Site Down After Update to WordPress 6.8.1 – Critical Error

If your WordPress site is displaying a “There has been a critical error on this website” message after updating to version 6.8.1, you’re encountering a PHP fatal error that prevents the site from loading properly. This issue is often due to plugin or theme incompatibilities, insufficient PHP memory, or outdated PHP versions. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you troubleshoot and resolve the problem:

🔍 Step 1: Check for Recovery Mode Email

WordPress typically sends an email to the site administrator when a critical error occurs, containing details about the error and a special link to access Recovery Mode

• Action: Check your admin email inbox (and spam folder) for a message with the subject “Your Site is Experiencing a Technical Issue.”
• If Found: Click the provided link to enter Recovery Mode, where you can deactivate the problematic plugin or theme.
• If Not Found: Proceed to the next step.

🛠️ Step 2: Enable Debugging to Identify the Error

Enabling WordPress’s debugging mode can provide more information about the error.

1. Access Files: Use an FTP client or your hosting provider’s File Manager to access your site’s root directory.
2. Edit wp-config.php: Open the wp-config.php file and add the following lines just before the line that says /* That's all, stop editing! Happy publishing. */: define( 'WP_DEBUG', true ); define( 'WP_DEBUG_LOG', true ); define( 'WP_DEBUG_DISPLAY', false );

3. Save and Upload: Save the changes and upload the file back to the server.
4. Check Debug Log: Visit your site again to trigger the error, then check the wp-content/debug.log file for detailed error messages.

This log can help pinpoint the exact plugin, theme, or function causing the issue.

🔌 Step 3: Deactivate All Plugins

A faulty or incompatible plugin is a common cause of critical errors.

1. Access Files: Navigate to the wp-content directory via FTP or File Manager.
2. Rename Plugins Folder: Rename the plugins folder to something like plugins_disabled. This action deactivates all plugins.
3. Check Site: Visit your website to see if the error persists.

• If Resolved: One of the plugins is the culprit. Rename the folder back to plugins, then rename each plugin folder individually to identify the problematic one.
• If Not Resolved: Proceed to the next step.

🎨 Step 4: Switch to a Default Theme

An issue with your current theme might be causing the error.

1. Access Files: Navigate to the wp-content/themes directory.
2. Rename Active Theme Folder: Rename your active theme’s folder (e.g., mytheme to mytheme_old).
3. Activate Default Theme: WordPress will automatically revert to a default theme like Twenty Twenty-Four if it’s available.
4. Check Site: Visit your website to see if the error is resolved.

• If Resolved: The issue lies with your theme. Consider updating or replacing it.
• If Not Resolved: Continue to the next step.

💾 Step 5: Increase PHP Memory Limit

Insufficient PHP memory can lead to critical errors.

1. Edit wp-config.php: Add the following line to your wp-config.php file, just before the line that says /* That's all, stop editing! Happy publishing. */: define( 'WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M' );

2. Save and Upload: Save the changes and upload the file back to the server.
3. Check Site: Visit your website to see if the error persists.

If the error continues, proceed to the next step.

🔄 Step 6: Reinstall WordPress Core Files

Corrupted core files can cause critical errors.

1. Download WordPress: Get a fresh copy of WordPress from
2. Extract Files: Unzip the downloaded file on your computer.
3. Upload Files: Using FTP or File Manager, upload the wp-admin and wp-includes folders to your site’s root directory, replacing the existing ones.
4. Check Site: Visit your website to see if the error is resolved.

🧰 Step 7: Restore from a Backup

If you have a recent backup of your website, restoring it can resolve the issue.

• Action: Use your hosting provider’s backup restoration tool or a backup plugin to restore your site to a previous state before the update.

🧑‍💻 Step 8: Contact Your Hosting Provider

If none of the above steps resolve the issue, it’s advisable to contact your hosting provider. They can help identify server-side issues or assist with error logs to pinpoint the problem.

Note: Always ensure you have a complete backup of your website before making significant changes.

If you need further assistance, feel free to contact us.