# Troubleshooting WordPress issues

> Work through the usual causes of WordPress problems, from plugin and theme conflicts to debugging, database errors and maintenance mode.

Source: https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/wordpress/guides/troubleshooting-wordpress-issues/

WordPress is a powerful and modular CMS, but sometimes problems arise due to plugins, themes, or server configurations. On **ruachost.com**, you can follow these steps to identify and resolve common WordPress issues.

## Common WordPress Problems

- **Blank pages / White Screen of Death** → Often caused by faulty plugins or themes.
- **Database connection errors** → “Error establishing a database connection.”
- **Scheduled maintenance message** → “Briefly unavailable for scheduled maintenance.”
- **Performance issues** → WordPress heartbeat or cron jobs consuming resources.
- **Plugin/theme conflicts** → Incompatibility after updates.

## Step‑by‑Step Troubleshooting

### 1. Disable Plugins and Themes

- Go to **Plugins → Installed Plugins**.
- Deactivate all plugins, then reactivate them one by one.
- Switch temporarily to a default theme (e.g., Twenty Twenty‑Five).
- Identify which component causes the issue.

### 2. Enable Debugging

- Edit your `wp-config.php` file.
- Add or update the following line:

  ```
  define('WP_DEBUG', true);
  ```
- Errors and warnings will now display, helping you pinpoint the problem.

### 3. Check Database Connection

- Verify database credentials in `wp-config.php`.
- Ensure MySQL server is running.
- Repair database tables via **phpMyAdmin** or command line.

### 4. Resolve Maintenance Mode

- If stuck in maintenance mode, delete the `.maintenance` file in your WordPress root directory.

### 5. Optimize Performance

- Disable or adjust the **WordPress heartbeat API**.
- Replace the default cron job with a server‑side cron for better efficiency.
- Use caching plugins (e.g., WP Rocket, W3 Total Cache).

### 6. Check Hosting Environment

- Ensure PHP version and memory limits meet WordPress requirements.
- Update to the latest WordPress version.
- Review error logs in cPanel/Plesk for server‑side issues.

## Important Notes

- Always back up your site before troubleshooting.
- Test changes in a staging environment before applying them live.
- If issues persist, contact **ruachost.com [Support](https://dashboard.ruachost.com/submitticket.php?step=2&deptid=3)** for assistance.