Why Your WordPress Site Is Down: 12 Potential Issues and Solutions

There’s nothing more unsettling than clicking on your WordPress site only to be greeted by a blank screen, an error message, or worse—a “Site Not Found” alert. Whether you’re running a personal blog, an online store, or a business website, downtime can feel like a crisis. But before you panic, take a deep breath: most WordPress outages are fixable once you know where to look.  

WordPress is a complex ecosystem. A single plugin conflict, a misconfigured setting, or even an expired SSL certificate can all lead to WordPress sites not working. For every user frantically Googling “Why is my WordPress site down?” there are a dozen potential answers. Not all of them will apply to your situation.  

This guide gives you a clear, step-by-step process to diagnose and resolve the most common causes of WordPress downtime. We’ll start with the quickest checks, like server status and DNS issues, before moving to more involved fixes like database repairs and security breaches.

Server-related reasons WordPress sites may go down 

Your WordPress site’s performance and availability are deeply tied to the health of your web hosting server. When a site goes down unexpectedly, server-related problems are often the first place to look—and sometimes, the easiest to resolve. Let’s explore common server issues, how to address them, and when it might be time to consider a more reliable hosting provider.  

Hosting provider problems

Every hosting provider occasionally experiences outages, whether due to hardware failures, software updates, or cyberattacks. Start by checking your host’s status dashboard—most providers have a public system status page that reports ongoing issues. If you spot an outage, your best bet is to wait for their team to resolve it. In the meantime, avoid making changes to your site, as they might not save properly.  

As a managed hosting solution for WordPress, WP Engine includes extensive back-end server monitoring, with other types of monitoring included on certain plans. For even more reassurance, WP Engine offers the Site Monitoring extension to help you detect and respond quickly to any outages.

Resource limits are another common culprit, especially on shared hosting plans. If your site suddenly receives a surge in traffic or uses too much CPU/memory, your host might temporarily suspend it to protect other users on the server. Look for warnings like “Resource Limit Reached” in your hosting dashboard, and consider upgrading to a plan with higher limits. You can also try reducing the bandwidth your site is using. 

For immediate relief, you can try restarting your server (if your host allows it) or contacting their support team. WP Engine offers 24/7 support, which can expedite a resolution.  

DNS misconfigurations

DNS issues often fly under the radar but can take your site offline just as effectively as a server crash. If you recently updated your domain’s nameservers or DNS records (like A or CNAME records), propagation delays might be to blame. These changes can take up to 48 hours to fully take effect globally. Tools like WhatsMyDNS let you track propagation progress across different regions.  

Typos in DNS settings are another common oversight. For example, an incorrect IP address in an A record or a missing “www” CNAME entry can render your site inaccessible. If you suspect a configuration error, double-check your records against your host’s recommendations or revert to a previous working setup. Advanced users can proactively lower the TTL (Time to Live) value before making DNS changes to speed up future updates.  

When to consider a new host  

Not all hosting providers are created equal. If your site struggles with frequent downtime, sluggish support responses, or arbitrary traffic caps, migrating to a better host could be the ultimate solution. Look for providers with uptime guarantees (99.9% or higher), scalable resources, and WordPress-specific optimizations.

Key takeaway  

Server issues can stem from temporary outages, resource limits, or DNS hiccups, but an unreliable hosting provider might be the root cause. Monitoring tools can help you track uptime patterns, while investing in a robust host ensures your site stays resilient against future problems. If your current provider keeps letting you down, don’t hesitate to explore alternatives.  

WordPress-specific causes for sites to go down 

Even with a stable server, your WordPress site can crash or become unavailable. Plugin or theme conflicts, corrupted WordPress core files, and database errors can all lead to your WordPress site going down. 

Plugin or theme conflicts  

Plugin and theme conflicts are among the top causes of WordPress downtime. If you’ve just installed a new plugin or theme before your WordPress site crashed, you’ve got a pretty good lead on the culprit. If deactivating the new plugin or theme doesn’t work, you’ll   

have to move on to a more in-depth diagnosis. 

The first step is to deactivate all plugins. If you can’t access the WordPress dashboard, use an FTP client (like FileZilla) to connect to your site. Navigate to the wp-content folder and rename the plugins directory to plugins_old. This disables all plugins at once. Refresh your site—if it loads, a plugin is the culprit. Reactivate them one by one to identify the offender.  

Themes can cause similar issues. If disabling plugins doesn’t help, revert to a default WordPress theme like Twenty Twenty-Four. Again, use FTP to rename your current theme’s folder (e.g., my-theme to my-theme_old). WordPress will automatically fall back to a default theme.  

If you can access the dashboard, you can also use WordPress’ built-in Recovery Mode (introduced in version 5.2). Look for a link in your admin email or the error screen to enter recovery and deactivate problematic plugins or themes.  

Corrupted WordPress core files  

A failed update, incomplete migration, or server error during file transfers can corrupt WordPress’ core files. This might leave your site partially broken or completely inaccessible.  

Fortunately, WordPress has a built-in repair tool. Go to Dashboard > Updates and click the “Re-install version X.X” button. This replaces core files without affecting your content, plugins, or themes. If you’re locked out of the dashboard, manually replace the core files via FTP. Download a fresh copy of WordPress from wordpress.org, extract the files, and upload everything except the wp-content folder and wp-config.php file to your server.  

Note: Manual replacements require caution. Double-check that you’re overwriting only core files and not deleting custom configurations.  

Database errors  

Your WordPress database stores everything from posts to user settings. If it becomes corrupted or disconnected, you’ll likely see the “Error establishing a database connection” message. There are a couple of different options for how to fix database connection errors. 

The first option is the simplest, but it’s not always viable. If you have a working backup, you can just restore the site from that. WP Engine offers both manual and automatic backups, allowing you to restore your WordPress site through the User Portal.   

The second option is slightly trickier, as it requires editing your site’s wp-config.php file. First, verify your database credentials. Open wp-config.php (via FTP) and check the DB_NAME, DB_USER, DB_PASSWORD, and DB_HOST values. These should match the details provided by your hosting provider. If you recently changed your database password, update it here.  

If credentials are correct but the error persists, your database might need repair. Tools like phpMyAdmin let you fix this. Log in, select your WordPress database, and click “Check all tables.” If any are marked as “in use” or “crashed,” click “Repair table.” 

Key takeaway 

WordPress-specific issues often stem from its modular design. Conflicts between plugins or themes, corrupted files, and database glitches are common but fixable with methodical troubleshooting. Always test changes in a staging environment first, and keep backups handy to minimize downtime.  

Security issues can cause WordPress sites to go down  

A compromised WordPress site doesn’t just harm your reputation—it can take your entire site offline. Security breaches often manifest as sudden downtime, strange redirects, or warnings from search engines. Let’s explore how to detect and resolve these issues before they escalate.  

Hacked sites or malware  

Discovering your site has been hacked can be alarming. Common red flags include unexpected pop-ups, unfamiliar user accounts, or Google Safe Browsing warnings labeling your site as “unsafe.” In severe cases, attackers might replace your homepage with defacement messages or inject spam links into your content.  

Step 1: Scan for malware

Begin by running a security scan. Tools like Sucuri offer free malware detection. This should allow you to determine what’s compromised. At this point, if you host with WP Engine, the next step is to contact support through your User Portal, and ask for a security scan and cleaning. 

You can also see if you’re able to find the malicious code or database entries yourself. However, this is not a simple or intuitive process, and may require the services of a professional. 

Step 2: Restore from a clean backup

If the scan confirms an infection, and you’re unable to repair it, the next best option is to restore your site from a backup dated before the breach occurred. Avoid using recent backups, as they might also be compromised. 

Step 3: Secure your site post-cleanup 

After restoring, change all passwords—WordPress admin, FTP, and database credentials. Update your WordPress core, plugins, and themes to patch vulnerabilities. Enable a web application firewall (WAF) like Cloudflare to block future attacks.  

Expired SSL certificates  

An expired SSL certificate won’t just scare visitors away with browser warnings—it can also prevent your site from loading entirely. Modern browsers like Chrome actively block access to sites with invalid SSL certificates, which might make your site appear “down.”  

• Check certificate validity: Use tools like SSL Shopper’s SSL Checker  to verify your certificate’s expiration date and configuration. If it’s expired, contact your hosting provider.  

• Renewing your SSL: For manual renewals, navigate to your host’s security panel. Reinstall the certificate and ensure it’s applied to both the root domain (yourdomain.com) and www subdomain (www.yourdomain.com). After renewal, clear your site’s cache and test it in an incognito browser window.  

• Mixed content warnings: Even with a valid SSL, your site might show “Not Secure” warnings if some resources (images, scripts) still load via HTTP. To resolve mixed content warnings, you need to change all assets to HTTPS. 

Key takeaway  

Security-related downtime often feels urgent, but methodical steps like malware scans, SSL checks, and backups can resolve most issues. Prevention is equally critical: regular updates, strong passwords, and a reliable firewall reduce the risk of future breaches.  

WP Engine provides SSL/TLS certificates through Let’s Encrypt for domains on its Legacy Network and automates SSL setup via Cloudflare for domains on its Advanced or Global Edge Security networks, including auto-renewal. The platform also supports importing third-party certificates (e.g., wildcard, EV, multi-domain) and offers server-side tools to enforce HTTPS, manage secure URLs, and resolve mixed-content issues.

WordPress site down? Check your configuration files

WordPress relies on configuration files to communicate with your server and database. A single typo or misplaced rule in these files can bring your site to a halt. Let’s demystify the most common culprits and how to fix them without diving into code blindfolded.  

.htaccess Errors 

If your WordPress site is hosted on an Apache server, a misconfigured .htaccess file may be the reason your site is unavailable. This file, found in your site’s root directory, controls redirects, security rules, and permalink structures. If you’ve recently edited this file and your site crashed shortly after, a syntax error is likely to blame.  

Resetting .htaccess  

Using FTP, rename the existing .htaccess to .htaccess.old. WordPress will generate a new, clean version automatically. To restore custom rules (like redirects), open .htaccess.old, copy the valid code, and paste it into the new file—line by line—to identify the problematic rule.  

Regenerating permalinks  

If resetting .htaccess doesn’t help, visit Settings > Permalinks in your dashboard and click “Save Changes.” This rebuilds the file with default rules, often resolving “404 Not Found” errors.  

NGINX users note  

If your server runs NGINX, .htaccess has no effect. Instead, server block configurations (usually in /etc/nginx/sites-available/) handle these rules. Edit these files only if you’re comfortable with NGINX syntax, and always create a backup first.  

PHP version and memory limits

Outdated PHP versions or insufficient memory can cause “500 Internal Server Errors” or blank white screens. Some hosts default to older PHP versions for compatibility, but WordPress performs best on PHP 8.0 or higher.  

Updating PHP  

In your hosting dashboard, switch to a supported PHP version. Test your site immediately—if plugins or themes break, revert temporarily and contact their developers for updates.  

Increasing memory limits  

If you see errors like “Allowed memory size exhausted,” add define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M'); to your wp-config.php file. This raises the limit from WordPress’ default 40MB. For stubborn cases, your host might enforce lower limits via php.ini—reach out to their support for assistance.  

Misconfigured wp-config.php 

This critical file contains database credentials and core settings. A missing semicolon or incorrect path here can disable your entire site.

Compare your wp-config.php against a fresh copy from WordPress. Ensure DB_HOST, DB_NAME, and other constants match your host’s details.  

If you’ve added custom code (e.g., debug settings), comment it out temporarily by wrapping lines in /* */.  

Key takeaway  

Configuration files are powerful but fragile. Always back them up before editing, and test changes incrementally. For NGINX users or those unsure about PHP settings, consulting your host’s support team can prevent hours of frustration.  

Traffic and caching issues can cause WordPress site crashes  

A sudden surge in visitors or a misconfigured cache can make your WordPress site buckle under pressure. While high traffic is a good problem to have, unprepared sites often crash when it matters most. Let’s explore how to stay online during traffic spikes and ensure caching works for you. 

Handling traffic spikes  

Whether it’s a viral blog post or a holiday sale, unexpected traffic can overwhelm your server. Shared hosting plans are particularly vulnerable, as resources are split among multiple users.  

– Enable caching: Plugins like WP Rocket  or W3 Total Cache create static HTML versions of your pages, reducing server load. Your host may already offer some sort of caching. WP Engine automatically employs several types of caching, as well as optional caching layers. 

– Use a CDN: Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) like Cloudflare distribute traffic across global servers, easing the strain on your origin server. Again, this is something you may already have through your host. WP Engine includes the Cloudflare CDN with every plan.  

When traffic is malicious

If your logs show abnormal traffic patterns (e.g., thousands of requests from a single IP), you might be under a DDoS attack. Enable a firewall like Cloudflare’s DDoS Protection or Sucuri’s Incident Response to filter out malicious bots.  

Advanced Troubleshooting  

When initial fixes don’t resolve your site’s downtime, advanced troubleshooting steps can uncover hidden issues. This section dives into server logs, DDoS mitigation, and guidelines for when to seek help.  

Error logs 

Server error logs are your first stop for diagnosing elusive problems. They’re often found in:  

• cPanel/Managed Hosts: Look for “Error Logs” or “Server Logs” in your hosting dashboard.  

• Manual Access: Via FTP, check the public_html folder for an error_log file.  

If you host with WP Engine, you can find the last 24 hours of PHP error logs in the User Portal or through the WP Engine plugin in your WordPress dashboard. 

Debugging in WordPress

Enable debugging by adding these lines to wp-config.php:  

define('WP_DEBUG', true);  
define('WP_DEBUG_LOG', true); // Logs errors to /wp-content/debug.log  
define('WP_DEBUG_DISPLAY', false); // Hides errors from visitors  

This reveals hidden issues without exposing them publicly.  

DDoS Attacks  

Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks bombard your site with fake traffic, overwhelming the server.  

Detection

Identifying a potential DDoS attack often begins with monitoring unusual activity across key platforms. A sudden, unexplained surge in website traffic visible in analytics tools like Google Analytics can serve as an early warning sign. These spikes often deviate sharply from standard traffic patterns and may involve a flood of requests from suspicious sources. Additionally, checking your hosting dashboard for abnormal server resource usage—such as drastic spikes in CPU or RAM consumption—can further indicate an ongoing attack, as malicious traffic overwhelms your server’s capacity.

Mitigation

Once a DDoS attack is suspected, immediate action is critical. Start by activating Cloudflare’s DDoS protection, specifically enabling “Under Attack Mode.” This feature helps filter out malicious bot traffic by requiring visitors to complete a brief security check before accessing your site, effectively blocking automated attacks. Parallel to this, contact your hosting provider for support. Combining solutions creates layered defense, shielding your site from disruptions while maintaining access for legitimate users.

Prevention

As the old saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. We advise checking out our WordPress security ebook, which covers DDoS attacks, the cost of security incidents, and how to improve your overall website security. 

Key Takeaway  

Advanced troubleshooting requires patience and precision. Use logs to guide your efforts, prioritize preventative measures, and don’t hesitate to seek help for issues beyond your expertise.  

Conclusion  

A WordPress site that’s gone down can feel like a crisis, but as we’ve explored, most outages have logical causes. Whether it’s a server hiccup, a misbehaving plugin, or an expired SSL certificate, methodical troubleshooting can often get your site back online.  

The key is to start simple. Check for server outages, verify DNS settings, and rule out plugin conflicts before diving into advanced fixes. Remember, not every solution will apply to your situation. NGINX users can skip .htaccess tweaks, while those on higher-end managed hosting plans might never face resource limits.  

Equally important is prevention. Regular backups, security scans, and monitoring tools act as insurance against future downtime. And when all else fails, there’s no shame in calling a professional. Your time and peace of mind are valuable.  

By understanding the common culprits and keeping this guide handy, you’ll transform from panic mode to problem-solving mode the next time your site goes dark. Here’s to fewer outages and more confidence in keeping your WordPress site running smoothly.