How to Enable Debug Mode in WordPress

A Quick Guide for Beginners

Are you experiencing issues on your WordPress website and unsure what’s causing them? Enabling Debug Mode in WordPress can help you quickly diagnose the problem by showing PHP errors and warnings. In this blog post, we’ll share two simple methods to enable Debug Mode in WordPress. Let’s dive in!

Why Enable Debug Mode in WordPress?

By default, WordPress disables Debug Mode to prevent hackers from exploiting important information and vulnerabilities on your website. However, if you’re experiencing errors and aren’t sure what’s causing them, enabling Debug Mode allows you to see what’s happening behind the scenes.

With Debug Mode turned on, you can:

• Identify PHP errors and other technical issues.
• Spot potential warnings before they escalate.
• Quickly troubleshoot your site and contact support with specific details.

Now, let’s explore the two methods to enable Debug Mode in WordPress.

Method 1: Using a Plugin

The easiest way to enable Debug Mode is by using a plugin. This method is perfect for those who are not comfortable editing code.

Steps to Enable Debug Mode via Plugin:

1. Log in to your WordPress Dashboard.
2. Navigate to Plugins > Add New.
3. In the search bar, type WP Debugging.
4. Once you find the plugin, click Install Now and then Activate it.

After activation, the WP Debugging plugin will automatically turn on Debug Mode, allowing you to view PHP errors on your website. No coding skills are required, and you can easily deactivate the plugin once the issue is resolved.

Method 2: Manually Enable Debug Mode

If you prefer to manage things yourself or don’t want to install another plugin, you can manually enable Debug Mode by editing your site’s wp-config.php file.

Steps to Manually Enable Debug Mode:

1. Access your site’s files via FTP or File Manager (cPanel).
2. Locate and open the wp-config.php file (found in the root folder of your WordPress installation).
3. Scroll down to find the line that says:

   /* That's all, stop editing! Happy blogging. */

4. Just above this line, add the following code to enable Debug Mode:

   define('WP_DEBUG', true);

5. Save the changes and refresh your website. PHP errors will now be displayed on the frontend.

If you want to log errors without displaying them to visitors, you can also add this line:

define('WP_DEBUG_LOG', true);
define('WP_DEBUG_DISPLAY', false);

With these changes, errors will be stored in a debug.log file (located in the wp-content folder), keeping your website safe from revealing sensitive information.

When to Disable Debug Mode

While Debug Mode is helpful for troubleshooting, leaving it enabled for long periods is risky. Once you’ve fixed the issue, make sure to disable Debug Mode by either:

• Deactivating the plugin (Method 1).
• Changing the code in wp-config.php back to:

  define('WP_DEBUG', false);

Wrapping Up

Enabling Debug Mode in WordPress is a powerful tool for diagnosing issues and keeping your website in top shape. Whether you choose to use a plugin or edit the wp-config.php file manually, you’ll be able to spot errors and resolve them quickly.

If you’re a beginner or not comfortable with code, we recommend starting with the plugin method for a quick and safe solution. However, the manual method provides greater control over how errors are handled.

Have you ever used Debug Mode in WordPress? Share your experience in the comments below!