Few things are more frustrating than opening your WordPress site only to find it’s not working. Whether it’s a blank screen, an error message, or your site won’t load at all, a crash can feel like a disaster. But don’t panic—most issues can be fixed with a few simple steps.
In this guide, we’ll go over common reasons why WordPress crashes and what you can do to get your site back up and running.
Why does WordPress crash?
A crash can happen for many reasons, but the most common ones include:
- A plugin or theme issue – A faulty or incompatible update can break your site.
- WordPress updates – Sometimes, updates don’t install correctly, causing errors.
- Hosting problems – If your hosting provider is having issues, your site may go down.
- Too many resources being used – If your site is too large or gets too much traffic, your server may struggle to keep up.
- Hacking or malware – If your site has been compromised, it may crash or become inaccessible.
First things to check
Before jumping into fixes, try these quick steps:
- Check your internet connection – Make sure the issue isn’t on your end.
- Try a different browser or device – Sometimes, the problem is a local issue.
- Visit your hosting provider’s website – They may be experiencing downtime.
- Check if your site is down for everyone – Use Down for Everyone or Just Me to see if others can access your site.
If the problem persists, move on to the steps below.
How to fix your WordPress site when it crashes
1. Restart your browser and clear your cache
Sometimes, your browser holds onto an old, broken version of your site. Clear your cache or open your site in an incognito window to check if it loads properly.
2. Deactivate your plugins
If your site stopped working after installing or updating a plugin, that could be the issue.
- Log into your WordPress dashboard
- Go to Plugins > Installed Plugins
- Deactivate all plugins
- Refresh your site to see if it works
If your site comes back, one of your plugins is the problem. Reactivate them one by one to find the faulty one and remove it.
If you can’t access your dashboard, contact your hosting provider and ask them to deactivate your plugins for you.
3. Switch to a default theme
A poorly coded or outdated theme can cause issues. To check if this is the case:
- Go to Appearance > Themes
- Activate a default WordPress theme, like Twenty Twenty-Four
- Reload your site
If your site works again, your original theme is likely causing the issue. You may need to update it or switch to a new one.
4. Restore a backup
If you have a backup of your site, now is the time to use it. Many web hosting providers offer automatic backups, or you may have used a backup plugin like UpdraftPlus or Jetpack Backup.
- Log into your hosting account
- Find the backup restore option (usually in the control panel)
- Select the most recent backup before the crash
- Click restore
This will bring your site back to how it was before the problem started.
5. Check with your hosting provider
If your site is still down, the issue may be with your web host. Some hosting providers experience temporary outages or server problems.
- Log into your hosting dashboard
- Check for any notifications or downtime alerts
- Contact customer support and explain the issue
Most hosts offer live chat or email support and can help restore your site.
6. Scan for malware
If your site is behaving strangely or redirecting visitors to another website, it may have been hacked. A security plugin like Wordfence or Sucuri can scan your site for malware.
If you suspect a security breach, reset your passwords and contact your host for further assistance.
7. Avoid future crashes
Once your site is back, take steps to prevent future crashes:
- Keep plugins and themes updated – Only install trusted, well-reviewed plugins.
- Regularly back up your site – Use a backup plugin or hosting service.
- Monitor your site’s security – Install a security plugin to detect threats early.
- Use a reliable hosting provider – A good host will have uptime guarantees and support if things go wrong.
A WordPress crash can be stressful, but most issues have a straightforward fix. By following these steps, you can quickly get your site running again and protect it from future problems. Want more WordPress tips? Follow our WordPress 101 series for expert advice every Monday.