
Things to Check for Broken Functionality on a WordPress Website
Experiencing broken functionality on your WordPress website can be frustrating and impact user experience. Whether features are not working properly, forms aren’t submitting, or other elements are malfunctioning, these issues need to be resolved quickly. Here’s a guide to troubleshooting common causes of broken functionality:
1. Test for Plugin Conflicts
- Deactivate all plugins, then reactivate them one at a time to identify if a plugin is causing the issue.
- Look for outdated or poorly coded plugins, as these are common culprits.
- Replace any conflicting plugins with reliable, well-supported alternatives.
2. Check Your WordPress Theme
- Temporarily switch to a default WordPress theme like Twenty Twenty-Three to see if the issue persists.
- Ensure your theme is updated and compatible with the current WordPress version.
- Avoid using free or pirated themes from unreliable sources, as they often lead to functionality issues.
3. Update WordPress Core, Themes, and Plugins
- Ensure your WordPress core, theme, and plugins are updated to their latest versions.
- Outdated software often leads to compatibility issues and broken functionality.
4. Enable Debug Mode
- Use WordPress Debug Mode to identify specific errors:
- Add
define('WP_DEBUG', true);
to yourwp-config.php
file.
- Add
- Review the error logs for details about what is causing the problem.
5. Clear Cache
- Clear your browser cache to ensure you’re seeing the most recent version of your site.
- If you use caching plugins (e.g., WP Super Cache, W3 Total Cache), clear the plugin cache as well.
6. Check PHP Version
- Verify that your hosting server is running a compatible PHP version. WordPress recommends PHP 7.4 or later.
- You can update the PHP version from your hosting control panel or request your hosting provider to assist.
7. Inspect JavaScript Errors
- Open your browser’s console (Ctrl+Shift+J or Cmd+Option+J) and check for JavaScript errors.
- Conflicts between plugins or themes can cause scripts to fail.
8. Verify File Permissions
- Check that your WordPress files and folders have the correct permissions:
- Files: 644
- Folders: 755
- Incorrect permissions can prevent features from functioning.
9. Test on Different Devices and Browsers
- Test your website on multiple browsers and devices to determine if the issue is specific to one platform.
10. Review Website Code
- Custom code or third-party scripts can sometimes interfere with WordPress functionality.
- If you recently added custom code, temporarily remove it to see if the issue resolves.
11. Scan for Malware
- Malware can disrupt your site’s functionality. Use security plugins like Wordfence or Sucuri to scan your website for malicious code and remove it if found.
12. Check Hosting Server Logs
- Review your hosting provider’s error logs for information on server-side issues that might be causing the downtime.
- Contact your hosting provider if you suspect server-related problems.
13. Use Reliable Contact Forms
- If forms are not working, check the plugin settings and verify that emails are being sent.
- Use an SMTP plugin like WP Mail SMTP to ensure email functionality.
14. Review Recent Changes
- If the issue started after a recent update or installation, roll back to a previous version using a plugin like WP Rollback.
15. Backup and Restore
- If all else fails, restore your website to a recent backup. Ensure you’re regularly backing up your site to prevent data loss.
Need Further Assistance?
If you’ve followed these steps and are still experiencing issues, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for expert WordPress support. Our team is here to help resolve functionality problems and ensure your website runs smoothly. Contact us today to get the assistance you need.
Tags: Wordpress