WordPress Site Crashed After Update? Here’s How to Recover It Safely
If your WordPress site crashed after a plugin, theme, or core update, you’re not alone. Update-related crashes are one of the most common causes of sudden downtime.
The good news: most update crashes are fixable — if handled properly. The bad news: random troubleshooting can make things worse.
Common Symptoms After an Update
- White Screen of Death
- “There has been a critical error” message
- wp-admin not loading
- Broken layout or missing styling
- 500 Internal Server Error
Why WordPress Crashes After Updates
1. Plugin Conflicts
One plugin may not be compatible with the latest WordPress version or another installed plugin.
2. Theme Compatibility Issues
Custom or outdated themes often break when core functionality changes.
3. PHP Version Mismatch
New plugin versions may require a newer PHP version than your hosting provides.
4. Incomplete Update Process
If the update was interrupted, files may be partially replaced, leaving WordPress unstable.
How to Recover a Crashed WordPress Site
Step 1: Access via FTP or Hosting File Manager
If wp-admin is inaccessible, log in via FTP and temporarily rename
the plugins folder to disable all plugins.
Step 2: Identify the Conflicting Plugin
Restore the plugins folder and activate plugins one by one to identify which one caused the crash.
Step 3: Check Error Logs
Review hosting error logs to identify fatal PHP errors or memory exhaustion issues.
Step 4: Restore From Backup (If Necessary)
If the issue is severe, restore a stable backup before attempting further updates.
When to Get Professional Help
If your site is revenue-critical or customer-facing, downtime can directly impact trust and sales.
Instead of trial-and-error debugging, structured diagnosis ensures safe recovery without data loss.
👉 Request a WordPress Emergency Fix
Most update-related crashes can be resolved within 24–48 hours with proper technical intervention.