WordPress error
"There has been a critical error on this website"
Since WordPress 5.2, this message replaces the white screen. Good news: WordPress usually sends you an e-mail with the exact cause. Here is how to read it and react.
The symptoms
- The site or the admin shows "There has been a critical error on this website".
- Sometimes: "Please check your site admin email inbox for instructions".
- The site may switch to recovery mode.
The likely causes
- An incompatible or buggy plugin, especially after an update.
- A theme incompatible with the current PHP version.
- A change of PHP version on the host's side.
- A conflict between two plugins.
- A corrupted file or an obsolete function in the code.
What you can try yourself
Look for the WordPress e-mail
WordPress sends an e-mail to the admin address, naming the offending plugin or file and giving a recovery-mode link. It is your best lead.
Use recovery mode
The link in the e-mail opens the admin in safe mode to disable the element at fault.
Disable the last installed or updated plugin
Over FTP, rename its folder in wp-content/plugins if you have no admin access.
Check the PHP version
A recent PHP change can break an old theme or plugin. Your host often lets you roll back to the previous version while you fix it.
Enable WP_DEBUG if needed
If the e-mail does not arrive, WP_DEBUG shows the exact error to identify the line at fault.
When to call a professional
If the e-mail does not arrive, if disabling is not enough, or if the error returns after every update: a professional traces the root cause instead of disabling at random, updates cleanly in a test environment, and secures the site so the problem does not come back.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I find the cause of the WordPress critical error?
In the e-mail WordPress sends to the site admin address. It names the plugin or file involved and provides a recovery-mode link. Failing that, enable WP_DEBUG.
Can a critical error come from an update?
Yes, very often. A plugin, theme or PHP version updated without testing can trigger the error. That is why the updates in a maintenance plan are tested before being applied.
Is the site lost?
Almost never. Once the element at fault is identified, the site comes back. If we truly cannot fix it, we tell you plainly and charge nothing for that.
We look at your site.
If we can recover it, we send you a clear price and a payment link. If we cannot, we tell you plainly, we charge nothing for that, and we can offer you a brand new site. Either way, you are never stuck.
The first look is free.
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