How to Access and Resolve Errors in WordPress Recovery Mode

WordPress introduced a fatal error protection feature in WordPress 5.2. This feature displays a simple error message stating that “This site is experiencing technical difficulties”.

WordPress Recovery Mode is a feature designed to help you resolve issues that might prevent you from accessing your WordPress admin dashboard due to critical errors, often caused by faulty plugins or themes. Here’s an in-depth guide on how to use and troubleshoot WordPress Recovery Mode:

Understanding Recovery Mode

When WordPress detects a critical issue, it triggers Recovery Mode, allowing you to log in and address the problem without the site being completely inaccessible to visitors.

How Recovery Mode Works

1. Error Detection: WordPress automatically detects severe issues, such as plugin or theme conflicts, and generates a Recovery Mode email to the site administrator.
2. Recovery Mode Email: The email contains a special login link for accessing Recovery Mode. This link provides temporary access to the WordPress admin area.

Accessing Recovery Mode

1. Check Your Email: Look for an email from WordPress with the subject “Your Site is Experiencing a Technical Issue.” This email is sent to the admin email address registered with WordPress.
2. Click the Recovery Link: Open the email and click the “Log In” link. This will direct you to a Recovery Mode login page.
3. Log In: Use your usual WordPress credentials to log in. This will take you to the admin dashboard with additional notifications about the error.

Troubleshooting in Recovery Mode

1. Deactivate Faulty Plugins:
   • Navigate to Plugins: Go to Plugins > Installed Plugins.
   • Deactivate Plugins: Deactivate plugins one by one to identify the one causing the issue. You may find the problematic plugin flagged in Recovery Mode notifications.
2. Switch to a Default Theme:
   • Go to Themes: Navigate to Appearance > Themes.
   • Activate a Default Theme: Switch to a default WordPress theme like Twenty Twenty-One. This can help identify if the problem lies with your current theme.
3. Update or Roll Back Plugins/Themes:
   • Check for Updates: Ensure all plugins and themes are updated. Go to Dashboard > Updates.
   • Roll Back: If the issue appeared after a recent update, consider rolling back to an earlier version if possible.
4. Review Error Messages:
   • Check Notifications: Review any specific error messages or notifications provided in Recovery Mode for clues about the issue.

If You Don’t Receive the Recovery Mode Email

1. Manual Access via FTP:
   • Deactivate Plugins: Use FTP or your hosting file manager to access wp-content and rename the plugins directory to plugins_old. This will deactivate all plugins.
   • Check Site Functionality: If your site loads, the issue is likely with one of the plugins. Rename the directory back and reactivate plugins one by one to find the culprit.
2. Switch Themes Manually:
   • Change Theme via FTP: Access wp-content/themes and rename your current theme’s directory. WordPress should switch to a default theme if one is available.

After Fixing the Issue

1. Re-enable Plugins and Themes: Reactivate plugins and themes one by one to ensure the problem doesn’t reoccur.
2. Test Your Site: Thoroughly test your site to confirm that the issue is resolved and everything is functioning correctly.
3. Remove Recovery Mode Notification: Once the issue is resolved and everything is working properly, Recovery Mode will be automatically deactivated.

Additional Tips

• Backup Your Site Regularly: Regular backups can help you restore your site to a previous state if something goes wrong.
• Keep Your Site Updated: Regularly update WordPress, plugins, and themes to minimize compatibility issues and vulnerabilities.

By following these steps, you should be able to resolve issues that triggered WordPress Recovery Mode and get your site back to normal.