Check Error Logs (Find the Cause)
If your website is hitting limits or showing errors, checking your error logs is the quickest way to identify the exact cause. Logs will show PHP errors, missing files, and plugin or theme issues.
cPanel Error Logs
Go to Metrics → Errors to view recent website errors.
DirectAdmin Error Logs
Go to System Info & Files → Site Summary / Statistics / Logs or open File Manager and check logs.
File Manager Logs
Check the error_log file inside your website directory (e.g. public_html or domains/yourdomain.com/public_html).
Look for Patterns
Repeated errors often point to specific plugins, themes, or scripts causing issues.
Common Error Log Examples
PHP Fatal Error
Usually caused by plugin/theme conflicts or missing functions.
Allowed Memory Size Exhausted
Your site is hitting memory limits (CloudLinux or PHP limits).
File Not Found
Missing files or incorrect paths in your website.
Permission Denied
Incorrect file or folder permissions.
Enable WordPress Debug Logging
You can enable detailed error logging in WordPress to capture issues in a dedicated log file.
Edit wp-config.php
Add or update the following lines in your wp-config.php file:
define('WP_DEBUG', true);
define('WP_DEBUG_LOG', true);
define('WP_DEBUG_DISPLAY', false);
Errors will be saved to:
/wp-content/debug.log
Enable PHP Error Display (cPanel & DirectAdmin)
You can temporarily enable PHP error display to troubleshoot issues directly on screen.
Using Select PHP Version (CloudLinux)
In both cPanel and DirectAdmin, go to:
Select PHP Version → Options
Enable the following:
- display_errors = On
- log_errors = On
Using php.ini (Advanced)
Add or update the following in your php.ini file:
display_errors = On
log_errors = On
error_reporting = E_ALL
Where Logs Are Stored
Website Error Log
/public_html/error_log
WordPress Debug Log
/wp-content/debug.log
Server Logs
Accessible via control panel or on request from support.
Important Notes
Disable After Testing
Turn off display_errors after debugging to avoid exposing sensitive information.
Check Logs First
Error logs are safer and preferred over displaying errors on live websites.
Common Causes
Plugin conflicts, missing PHP extensions, outdated PHP versions, or resource limits.
