Seeing a “There has been a critical error on this website” message can feel alarming, but the good news is that this issue is usually fixable with a few quick checks.
This guide will walk you through what the error means, why it happens, and how to restore your website safely.
What This Error Means
A WordPress critical error happens when something prevents your website from loading correctly. This is most commonly caused by:
- A faulty plugin
- A broken or incompatible theme
- An issue with your PHP version
- Corrupted files
- Recent changes that conflict with your site setup
When WordPress detects this, it enters “recovery mode”, allowing you to fix the issue without losing access to your dashboard.
Why This Happens
Although WordPress is powerful, small issues can cause major interruptions. This error usually appears after:
- Updating plugins or themes
- Installing a new plugin
- Changing your PHP version
- Editing theme files or custom code
- Migrating your website
- Conflicts between plugins or incompatible versions
Understanding the cause helps you apply the right fix.
Before You Start: Back Up Your Website
Before making any changes, we strongly recommend ensuring you have a recent backup. If you’re using Acronis Backup, you can restore or download a previous working version quickly.
Here are some helpful resources to assist with this, or if you need to purchase Essential Backup for your website:
- How to Restore or Download Backups in cPanel (Acronis)
- How to Purchase an Acronis Backup
- Website Backups on 1-grid
How to Fix the WordPress Critical Error
1. Try WordPress Recovery Mode (If Available)
If WordPress emailed you a “recovery mode” link, click it and log in.
You will see a message identifying the faulty plugin or theme.
- Save changes and reload your site
- Disable the problematic plugin
- Switch to a default theme if necessary
2. Disable All Plugins Manually (File Manager Method)
If recovery mode isn’t available, you can disable or delete your plugins:
- Log in to your hosting control panel.
- Open File Manager.
- Rename the plugins folder to:
- plugins-disabled
Your site will load without plugins, confirming whether one of them caused the issue, so troubleshooting this may be an important step for you.
Next:
- Identify the faulty plugin
- Restore the folder name
- Reactivate plugins one by one
3. Switch to a Default Theme
If plugins aren’t the issue:
- Open File Manager
- Go to /wp-content/themes/
- Rename your active theme folder
- WordPress will automatically fallback to a default theme (such as TwentyTwenty-Four)
If the site loads, your theme was the cause.
4. Check Your PHP Version
Many plugins require a specific PHP version.
- Reload your website
- Log in to your hosting panel
- View your current PHP version
- Change to a supported version (e.g. PHP 8.1 or 8.2)
5. Restore a Working Backup
If the issue started after a change you made:
- Restore the most recent Acronis backup
- Reload your website
- Test your plugins and theme afterwards
Backups are the quickest way to recover from major errors or corruption.
FAQs
Q. Why did my WordPress site break after an update?
Updates can sometimes conflict with older themes or plugins.
Q. Will disabling plugins break my website?
Only temporarily. You can reactivate them once you’ve identified the issue.
Q. If I don’t have a backup, what should I do?
You can still recover by disabling plugins, switching themes, or resetting PHP.
Q. Can 1-grid fix this error for me?
We provide guidance and tools. Deep debugging or code repairs may fall under Paid Advanced Support.
Additional Resources
Top 10 Common WordPress Issues
Need Additional Support?
We’re Here to Help:
Fixing a critical error on your WordPress website doesn’t have to feel technical with this easy-to-reference guide. Stuck? Contact our Support Team for clarity and guidance (https://1grid.co.za/contact-us/). We’re ready to see how we can help!