DEBUG_LOG’, true);
- define(‘WP_DEBUG_DISPLAY’, false);
Step 4: Save the file and refresh your website.
This log helps if you’re learning how to debug WordPress website issues without breaking anything. This log provides specific details about what’s causing the critical error.
Deactivate All Plugins
Plugins can conflict with each other or with your theme. To check if a plugin is the issue:
- Access your website’s files via FTP or your hosting control panel.
- Navigate to the wp-content directory.
- Rename the plugins folder to something like plugins_old.
- Try accessing your website. If it loads, a plugin is likely behind the “There has been a critical error on your website” issue.
To identify the specific plugin:
- Rename the plugins_old folder back to plugins.
- Within the plugins folder, rename each plugin folder individually, one at a time, and check your website after each rename.
This process helps pinpoint the problematic plugin.
Switch to a Default Theme
Themes can also cause conflicts. To test if your theme is the issue, follow these steps:
Step 1: Access your website’s files via FTP or your hosting control panel.
Step 2: Navigate to the wp-content/themes directory.
Step 3: Rename your active theme’s folder to something like theme_old.
Step 4: WordPress will revert to a default theme, such as Twenty Twenty-Four, if it’s installed.
If your website loads, the theme was likely the reason behind the “There has been a critical error on your website” problem.
Clear Your Website’s Cache
If your website is showing critical error messages, cached files might be showing old data that keeps the problem visible. To clear the cache:
- If you’re using a caching plugin, access its settings in the WordPress dashboard and clear the cache.
- If your hosting provider offers caching, clear it through their control panel.
- Additionally, clear your browser’s cache or try accessing your website in a private browsing window.
Advanced Troubleshooting Techniques for “There Has Been a Critical Error on Your Website”
If the basic steps don’t fix it, these advanced options can help. These go a bit deeper but can be done safely if you follow each step carefully.
Increasing PHP Memory Limit
Your website might just be running out of memory. Go into the wp-config.php file and add this line:
define(‘WP_MEMORY_LIMIT’, ‘512M’);
This gives WordPress more room to work with, especially if your website uses heavy plugins or large media files.
Reinstalling WordPress Core Files
Sometimes a WordPress update doesn’t install correctly or files get corrupted. Download a fresh version of WordPress from wordpress.org. Upload everything except the wp-content folder and wp-config.php file. This won’t delete your content but can fix broken files.
Repairing the Database
Add this line to your “wp-config.php” file:
define(‘WP_ALLOW_REPAIR’, true);
Then go to yourwebsite.com/wp-admin/maint/repair.php. WordPress will give you the option to repair or optimise your database. Once done, remove that line of code to keep your website secure.
Upgrading PHP Version
Old PHP versions can break your plugins or themes. Go to your hosting control panel and look for the PHP version setting. Upgrade to the latest supported version like PHP 8.1 or 8.2. Make sure to check plugin compatibility before switching.
Scanning for Malware
In rare cases, malware or hacked code can cause this error. Use tools like Wordfence or Sucuri to scan your website. They’ll show you any infected files or code changes. If something’s found, follow their clean-up guide or get expert help.
Preventative Measures to Stay Clear of “There Has Been a Critical Error on Your Website” Error
Once you fix the problem, the next step is making sure it doesn’t happen again. These are the things I always recommend to stop the “There has been a critical error on your website” message from coming back.
Regular Updates of Themes, Plugins and WordPress Core
Outdated plugins or themes are behind most of the errors I’ve dealt with. Developers release updates for a reason, and that is to fix bugs, patch security holes and stay compatible with the latest version of WordPress. Set a reminder to check for updates weekly or turn on automatic updates for plugins you trust.
Using Reliable Themes and Plugins
Don’t install just anything that looks good. I’ve seen too many sites break because of poorly coded or unsupported themes and plugins. Stick to tools from trusted sources with strong reviews and active development. If something hasn’t been updated in over six months, I usually skip it.
Implementing Security Best Practices
A secure site is a stable site. Use strong passwords, set up two-factor login, and install a trusted security plugin like Wordfence or Sucuri. This keeps your site safe from malware that can cause critical errors or even take your site offline completely. Good security also helps spot problems before they become serious.
When to Seek Professional Help
There’s a point where trying to fix everything yourself can make things worse or just waste time. I’ve worked with people who spent days going in circles, only to find out the issue needed one line of code or a server-side tweak they couldn’t access.
Persistent Errors After Troubleshooting
If you’ve followed the steps, reset your plugins and themes, and the error still won’t go away, it’s time to get help. This usually means the problem goes deeper, maybe in your server settings, corrupted core files or hidden malware.
Lack of Technical Expertise
Not everyone feels confident editing PHP files or using FTP. And that’s okay. If you’re unsure about touching the wrong file or breaking something else, it’s better to step back than take a risk.
Importance of Professional Support
A good developer or WordPress support team can spot issues fast, restore backups safely and get your site running without stress. They also help stop the same problem from happening again. If your website is important to your work or business, professional help is worth it.
FAQs About the “There Has Been a Critical Error on Your Website” Message
Can this error happen even if I didn’t change anything?
Yes. Sometimes your hosting company updates the server or PHP version without notice. That can trigger conflicts with older themes or plugins, even if you haven’t made any changes yourself.
Is it safe to restore my website from a backup?
Yes, but only if you’re sure the backup is clean. If the error started after a plugin update or file change, restoring a version from before that update can bring your site back. Just make sure you won’t lose any important content added since the backup.
Can poor hosting cause this error?
Definitely. If your server is underpowered or misconfigured, it can trigger a critical error, especially during traffic spikes or updates. That’s why I always recommend hosting that’s built specifically for WordPress.
Is this the same as the “white screen of death”?
Not exactly, but they’re related. The WordPress white screen of death is a blank page with no message, unlike the critical error that shows a specific notice. The critical error usually gives you a message and may even send a recovery link to your email. Both come from the same kinds of issues like code conflicts or crashes.
Final Words
Getting hit with a sudden error message is one thing but knowing what to do next is what actually makes the difference. That’s what I focus on when helping people fix these kinds of problems. It’s not just about getting past the “There has been a critical error on your website” message as it’s about keeping your site stable and built to last.
At PrintVideoWeb, we help business owners and creators keep their websites healthy, fast and fully functional. If you’ve had enough of random errors and guesswork, we’re here to get things back under control. Whether it’s a repair, a rebuild or a full redesign with SEO support, we keep it simple and we get it done.
