How to Fix Common WordPress Errors After an Update

WordPress updates are essential for security, performance, and new features. However, they sometimes come with unexpected issues that can disrupt your site. Whether it’s a white screen of death, broken themes, or database errors, these problems can be frustrating. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most common WordPress errors after an update and how to fix them quickly.

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1. White Screen of Death (WSOD)

Symptoms:

• A completely blank screen with no error message.
• Inaccessible admin dashboard.

Solutions:

1. Increase PHP Memory Limit – Sometimes, your hosting plan restricts memory usage. Increase it by adding the following line to your wp-config.php file:define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M');
2. Disable Plugins and Themes – A faulty plugin or theme may be the culprit. Rename your /wp-content/plugins/ folder via FTP to disable all plugins at once.
3. Enable Debugging – Add the following to wp-config.php to display errors:define('WP_DEBUG', true); define('WP_DEBUG_LOG', true); define('WP_DEBUG_DISPLAY', false);Check the wp-content/debug.log file for error details.

Related Read: How to Troubleshoot WordPress Errors Like a Pro

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2. Error Establishing a Database Connection

Symptoms:

• A message stating “Error Establishing a Database Connection.”

Solutions:

1. Check wp-config.php Credentials – Verify that your database name, username, password, and host are correct.
2. Repair the Database – Run the following command in wp-config.php:define('WP_ALLOW_REPAIR', true);Then visit yourwebsite.com/wp-admin/maint/repair.php to repair your database.
3. Contact Hosting Provider – If the issue persists, your database server might be down.

Related Read: The Ultimate Guide to WordPress Database Optimization

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3. 404 Errors on Pages or Posts

Symptoms:

• Posts and pages return 404 errors despite existing in the backend.

Solutions:

1. Reset Permalinks – Navigate to Settings > Permalinks and click Save Changes to refresh them.
2. Check .htaccess File – Ensure your .htaccess file includes the correct rewrite rules:# BEGIN WordPress RewriteEngine On RewriteBase / RewriteRule ^index\.php$ - [L] RewriteCond %{REQUEST_FILENAME} !-f RewriteCond %{REQUEST_FILENAME} !-d RewriteRule . /index.php [L] # END WordPress

Related Read: How to Fix WordPress Permalink Issues in Minutes

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4. Stuck in Maintenance Mode

Symptoms:

• Your site displays “Briefly unavailable for scheduled maintenance.”

Solutions:

1. Delete .maintenance File – Use FTP or File Manager to delete the .maintenance file in your root directory.
2. Manually Update WordPress – If an update was interrupted, try updating manually by replacing core files.

Related Read: Step-by-Step Guide to Manually Updating WordPress

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5. Theme or Plugin Compatibility Issues

Symptoms:

• Broken layout, missing elements, or plugin malfunctions.

Solutions:

1. Rollback to a Previous Version – Use the WP Rollback plugin to revert updates.
2. Check Plugin/Theme Documentation – Developers often provide fixes or patches.
3. Use a Staging Environment – Always test updates on a staging site before applying them to your live site.

Related Read: Best Practices for Managing WordPress Plugin Updates

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Conclusion

While WordPress updates can sometimes cause headaches, most issues have simple solutions. By following these troubleshooting steps, you can restore your site quickly and minimize downtime. If you’re still experiencing problems, consider reaching out to your hosting provider or checking WordPress support forums.

What issues have you faced after a WordPress update? Share your experiences in the comments below!