Fixing Common WordPress Errors

Error Establishing Database Connection

This error means WordPress can't connect to your MySQL database. Check that your database credentials in wp-config.php are correct (DB_NAME, DB_USER, DB_PASSWORD, DB_HOST). If they're correct, your database server may be temporarily down — contact your hosting provider. If you recently changed your database password, update it in wp-config.php to match.

500 Internal Server Error

The 500 error is a generic server error usually caused by a corrupted .htaccess file, PHP memory limit reached, or a plugin/theme conflict. Try renaming .htaccess via FTP (WordPress will regenerate it when you save your permalink settings). Increase PHP memory limit in wp-config.php. Deactivate plugins via FTP to test for conflicts.

Updates Failed or Stuck

If a WordPress, theme, or plugin update fails partway through, your site might show a 'maintenance mode' message. Delete the .maintenance file from your WordPress root directory via FTP. If the update is stuck, manually download the latest version from wordpress.org, extract it, and upload the files via FTP (overwriting existing files but NOT the wp-content folder or wp-config.php). Then try the update again.