How to Fix a Critical Error on Your Managed WordPress Site

If you encounter a “critical error” on your WordPress site (often due to a conflicting or outdated plugin), follow these steps:

#### 1. Connect to Your Site via SFTP
Use an SFTP client like FileZilla to connect to your website’s server. You’ll need your SFTP credentials from your hosting provider.

#### 2. Navigate to the Plugins Directory
Go to the following path:
“`
/wp-content/plugins/
“`

#### 3. Rename the Plugins Folder
– Find the plugins folder.
– Rename it to something like `plugins-old`.
– This action will **deactivate all plugins** (WordPress will not find the original folder).

#### 4. Check the Site
– Wait a few moments, then try logging into your WordPress admin dashboard.
– You should now be able to access the site, as all plugins are disabled.

#### 5. Restore the Plugins Folder Name
– Rename `plugins-old` back to `plugins`.

#### 6. Reactivate Plugins One-by-One
– Go to the WordPress dashboard.
– Reactivate plugins one at a time.
– After activating each plugin, check the site to see if the critical error returns.

#### 7. Identify & Resolve the Problem
– The plugin that, when activated, causes the error is likely the culprit.
– Deactivate or delete this plugin.
– Consider replacing it with an alternative that is compatible with your current PHP version and the latest WordPress version.

#### 8. Test & Confirm Stability
– Ensure your site works correctly after resolving the issue.
– Keep all plugins, themes, and WordPress itself updated to prevent similar issues.

—

**Tips:**
– Always create a backup before making changes.
– Check plugin documentation and compatibility before updates.

Let me know if you’d like this as a step-by-step infographic or if you have a specific error message you need help with!