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WordPress Is Down – Checklist

WordPress Is Down

1. Check Your Internet Connection

  • Description: Start with the basics. Sometimes the issue might be with your local internet connection.
  • Action: Try accessing other websites to confirm if the issue is with your internet.

2. Try Different Browsers

  • Description: Browser-specific issues can cause a site to not load properly.
  • Action: Attempt to access your site using different web browsers.

3. Check Hosting Server Status

  • Description: The issue might be with your hosting service.
  • Action: Check your hosting provider’s status page or contact their support to verify if there are any server-related problems.

4. Clear Browser Cache

  • Description: A corrupted cache can prevent websites from loading.
  • Action: Clear your browser cache and try accessing the site again.

5. Access Admin Area

  • Description: Determine if the issue is with the front end or both front and back end.
  • Action: Try to access the WordPress admin area by appending /wp-admin to your website URL.

6. Verify Domain Expiry

  • Description: An expired domain can cause your website to go offline.
  • Action: Check your domain registration status through your domain registrar.

7. Inspect for Hacking Signs

  • Description: Hacks can bring down your website or change its behavior.
  • Action: Look for any unfamiliar changes to your website, such as unknown posts, users, or changes in your files.

8. Check Disk Quota

  • Description: Exceeding your hosting account’s disk quota can cause downtime.
  • Action: Verify your disk usage in your hosting control panel to ensure you haven’t exceeded limits.

9. Review Recent Changes

  • Description: Recent updates or changes can conflict with your WordPress setup.
  • Action: Recall any recent updates (plugins, themes, WordPress core) and revert them if necessary.

10. Disable Plugins

  • Description: A malfunctioning plugin can take your site offline.
  • Action: If you can access the admin area, deactivate all plugins and then reactivate them one by one to check for conflicts.
    You can also, if the server working, use the FTP connection and rename wp-plugin to xwp-plugin under wpcontent map.
    In this case all plugins not in use. You can then create a new folder and copy back each plugin and see when your site
    stop working.

11. Switch to a Default Theme

  • Description: Themes can cause issues, especially after updates.
  • Action: Switch to a default WordPress theme like Twenty Twenty-One to see if the issue resolves.

12. Check .htaccess File

  • Description: A corrupt .htaccess file can cause access issues.
  • Action: Rename your .htaccess file via FTP and see if the site becomes accessible. If it does, regenerate a new .htaccess file from WordPress.

13. Review Error Logs

  • Description: Server logs can provide clues to the source of the problem.
  • Action: Check your server error logs for any critical errors that could cause the site to go down.

14. PHP Version Check

  • Description: Incompatibility with PHP versions can break your site.
  • Action: Ensure your hosting is using a PHP version that is compatible with your WordPress version.

15. Database Connection Check

  • Description: Database connection issues can render your site inaccessible.
  • Action: Verify the database connection settings in your wp-config.php file.

16. Increase PHP Memory Limit

  • Description: Insufficient memory can cause your site to crash.
  • Action: Increase the PHP memory limit in your wp-config.php file.

17. Check File Permissions

  • Description: Incorrect file permissions can lead to access issues.
  • Action: Ensure that your files and folders have the correct permissions set.

18. Run a Malware Scan

  • Description: Malware can cause unexpected behavior or downtime.
  • Action: Use a security plugin or service to scan your site for malware.

19. Consult Hosting Support

  • Description: Sometimes the issue might be beyond your control.
  • Action: If you’re unable to diagnose the problem, contact your hosting provider’s support team.

20. Backup and Restore

  • Description: If all else fails, restoring from a backup can be a last resort.
  • Action: Restore your site to a previous state from a backup if you have one available.

By following these steps methodically, you can diagnose and often resolve common issues that cause WordPress sites to go down. It’s crucial to maintain regular backups and stay vigilant about updates and changes to your site to minimize potential downtime.

If you do not want to do this anymore just signup for managed web hosting!

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