WordPress Bug Fixing: How to Troubleshoot & Resolve Issues

WordPress is a powerful platform, but like any software, it can encounter bugs and issues that affect performance, security, and functionality. Whether you’re facing error messages, broken pages, slow loading times, or plugin conflicts, troubleshooting WordPress problems effectively is crucial.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step process to identify, troubleshoot, and fix common WordPress issues so your website runs smoothly. 🚀

🔍 Step 1: Identify the Issue

Before fixing a bug, you need to figure out what’s causing it. Start by asking:

✅ What changed recently? (New plugin, theme update, custom code?)
✅ What’s the error message? (Look for PHP errors or WordPress notices)
✅ Does the issue happen in all browsers and devices?
✅ Is it affecting the entire website or just specific pages?

💡 Tip: Use browser developer tools (F12 > Console) to check for JavaScript errors or missing files.

🛠 Step 2: Clear Cache & Check in Incognito Mode

Caching plugins, browser cache, and CDN services like Cloudflare store old versions of your website. If you’ve fixed something but still see the issue, caching could be the problem.

✅ How to Fix It?

🔹 Clear your browser cache (Ctrl + Shift + Del)
🔹 Purge cache in your caching plugin (e.g., WP Rocket, W3 Total Cache)
🔹 If using Cloudflare or a CDN, clear the cache there too
🔹 Open your site in incognito mode or a different browser

💡 Tip: Always test changes in private browsing mode to see real-time updates.

❌ Step 3: Disable Plugins One by One

Many WordPress issues are caused by plugin conflicts. If your website crashes, slows down, or behaves strangely after a new plugin update, follow these steps:

✅ How to Fix It?

1️⃣ Disable all plugins (Go to Dashboard → Plugins → Deactivate All)
2️⃣ Check if the issue is resolved.
3️⃣ Reactivate plugins one by one, refreshing the website each time.
4️⃣ When the error returns, the last plugin activated is causing the issue.

💡 Tip: Once you find the conflicting plugin, check for updates or replace it with an alternative plugin.

🎨 Step 4: Switch to a Default Theme

Sometimes, issues occur due to a faulty WordPress theme (especially custom or outdated themes).

✅ How to Fix It?

1️⃣ Switch to a default WordPress theme (Twenty Twenty-Four)
2️⃣ Check if the issue disappears
3️⃣ If switching the theme fixes the issue, your theme is the culprit

💡 Tip: Update your theme to the latest version, or contact the theme developer for support.

⚙️ Step 5: Enable WordPress Debug Mode

If you’re seeing a white screen of death (WSOD) or a blank page, enabling debug mode will help identify errors.

✅ How to Fix It?

1️⃣ Access your wp-config.php file using FTP or cPanel
2️⃣ Find this line:

define(‘WP_DEBUG’, false);

3️⃣ Change it to:

define(‘WP_DEBUG’, true);

define(‘WP_DEBUG_LOG’, true);

define(‘WP_DEBUG_DISPLAY’, false);

4️⃣ Check the debug.log file in /wp-content/ to see error messages.

💡 Tip: Use Error Logs Monitor or Query Monitor plugins to make debugging easier.

📂 Step 6: Fix Broken Permalinks

If your website is showing 404 errors or pages are not opening, permalinks may be broken.

✅ How to Fix It?

1️⃣ Go to Settings → Permalinks
2️⃣ Click Save Changes (without making any changes)
3️⃣ Clear browser cache and test your links again

💡 Tip: If the issue persists, regenerate the .htaccess file manually.

🔄 Step 7: Increase PHP Memory Limit

If you’re seeing errors like “Allowed memory size exhausted”, your website needs more PHP memory.

✅ How to Fix It?

1️⃣ Edit your wp-config.php file
2️⃣ Add this line before /* That’s all, stop editing! */

define(‘WP_MEMORY_LIMIT’, ‘256M’);

3️⃣ Save the file and refresh your website

💡 Tip: If this doesn’t work, ask your hosting provider to increase the memory limit.

🔄 Step 8: Restore a Backup (If Necessary)

If troubleshooting doesn’t fix your issue, it’s best to restore your website from a backup.

✅ How to Fix It?

1️⃣ If using a backup plugin (UpdraftPlus, All-in-One WP Migration), restore your last working backup.
2️⃣ If your hosting provider offers automatic backups, restore your site from cPanel or hosting panel.
3️⃣ If you don’t have a backup, contact your hosting support for help.

💡 Tip: Always take regular backups to avoid data loss during bug fixing.

🛡 Step 9: Scan for Malware & Security Issues

If your site is redirecting to spam websites, showing pop-ups, or behaving strangely, it might be hacked.

✅ How to Fix It?

🔹 Scan your site with Wordfence or Sucuri Security plugin
🔹 Remove unknown admin users from Users → All Users
🔹 Change all passwords (WordPress, cPanel, FTP)
🔹 Restore from a clean backup if malware is found

💡 Tip: Install a security plugin like Wordfence to prevent future hacks.

🚀 Final Thoughts: Keep Your WordPress Site Bug-Free!

Fixing WordPress issues doesn’t have to be stressful. By following these troubleshooting steps, you can quickly diagnose and resolve most website problems.

✅ Clear cache & test in incognito mode
✅ Disable plugins & switch themes to identify conflicts
✅ Enable debug mode to see hidden errors
✅ Fix broken permalinks & increase PHP memory
✅ Restore a backup if nothing works

💡 Need expert help with WordPress bug fixing? Kartisoft offers professional WordPress troubleshooting & support to get your site back on track!

👉 Contact Us Today! 🚀