How to fix the "this site can't be reached" error in WordPress

While trying to access your WordPress site, you might get triggered by an error message “This site can’t be reached” and go through problems of fixing it. However, this is not an issue to fret about because it is just a momentary glitch in the system. You must know about the nitty-gritty-what is WordPress, “unreachable site” WordPress error, what causes it, possible solutions, and what to do if suggested solutions do not work, etc. in the first place.  

Guide to reach “unreachable” WordPress site error

To help you troubleshoot this short-lived “Site can’t be reached” WordPress error, here is an adequate amount of information to resolve it in no time by yourself. Let’s begin!

What is WordPress?

The non-profit WordPress software is an open-source system that is written in PHP for content management with limitless possibilities. It is also paired with MariaDB Database and MYSQL along with distinctive features of plugin and template architecture to allow users to create an exquisite blog or website. Its remarkable features including SEO friendly environment, customizable designs, high security, powerful media management, and accessibility make it trusted by the content creators’ community worldwide.

What does the “this site can’t be reached” error in WordPress mean?

The popped-up error notification exactly means what it says. It is reporting to you that the web address you have typed in your search bar to access is no longer available to you due to some underlying issue. The message “This site can’t be reached” indicates that there is an issue in your WordPress or DNS lookup which you need to reset or resolve. 

DNS or Domain Name System server accesses the site via its domain name. When you put the URL of any website at the top search portion of the internet browser, it accesses the site through Internet Protocol (IP) address. DNS then translates the domain name of the website to an IP address. Hence, you get your desired blog post or site.  

Why do you get the “this site can’t be reached” error in WordPress?

The reason why an error message pops up while you are trying to access your site in WordPress is at times DNS lookup failure. It usually occurs when the DNS cache is invalid and your typed query blocks the result due to misconfiguration of the required DNS address. Thus, WordPress ends up indicating “This site can’t be reached” error message due to the corruption of the Windows DNS client. 

Reasons your DNS reporting “this site can’t be reached” error

The DNS lookup failure may block the required website to show the result because of:

Plugin Conflicts

One of the possible reasons why DNS lookup has stopped working is because you might have recently updated or installed new plugins or themes for your WordPress site. Updated plugins might not support the WordPress version you have which may result in the website not showing the content.

Outdated Software Versions

Outdated software versions are another reason DNS reports the “This site can’t be reached” issue. It is understood that WordPress runs on PHP and version 7.4 or higher is the most appropriate version WordPress is compatible with. So, ensure that your system has PHP 7.4 or you have updated to the latest PHP versions. Otherwise, it would cause a “This site can’t be reached” error in WordPress.  

.htaccess File Error

Any bug in the .htaccess file could trigger DNS to report the “This site can’t be reached” error in WordPress.

.htaccess file is a hidden file in the server which is responsible for different important content management tasks such as redirecting the page and setting up permalinks for accessing the content. This file contains important functions including plugins such as security plugin or cache plugin for permalinks.  

6 quick solutions for fixing your “unreachable site”

Here are 6 quick albeit-easy tips and tricks to help you fix the “This site can’t be reached” error in WordPress:

Flush your web browser cookies, cache, and history.

To do this, take the following steps

1. Open up Google Chrome.
2. Click 3 dots on the top right corner.
3. Select More Tools.
4. Clear browsing data.

Solve “plugins are currently unavailable” issues

To restore plugins, do the following.

1. Navigate FTP to see conflicting plugin folders.
2. Go to the wp-content folder in FTP.
3. You can see plugins are deactivated.
4. Activate all the plugins one by one.

Configure plugin and theme conflict

Detect faulty plugins and themes by using:

1. FTP to navigate plugin and theme folders.
2. Look for a folder of conflicting plugins and themes.
3. Rename the folder such as plugin_old and themes-old.
4. Plugin and theme are deactivated now.
5. Go to the wp-content folder.
6. Rename plugin folder as “plugins” and theme folder as “theme.”
7. Plugin and theme are activated.
8. Log in to your WordPress site normally.

Update outdated software version

To run WordPress

1. Install PHP 7.4 version.
2. Look out for the plugins and themes compatible with PHP.
3. Update to PHP 8. x. However, several hosting providers do not support this PHP version.

Locate .htaccess file error

To locate the .htaccess folder in the root file folder of the site, you need to:

1. Back up .htaccess file.
2. Copy and paste the content to a text file.
3. Delete .htaccess file.
4. Navigate to Settings.
5. Choose Permalinks.
6. Save Changes.

This list of steps will restore permalink settings in .htaccess settings in WordPress.  

Debugging time to reach “this site can’t be reached” error in WordPress

When none of the above-mentioned ways work in resolving the “This site can’t be reached” error in WordPress, it is the right time that you should debug the system.

1. Find the wp-config.php folder and search for the debug.log file folder.
2. Several errors will be there.
3. Create a file and enter the below-mentioned three lines:

define( ‘WP_DEBUG’, true);

define( ‘WP_DEBUG_LOG’, true);

define( ‘WP_DEBUG_DISPLAY’, false);

Save the file.

What can you do if the above-mentioned solutions do not work?

In case all the above-mentioned solutions cannot fix your “This site can’t be reached” WordPress error problem, look for some professional help from developers of the system, support group, etc.

Contact a WordPress support group

WordPress offers accessibility to the top-notch market professionals who are available 24/7 to help you fix your problems in your comfort. In case of any site error or problem, make a direct call to WordPress support number 1-877 273-3049 or live chat with its Happiness Engineer-who assists you in real-time. 

Contact your theme support

If the theme is the cause DNS is reporting “This site can’t be reached” error in WordPress, then look for theme support:

1. Go to Appearance.
2. Expand the menu by clicking 3 dots.
3. Click Activate.
4. Go to Customizer.
5. Adjust themes’ design.
6. Log in to your site.

Contact your web hosting server support

If you have tried resolving the issue by creating debug file as mentioned in solution 6, and still the “This site can’t be reached” error is not resolved, contact the web hosting support instantly. Share your debug file with Webhosting support so that they can determine the exact cause of the error and take measures to resolve the “unreachable site” error for you. 

Hire developers to find a solution

In case either of your efforts does not bear fruit, hire professional developers to determine and navigate the root cause of the error. It will cost you a little, but they will resolve the error for you.