Problem : How to Fix the Syntax Error in WordPress

Are you getting Syntax Error on WordPress website? If you don’t know why you are getting this message, Here is a simple explanation: You are getting this Syntax Error message because you made some code changes to your WordPress website. Either by copying code snippets available online or just by updating the code with the wrong syntax in WordPress file.

 

If you haven’t made any changes recently, then maybe someone who has admin access to your website made the changes. Or it could happen sometimes with updating/installing not so popular plugins from third-parties. It may sometime happen with themes also.

 

And the most common place you will get the error is functions.php file. You have added a code snippet by copying it from some sources. And most of the people (including me, I did all these mistakes few year back) will do it from WordPress Theme Editor, as soon as you hit update. Your site will display the Syntax Error Message, don’t get panicked you can solve this issue within a few minutes if you can identify the code snippet you added.

 

The simple solution to this problem is open that file (usually functions.php file) and fix the issue, to fix that issue you should have some PHP knowledge or else you should remove the entire code snippet/plugin.

Not able to access WordPress Admin?

Yes, you won’t be able to access WordPress Admin because of the error. To fix this issue you need to have FTP or cPanel Access.

If you don’t have access to FTP or cPanel ask your Web Developer or your Hosting Provider. They should provide you with correct login credentials.

 

How to fix Syntax Error in WordPress issue?

From the cPanel or from FTP program open the file where you are seeing the error. What I mean is from the web browser, you can see the error and where the error is a complete path.

Open this file, then navigate to the line number where the error is. Check for the most common PHP mistakes like

1. You are closing the statements or not?
2. Check you are using opening and closing braces for the statements.

Check the above errors, if you can find them fix it. Or else remove the entire code which is giving you the error. Save the file if you are on cPanel. Save and upload the file if you are using FTP client.

This should solve your problem. If you are not able to solve on your own, seek help from an expert.