An error message usually provides a clue about why a webpage or website feature is not working. The correct solution depends on the error code or message, so identify the exact error before changing website settings.
1. Record the exact error
Write down or take a screenshot of the error message.
Common website errors include:
- 400 Bad Request
- 401 Unauthorised
- 403 Forbidden
- 404 Not Found
- 500 Internal Server Error
- 502 Bad Gateway
- 503 Service Unavailable
The error code helps identify whether the problem is related to the request, permissions, missing content, application or server.
2. Check whether the problem is temporary
Refresh the page and try again.
Open the page in a private or incognito window, or test it from another device or network. This helps determine whether the issue is local to your browser or affects the website more broadly.
3. Check recent website changes
Think about what changed before the error appeared.
Possible causes include:
- WordPress updates
- Plugin or theme changes
- New custom code
- DNS changes
- Hosting changes
- Server configuration changes
If the error appeared immediately after a change, investigate that change first.
4. Check your hosting and server logs
For server-side errors, check the error logs provided by your hosting service.
Logs can provide more detail than the message shown to visitors and may identify a PHP error, plugin conflict, configuration problem or resource issue.
5. Check WordPress plugins and themes
If you use WordPress and the problem began after a plugin or theme change, temporarily deactivate the suspected component where appropriate.
If the error disappears, test the components individually to identify the cause.
6. Check links and missing pages
If visitors see a 404 Not Found error, check that the URL is correct and that the requested page still exists.
If a page has moved, create an appropriate redirect rather than leaving visitors with a broken link.
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