How to Fix "There Has Been a Critical Error on This Website" in WordPress (Step-by-Step Guide)

If you’ve recently migrated your WordPress site and are now seeing the dreaded error message, "There has been a critical error on this website - WordPress", you’re not alone. This error can feel like a punch to the gut, especially when you thought the migration went smoothly. But don’t worry—I’ve been there, and I’m here to help you fix it. In this guide, I’ll walk you through step-by-step solutions to resolve this error and get your site back up and running. Let’s dive in!

What Does "There Has Been a Critical Error on This Website - WordPress" Mean?

This error is WordPress’s way of telling you something has gone wrong, but it doesn’t provide specific details. It’s often triggered by:

• Plugin or theme conflicts.
• Database connection issues.
• PHP version incompatibility.
• Missing or corrupted files (like the object-cache.php file).

Understanding the root cause is the first step to fixing the issue.

Step-by-Step Solutions to Fix the Error

Step 1: Enable Debugging to Identify the Problem

1. Access your server via FTP or your hosting control panel.
2. Locate the wp-config.php file in your WordPress root directory.
3. Add the following lines to enable debugging:

define('WP_DEBUG', true);

define('WP_DEBUG_LOG', true);

define('WP_DEBUG_DISPLAY', false);

  4. Refresh your site and check the wp-content/debug.log file for error details.

Pro Tip: Debugging is like turning on a flashlight in a dark room—it helps you see exactly what’s wrong.

Step 2: Fix Plugin or Theme Conflicts

If the error is caused by a plugin or theme:

1. Access your server and navigate to wp-content/plugins or wp-content/themes.
2. Rename the problematic plugin or theme folder (e.g., add -old to the folder name).
3. Refresh your site to see if the error is resolved.

Step 3: Resolve Database Connection Issues

• Open the wp-config.php file.
• Verify the following database credentials:

define('DB_NAME', 'database_name');

define('DB_USER', 'database_user');

define('DB_PASSWORD', 'database_password');

define('DB_HOST', 'localhost');

• If the credentials are incorrect, update them with the correct details.

Step 4: Check for Missing or Corrupted Files

If the error mentions a missing file (e.g., object-cache.php):

• Navigate to the wp-content folder.
• Check if the object-cache.php file exists.
• If it doesn’t exist, and you’re not using object caching, you can safely ignore this error.
• If it does exist, ensure it has the correct permissions (644).

Step 5: Update Your PHP Version

Log in to your hosting control panel and ensure your PHP version is compatible with WordPress (WordPress recommends PHP 7.4 or higher).

Step 6: Clear Cache

Clear your browser cache and any caching plugins (e.g., WP Rocket, W3 Total Cache) to ensure you’re viewing the latest version of your site.

Preventing Future Errors

To avoid encountering "There has been a critical error on this website - WordPress" in the future:

• Keep your plugins and themes updated.
• Use reliable hosting with proper server configurations.
• Backup your site regularly using plugins like UpdraftPlus.

Conclusion

Seeing the error "There has been a critical error on this website - WordPress" can be stressful, but with the right approach, it’s completely fixable. By following the steps in this guide, you can identify and resolve the issue quickly. Remember, every error is an opportunity to learn something new—even if it doesn’t feel like it at the time. If you found this guide helpful, share it with others who might be facing the same issue!

I’ve been through my fair share of WordPress migration headaches, and I know how overwhelming it can feel when things go wrong. But trust me, every error is solvable with a little patience and persistence. If this guide helped you, I’d love to hear about it in the comments below. And if you’re still stuck, don’t hesitate to reach out—I’m here to help!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What causes the "There has been a critical error on this website - WordPress" error?

Ans: This error is often caused by plugin/theme conflicts, database connection issues, or PHP version incompatibility.

Q2: How do I enable debugging in WordPress?

Ans: Add the following lines to your wp-config.php file:

define('WP_DEBUG', true);

define('WP_DEBUG_LOG', true);

define('WP_DEBUG_DISPLAY', false);

Q3: Can I delete the object-cache.php file?

Ans: Yes, if you’re not intentionally using object caching, you can safely delete the object-cache.php file.

Q4: What if the error persists after trying all the steps?

Ans: Contact your hosting provider for assistance. They can check server logs and provide additional support.