Updating the WordPress core is essential for maintaining site security, performance, and compatibility with modern plugins and themes. However, sometimes these updates introduce unexpected problems that can disrupt your website. This guide will walk you through common post-update issues and provide actionable steps to fix them, ensuring your WordPress site runs smoothly again.
Why Problems Happen After Updating WordPress
When you update WordPress, the core files are replaced with new versions. These changes may conflict with outdated themes, incompatible plugins, or custom code. Additionally, caching issues or incomplete updates can create unexpected errors. Understanding these causes will help you troubleshoot more effectively.
Common Issues After Updating WordPress Core
1. White Screen of Death (WSOD)
The blank white screen often indicates PHP errors, usually from a theme or plugin conflict.
2. Plugin or Theme Incompatibility
Some plugins or themes may not be updated to work with the latest WordPress version, causing site errors or layout issues.
3. Database Errors
Messages like “Error establishing a database connection” may appear if the update didn’t sync properly with your database.
4. Broken Permalinks
Your pages may start returning 404 errors if the permalink structure was disrupted during the update.
5. Admin Dashboard Not Loading Properly
CSS or JavaScript conflicts can cause the dashboard to display incorrectly or certain sections to stop working.
Step-by-Step Fixes
Check for Compatibility Before Updating
To prevent problems, always test updates in a staging environment and verify plugin/theme compatibility. Tools like WP Check Compatibility can help identify potential conflicts before you proceed.
1. Enable Debugging Mode
Debug mode can reveal the root cause of the problem.
define( ‘WP_DEBUG’, true );
define( ‘WP_DEBUG_LOG’, true );
define( ‘WP_DEBUG_DISPLAY’, false );
Check the wp-content/debug.log file for details on the errors occurring after the update.
2. Disable All Plugins
If your site breaks, deactivate all plugins using FTP or phpMyAdmin:
rename the /wp-content/plugins/ folder to /plugins_backup/
Then reactivate plugins one by one to find the culprit.
3. Switch to a Default Theme
Temporarily activate a default theme like Twenty Twenty-Four to see if the issue is theme-related. If your site works, update or replace the problematic theme.
4. Clear Caches
Browser caches, CDN caches (like Cloudflare), and plugin caches (like WP Super Cache or W3 Total Cache) can show outdated or broken versions of your site. Clear them all after updating.
5. Re-upload Core Files
Sometimes, updates may not complete correctly due to server timeouts or file permission errors. Re-upload a fresh copy of WordPress core files manually via FTP, without touching the wp-content folder or wp-config.php.
6. Repair the Database
If you encounter database errors, add this line to your wp-config.php file:
define( ‘WP_ALLOW_REPAIR’, true );
Then visit https://yoursite.com/wp-admin/maint/repair.php and run the repair process.
7. Check File Permissions
Incorrect file permissions can cause core features to fail. Ensure that folders are set to 755 and files to 644.
Best Practices to Prevent Update Problems
- Backup Before Updating: Always create a full backup of your site and database. Plugins like UpdraftPlus or BlogVault make this easy.
- Use a Staging Site: Test updates in a safe environment to identify conflicts before deploying them live.
- Keep Plugins and Themes Updated: Compatibility improves when all components are up to date.
- Monitor Error Logs: Regularly review server and WordPress logs for early signs of trouble.
Integrating WordPress Keywords for Better Search Visibility
To help your website rank better in search engines, include related keywords naturally in your content. For example, when troubleshooting, use terms like “WordPress update issues,” “fix plugin conflicts,” and “WordPress white screen after update.” These phrases match common search queries from users experiencing the same problems.
When to Seek Professional Help
If your site remains inaccessible or critical data is at risk, consider contacting your hosting provider or hiring a WordPress expert. They can run advanced diagnostics and resolve complex problems quickly.
Conclusion
While updating WordPress core is essential for security and performance, it’s not uncommon to encounter issues afterward. By following a structured troubleshooting process—backing up, debugging, disabling plugins, and repairing databases—you can fix most problems and maintain a healthy, secure site.