The message There has been a critical error on this website means WordPress hit a fatal PHP error. The site is down for visitors, but data is usually still on the server and recoverable without deleting files.
Check the administrator recovery email
- Look for a WordPress email about a fatal error with a recovery link.
- Use the link to log in and pause the failing plugin or theme when offered.
Disable a problematic plugin
- Open cPanel File Manager.
- Go to
public_html/wp-content/plugins/(or your WordPress path). - Rename the suspected plugin folder, for example
plugin-name.disabled. - Reload the site. If it works, update or replace that plugin.
Test the active theme
- Rename the active theme folder in
wp-content/themes/except a default theme such as Twenty Twenty-Five. - WordPress falls back to a default theme if one is installed.
Check the PHP version
- In cPanel, open Select PHP Version for the domain.
- Match PHP to your WordPress and plugin requirements — see change PHP safely.
Review error logs
- In cPanel, open Errors or check the domain error log in File Manager.
- Note the file and line mentioned in the latest fatal error.
PHP memory exhaustion
Repeated memory errors may need fewer plugins, a lighter theme, or a hosting upgrade if you hit resource limits.
Do not expose debug output publicly
Avoid leaving WP_DEBUG_DISPLAY enabled on production. Use logs instead of showing errors to visitors.
Restore from backup
If the site still fails, restore files and database from your last good backup — WordPress restore steps.
When to contact Pakish support
Open a ticket at my.pakish.net if errors mention permissions, disk quota, repeated 508/500 responses, or you cannot access File Manager. Include your domain and the latest error log lines (not passwords).
