Use WordPress debug settings
Temporarily enable WordPress debugging and write diagnostic messages to a log.
Where Apps → WordPress → Toolkit → Debug
What this is for
- Enable WordPress debug mode.
- Write errors to wp-content/debug.log.
- Control whether errors are displayed to visitors.
Before you start
- Record the time and steps that reproduce the fault.
- On a public site, plan to keep on-screen error display disabled.
Take care
Displayed errors can reveal paths, code details or personal data. Do not leave WP_DEBUG_DISPLAY enabled on production.
Steps
-
1
Reproduce the issue and note the time before changing debug settings.
-
2
Open Toolkit and choose Debug.
-
3
Enable WP_DEBUG and WP_DEBUG_LOG.
-
4
Keep WP_DEBUG_DISPLAY off on a public production site.
-
5
Reproduce the issue, read wp-content/debug.log and save the relevant evidence.
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6
Disable debug options after diagnosis and remove logs containing sensitive data when appropriate.
Check it worked
- Reproducing the issue adds a relevant entry to wp-content/debug.log.
- After troubleshooting, all temporary debug switches are off and sensitive log data is removed or protected.
What the controls do
| Control | What it means |
|---|---|
| WP_DEBUG | Enables WordPress diagnostic mode. |
| WP_DEBUG_LOG | Writes messages to wp-content/debug.log. |
| WP_DEBUG_DISPLAY | Displays diagnostic messages in page output. |