Do you need to view your WordPress error logs to diagnose an issue on your website?
WordPress includes a debugging feature that logs any error messages that appear on your site. This functionality can assist you in identifying and resolving issues on your website.
In this article, we will guide you on how to locate and access your WordPress error logs.
How and When Can WordPress Error Logs Be Beneficial?
Are you experiencing issues with your WordPress site? Reviewing your WordPress error logs can help you pinpoint the causes of problems, such as slow loading times, malfunctioning plugins, and site crashes.
What Is an Error Log?
An error log is a record of error messages produced by your website, along with the timestamps of when they occurred. Once you enable WordPress debug mode, these messages are stored in a file for later review.
Your WordPress error log serves as a diagnostic tool that can help you identify problematic plugins, themes, or code. You can then take steps to resolve those WordPress errors.
For instance, examining the error logs can assist in diagnosing issues like:
- The WordPress white screen of death
- PHP errors
- The invalid JSON error
- The error message: “Sorry, you are not allowed to access this page.”
- Common WordPress errors you might encounter
Now, let’s explore how to locate and access your WordPress error logs.
The initial step is to enable debug mode in WordPress, which can be accomplished through a plugin or by adding code:
- Activating WordPress Debug Mode with a Plugin
- Activating WordPress Debug Mode by Adding Code
- How to Locate and Access WordPress Error Logs
- How to Resolve Issues Identified in WordPress Error Logs
- Disabling WordPress Debug Mode
Activating WordPress Debug Mode with a Plugin
By default, WordPress debugging is disabled, meaning that errors will not be logged. If you can still access your WordPress site, you can enable debug mode using a plugin.
First, you need to install the WP Debugging plugin. For detailed instructions, refer to our comprehensive guide on installing a WordPress plugin.
Once activated, the plugin will automatically enable WordPress debug mode, and any error messages on your site will now be recorded.
Activating WordPress Debug Mode by Adding Code
Alternatively, you can enable WordPress debug mode by adding code. This approach is best suited for advanced users or if you are unable to log in to your WordPress admin area.
To begin, access your wp-config.php file using an FTP client or the file manager available in your WordPress hosting control panel’s cPanel.
Once you have the file open, locate the line that reads, ‘That’s all, stop editing! Happy blogging.’
Add the following code just before that line:
define( 'WP_DEBUG', true );
define( 'WP_DEBUG_LOG', true );
For detailed instructions, refer to our guide on setting up WordPress error logs in wp-config with the necessary code.
How to Locate and Access WordPress Error Logs
With WordPress debug mode activated, any new error messages on your website will be recorded in the WordPress error logs.
Initially, your logs will be empty. You will need to replicate the issue on your site so that the error messages can be captured in the log file.
For instance, revisit any posts or pages that are currently generating errors.
First, connect to your website using an SFTP or FTP client such as FileZilla, or use the file manager provided in your WordPress hosting control panel. If you’re unfamiliar with FTP, consider checking our guide on how to use FTP to upload files to WordPress.
After connecting to your site, go to the /wp-content/ directory. Within this folder, you will find a file named debug.log. The debug.log file records all WordPress error messages, warnings, and notices that have been logged.
To view the contents of this file, you will need to download, open, or edit it.
You can then review the error messages along with their corresponding date and time. This information can assist you in resolving the issues you are facing on your WordPress website.
How to Resolve Issues Identified in WordPress Error Logs
Once you have accessed your WordPress logs, locate the error message that was recorded when the issue on your website occurred. Keep in mind that the timestamps are in UTC, not your local time.
Although most users may not fully understand the error messages, they serve as a valuable starting point for troubleshooting. By noting the error message and code, you can find solutions in our comprehensive guide on common WordPress errors and their fixes.
If you’re unable to resolve the issue independently, consider seeking assistance in our free CanadaCreate Engage Facebook Group. Here, you can connect with WordPress experts and over 98,000 fellow users. Be sure to mention the error code or message you discovered in the WordPress error log.
Additional resources for support include the official WordPress forums, the support team of your WordPress hosting provider, or the support section for the specific plugin or theme you’re experiencing issues with.
When requesting support, we suggest reviewing our guide on how to effectively ask for WordPress assistance. This will help you learn the best practices for asking questions and finding the right resources.
Disabling WordPress Debug Mode
After resolving the issue on your WordPress site, it’s advisable to disable debug mode. Keeping it enabled may slow down your website and expose sensitive information, posing a security risk.
If you activated debug mode through a plugin, simply go to Plugins » Installed Pluginsand disable the WP Debugging plugin.
If you activated debug mode using code, simply edit the wp-config file as you did previously.
You will need to update the WP_DEBUG and WP_DEBUG_LOG settings to ‘false’.
We hope this guide has helped you learn how to locate and access your WordPress error logs. You may also want to explore how to resolve WordPress posts that return 404 errors or check out our expert selection of the best WordPress error page design examples.
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