Ultimate Guide to WordPress Error Logs: How to Enable, Find, and Fix it

Are you wondering why your WordPress website isn’t working right? Well, here’s something that might help: WordPress Error Logs. These logs are like digital clues that can tell you what’s wrong with your site. In this guide, we’ll check out the importance of WordPress error logs in diagnosing and resolving website issues. 

We also have a summary table listing different types of error logs in WordPress and what they mean. Plus, we’ll explain where to find and how to enable & fix error logs. By the end of this comprehensive guide, you’ll be a pro at using WordPress error logs to troubleshoot website issues.

What are WordPress Error Logs?

WordPress error logs are records of events that occur on your WordPress website, helping you identify and troubleshoot issues.

There are several types of error logs in WordPress, including PHP error logs, Apache or Nginx server logs, and WordPress-specific logs. These logs can be found in various locations depending on your hosting environment. 

Typically, PHP error logs are located in the wp-content directory or within your hosting account’s control panel. Whereas, server logs are often found in directories like /var/log/ or accessible via your hosting provider’s dashboard.

Different Types of Error Logs in WordPress: Summary Table

WordPress error logs come in various types, each offering insights into your site’s performance. Understanding these logs is crucial for effective troubleshooting. 

Below are the primary types of error logs commonly encountered in WordPress installation. While there might be specific variations or custom logs depending on the setup, these cover the majority of logs used for troubleshooting WordPress issues.

Error Log Type	Description
PHP Error Logs	These logs track errors within PHP scripts, like syntax errors or fatal errors.
Server Logs (Apache or Nginx)	These logs capture information about requests and server responses, helping diagnose server-level issues.
WordPress-Specific Logs	Generated by WordPress, these logs contain core, plugin, or theme-related errors. These are useful for diagnosing WordPress-specific issues.
Database Error Logs	These logs focus on errors related to database operations, such as connection failures or query errors.
Plugin Error Logs	These logs record errors specific to plugins installed on the WordPress site. These are useful for identifying conflicts or compatibility issues.
Theme Error Logs	These logs document errors arising from the theme files and functionalities. They help troubleshoot theme-related issues.
Debug Logs	These logs provide detailed information for debugging purposes and are often enabled during development or troubleshooting phases.
JavaScript Error Logs	These logs track errors occurring within JavaScript code executed on the website. These are useful for debugging front-end issues.
AJAX Error Logs	These logs focus on errors related to asynchronous JavaScript and XML (AJAX) requests made by the website. They help diagnose issues with dynamic content loading.

Why are WordPress Error Logs Important?

WordPress error logs are essential for troubleshooting website issues efficiently. Enabling them offers several benefits crucial for website maintenance and troubleshooting. These include:

• Diagnosing Issues: Error logs provide detailed information about website errors and warnings, which makes it easy to identify the root cause.
  
• Efficient Troubleshooting: With error logs enabled, pinpointing and resolving issues becomes faster, as developers can access comprehensive data about the error context.
  
• Enhanced Site Performance: By proactively monitoring error logs, WordPress developers can address potential performance bottlenecks and code inefficiencies, which can help them optimize the website’s performance efficiently.
  
• Preventing Downtime: Early detection of errors through error logs helps prevent website downtime. By addressing issues before they escalate into critical problems, you can avoid disruption of site functionality.
  
• Improving User Experience: Resolving errors promptly based on error logs can enhance the user experience. Thus, ensuring that visitors enjoy a seamless browsing experience on the website.

DIY vs Hiring a Professional to Troubleshoot Website Errors

While the methods below for enabling, accessing, and fixing error logs can be helpful, they might not address all facets of resolving complex issues. Error logs can be confusing, and determining the next steps can be challenging. 

Thus, here, hiring a professional WordPress agency like Seahawk can provide you with access to specialized knowledge and experience, increasing the likelihood of swift and accurate resolution of website errors. With our expertise, you can trust that your website will be optimized for performance while minimizing downtime.

How to Enable WordPress Error Logs on Your Website?

To enable error logs on your WordPress website, you can choose any of the two methods below.

Method 1: Enabling Error Logs via WP-config.php

To enable error logging directly through the wp-config.php file, follow these steps:

• Log in to your website’s hosting account via FTP or cPanel File Manager.
  
• Next, go to the root directory of your WordPress installation and find the wp-config.php file. Right-click on the file and select “Edit” or “Code Edit” to modify it.
  
• Now, insert the following lines of code just above the line that says “/* That’s all, stop editing! Happy blogging. */”:

define( 'WP_DEBUG', true );
define( 'WP_DEBUG_LOG', true );
define( 'WP_DEBUG_DISPLAY', false );

• WP_DEBUG: Set to true to enable debugging mode.
• WP_DEBUG_LOG: Set to true to log errors to a file.
• WP_DEBUG_DISPLAY: Set to false to hide errors from being displayed on the website.
  (recommended for production sites)

Save the changes to wp-config.php and close the file editor. WordPress logs will now be recorded in a file named debug.log, located in the wp-content directory of your WordPress installation.

Method 2: Using a Plugin for Error Logging

Alternatively, you can use a WordPress plugin to handle error logging. Here are some popular options:

• Debug Bar: Debug Bar is a comprehensive WordPress debugging plugin that includes an option to log errors. Just install and activate Debug Bar, then enable the “WP_DEBUG_LOG” constant in your wp-config.php file to start logging errors.

• Error Log Viewer: This plugin simplifies error log management by allowing users to access and view log files directly from the WordPress admin dashboard. Users can easily monitor the latest activity, filter logs by date, or review entire log files. You can also set up email notifications for log changes, streamlining issue troubleshooting for faster resolutions.

• Activity Log, Error Log, User Activity Tracking: This is another plugin that offers WordPress admins a comprehensive activity and error log service. With this plugin, you can track all site activity and receive alerts for crucial events across multiple WordPress sites. Its user-friendly dashboard provides detailed logs, customizable alerts, and white-label options for client transparency. 

Where to Find WordPress Error Logs?

Below is a list of locations where you can find error logs for your WordPress site:

1. Error Logs on Different Hosting Platforms

Look for error logs in the hosting account’s control panel. They are often accessible under “Error Logs” or similar headings. 

For instance, on WP Engine, accessing error logs is straightforward. Simply log in to your dashboard, and you’ll find a direct link labeled “Logs.” Clicking this link grants immediate access to error logs, streamlining troubleshooting and resolution processes for your WordPress website.

2. Accessing Error Logs via SFTP or cPanel

Connect to your website’s server using an SFTP client, go to the root directory, and locate error logs typically stored in directories like /logs/ or /var/log/.

For instance, to view logs in DreamHost, ensure you have SFTP or Shell user privileges. In this example, we are using the ‘exampleusers’ directory 

• Log in to your server using your client software. Navigate to your user directory, typically noted by “/home/yourusername.” 

• Access the “/logs” directory and select the appropriate site folder. 

• Then, navigate to either the “HTTP” or “HTTPS” directory to access error and access logs. 

• Choose the most recent directory and open the desired log file using a text editing program.

3. Using SSH to Retrieve Error Logs

You can use SSH (Secure Shell) to retrieve error logs from your server. Here’s a detailed guide on how to do it:

• First, you’ll need SSH access to your server. If you’re using a hosting provider like DreamHost, they should provide you with SSH credentials. If you manage your own server, ensure SSH is enabled, and you have the necessary credentials.
  
• Open a terminal (on macOS or Linux) or an SSH client (such as PuTTY on Windows) on your local machine.
  
• In the terminal or SSH client, type the following command to connect to your server:

ssh username@your_server_ip

Replace “username” with your SSH username and “your_server_ip” with your server’s IP address or hostname.

• Next, enter your SSH password. Once connected, go to the directory containing the error logs. Common locations include /var/log/ or /logs/.

Use commands like: 

cd to change directories

ls to list files in the current directory

To view the contents of an error log file, you can use a text editor like nano, vim, or cat. For example, to view the contents of an error log named “error.log”, you can use:

cat error.log

• Once you’ve retrieved the necessary information from the error logs, you can exit the SSH session by typing: exit. Then press Enter.

How to Fix the Identified WordPress Error Logs?

Once you review the error logs, it will pinpoint the specific errors or warnings. Based on the errors, you can research the solutions online and implement recommended fixes. Some of the common WordPress errors that Error Logs can detect include:

Errors	Fixes/Solutions
White Screen of Death (WSOD)	This error often indicates a PHP fatal error or a memory limit issue. Common fixes include increasing PHP memory limit, disabling plugins or themes, and checking for syntax errors in custom code.
Internal Server Error (HTTP 500)	This generic server error can result from various issues like corrupted .htaccess files, plugin conflicts, or exhausted PHP memory limit. Solutions involve checking and fixing .htaccess files, deactivating plugins, or increasing memory limit.
Database Connection Errors	These errors occur when WordPress fails to connect to the database, typically due to incorrect database credentials or server issues. Solutions include verifying database credentials, repairing corrupted databases, or contacting hosting support.
PHP Parse Error	PHP parse errors occur when there is a syntax error in PHP code. Solutions involve locating and fixing the syntax error in the affected file using a code editor or restoring a backup version of the file.
Syntax Errors	Syntax errors in WordPress files can result from incorrect coding practices or code modifications. Fixes include carefully reviewing and correcting the code syntax using a code editor, and ensuring compatibility with the PHP version.
Memory Exhaustion Errors	These errors occur when WordPress exceeds the PHP memory limit, leading to crashes or failures. Solutions involve increasing PHP memory limit in wp-config.php or php.ini file, optimizing plugins/themes, or using caching solutions.
Plugin and Theme Conflicts	Conflicts between plugins/themes can cause various errors. Fixes include deactivating plugins/themes one by one to identify the conflicting item, updating or replacing the conflicting item, or seeking support from plugin/theme developers.
File Permission Issues	Incorrect file permissions can cause errors like “403 Forbidden” or “Unable to write to file” errors. Solutions involve adjusting file permissions using an FTP client or file manager, ensuring proper ownership, and securing sensitive files.
HTTP Error 404 (Page Not Found)	This error indicates that the requested page is not found on the server. Solutions involve checking the URL for typos, ensuring the page exists and is published, updating permalinks, or creating a custom 404 error page.

Note: Before implementing any of the fixes, ensure you have a proper website backup.

How do Error Logs Aid in Website Maintenance, Performance, and Security?

Error logs play a crucial role in WordPress website maintenance by providing insights into issues that may affect performance or functionality. They aid in:

• Identifying Problems: Error logs help pinpoint errors, warnings, and other issues occurring on the website. This allows developers to diagnose and address them promptly.
  
• Tracking Changes: By monitoring error logs, developers can track changes made to the website, such as updates to themes, plugins, or custom code. This, in turn, can help them identify potential causes of newly arisen issues.
  
• Optimizing Code: Error logs provide feedback on problematic areas within the codebase, thus enabling developers to optimize code for better performance and stability.

In terms of website performance and security, here’s how error logs can help:

• Performance Optimization: Error logs reveal performance-related issues, such as slow database queries, inefficient code execution, or resource-intensive plugins. This makes it easy for developers to optimize website performance for faster loading times and improve user experience.

Related: Essential Pillars of Website Performance

• Security Enhancement: Error logs can detect security vulnerabilities like failed login attempts, unauthorized access attempts, or suspicious activity, helping website administrators take proactive measures to strengthen website security.

Learn: How to Add Two-Factor Authentication in WordPress

Additionally, error logs assist in identifying and addressing security-related coding errors or misconfigurations that could compromise site security.

Also read: WordPress Security Mistakes to Avoid

Best Practices for Monitoring WordPress Error Logs

Here are some of the best practices for monitoring WordPress error logs. By implementing them, you can ensure the smooth functioning of your site and minimize potential issues.

1. Regular Monitoring and Review of Error Logs

Regularly monitoring and reviewing WordPress error logs is vital for maintaining a healthy website. Services like WP Umbrella and plugins like BlogVault can help by providing easy access to error logs, ensuring timely detection and automatic resolution of issues.

For example, by using the BlogVault plugin, your website is continuously monitored for vulnerabilities. If any are detected, you’ll promptly receive alerts, enabling swift action to address potential threats.

Learn more: BlogVault Review: The Best WordPress Backup & Security Plugin

2. Setting up Alerts for Critical Errors

Setting up alerts for critical errors is essential to address any downtime or performance issues promptly. WP Umbrella and BlogVault offer features to receive alerts in case of such issues, enabling proactive website management and ensuring uninterrupted website operation.

For example, WP Umbrella provides alerts if your website experiences downtime. Like this:

Additionally, it automatically resolves such issues, ensuring minimal disruption to your website’s availability and optimizing its performance.

Know more: WP Umbrella Review: Manage Multiple WordPress Sites Easily

3. Implementing Proactive Measures to Prevent Future Errors

It is also important to take proactive steps to mitigate the risk of future issues instead of just reacting to errors as they occur. This involves regularly updating WordPress core, themes, and plugins to the latest versions. 

You can also implement security measures, conduct periodic website speed tests, and optimize performance. By staying proactive, you can minimize the likelihood of errors occurring in the first place, thus ensuring a more reliable website experience for your visitors.

Conclusion

Mastering WordPress error logs is essential for maintaining a stable and secure website. You can ensure optimal site performance and a seamless user experience by enabling, finding, and fixing errors effectively. Regular monitoring and proactive measures are also key to avoiding potential issues. 

However, if you encounter complex or persistent errors beyond your expertise, don’t hesitate to seek professional help from experienced WordPress developers or support services like Seahawk. With our specialized knowledge, we can quickly address even the most challenging problems, ultimately ensuring the longevity of your WordPress website.

WordPress Error Logs FAQs