PHP errors are the most common cause of WordPress problems. They range from harmless warnings to fatal errors that take your site offline. Here’s how to understand and fix them.
Common PHP Error Types in WordPress
WordPress PHP errors fall into these categories:
- Fatal errors – stop the site completely
- Warnings – display messages but don’t stop execution
- Notices – minor issues, often from outdated code
- Parse errors – syntax errors in PHP files
How to See PHP Errors in WordPress
Add these to wp-config.php to display errors:
- define( ‘WP_DEBUG’, true );
- define( ‘WP_DEBUG_DISPLAY’, true );
- define( ‘WP_DEBUG_LOG’, true );
Fix “Cannot redeclare function”
Two plugins are defining the same function. Find and deactivate the duplicate plugin, or update both to compatible versions.
Fix “Call to undefined function”
A plugin or theme is calling a function that doesn’t exist, usually from a missing dependency. Update or replace the plugin.
Fix “Deprecated” warnings
Deprecated warnings mean code is using outdated PHP functions. Update your WordPress, plugins, and PHP version.
Fix “Maximum execution time exceeded”
A script is taking too long. Increase max_execution_time in php.ini or optimize the plugin causing it.
Fix the error, then Disable WP_DEBUG
After fixing errors, remove the WP_DEBUG lines from wp-config.php so errors aren’t shown to visitors.
Need Expert PHP Help?
Contact Finggu Infotech if PHP errors are too technical to fix yourself. Our developers fix PHP errors on WordPress sites daily.