For those familiar with setting up WordPress seeing the message Error establishing a database connection has almost as much importance as Windows’ Blue Screen of Death. The similarity between the two is that the situation is fatal for both, meaning that you system or website is effectively dead in the water. However, there is usually a very good reason for WordPress’ “Error establishing a database connection” message and it can always be resolved. The Blue Screen of Death however, does not always have a happy resolution.
Why am I getting Error establishing a database connection?
There are several reasons why you might encounter see the “Error establishing a database connection” error message in WordPress which we’ve listed below. Chances are one of these issues will apply to your situation.
- Incorrect database login credentials: This is the most common cause of the “Error establishing a database connection” error in WordPress. If the login credentials (e.g. username and password) for the database are incorrect, WordPress will be unable to connect to it.
- Server connection issues: Server downtime or connection problems can prevent WordPress from connecting to the database.
- Malfunctioning database server: A malfunctioning database server can cause the “Error establishing a database connection” error in WordPress.
- Corrupted database: A corrupted database can prevent WordPress from connecting to it, resulting in the error message. If your db is corrupted, recovery is going to take some work.
- Incorrectly configured wp-config.php file: If the wp-config.php file is not configured properly, it can cause the “Error establishing a database connection” error.
- Insufficient server resources: A server that does not have enough resources to run WordPress and its database can result in the error message.
- Plugins or themes conflicts: Some plugins or themes may not be compatible with the version of WordPress you are using and can cause conflicts with the database connection, resulting in the error.
- Outdated software: If the software on your website is outdated, it may be incompatible with the version of WordPress you are using and can cause a database connection error.
- Firewall or security plugin blocking the connection: Some security plugins or firewall settings may block the connection to the database, causing the error.
- Database server reached maximum connections: Has your WordPress site become super popular all of a sudden? Is your website experiencing the Reddit Hug of Death? The database server may indeed have reached its maximum number of connections, preventing new connections and displaying the error message.
It’s important to note that this list is not exhaustive and there could be other reasons that can cause the same error. In order to identify the cause of the error and fix it, it’s best to check your website’s error logs and contact your web host or if all of that fails, check in with your local WordPress expert for further assistance.
Still hungry for more? Check out our other WordPress troubleshooting tips.