WordPress sends an alert email when a theme or plugin triggers a fatal error. While the message can be alarming, most issues can be resolved quickly by following a few steps.
What the Email Tells You
The email typically includes:
- Which theme or plugin caused the error
- Which file and line number are affected
- The type of error (e.g., “syntax error”)
Errors such as “unexpected token ‘?’” usually indicate a PHP syntax problem.
This mail was send me! It’s little terror, you know.
1. Check Whether Your Site Is Still Accessible
Visit the URLs mentioned in the email:
- Homepage
- Admin login page
- The page where the error occurred
If everything looks normal, the issue may be minor.
2. If You Cannot Log In, Use Recovery Mode
The email includes a special link like:
https://example.com/wp-login.php?action=enter_recovery_mode&rm_token=XXXX&rm_key=YYYY
Recovery mode temporarily deactivates the faulty theme or plugin so you can access the dashboard safely.
- The link expires in about 24 hours
- Use it only if the normal admin panel won’t open
3. Identify the Problem Using the Error Message
The email shows the exact file and line number where the issue occurred.
Example:
File: functions.php
Line: 300
Error: syntax error, unexpected token “?”
Common causes include:
- Copy-and-paste mistakes
- Missing semicolons
- Mismatched braces
{} - Hidden characters in the code
- PHP version incompatibilities
4. Fix the File via FTP or File Manager
Use your hosting panel or an FTP client to access the file.
Check for:
- Missing semicolons
- Incorrect brackets
- Broken PHP tags
- Unsupported syntax
- Strange characters inserted accidentally
Correct the code and re-upload the file.
5. If You Cannot Fix It Manually, Deactivate the Faulty Theme/Plugin
In recovery mode, WordPress will identify the source of the error and allow you to:
- Disable the theme
- Disable the plugin
Once disabled, the site usually recovers immediately.
Then you can fix the file and reactivate it.
6. How to Prevent the Issue in the Future
- Store custom code in a snippet plugin
- Maintain version control
- Keep backups before changing settings
- Check PHP compatibility
- Avoid editing theme files directly when possible
Conclusion
Most “technical issue” emails are caused by simple syntax errors. By using recovery mode and correcting the problematic file, you can restore your site quickly. With proper code management and backups, you can avoid similar issues in the future.
