Collecting Error Logs

Error logs identify the underlying cause of an on-screen error. Use one of the methods below to obtain the matching entries.

Obtain Server Logs

Logs are usually accessible through FTP, but their location varies by host. Asking your hosting provider for them is often the fastest option.

Send your host the recorded error details and ask it to check the logs at the time of the failure. If you do not know the time, reproduce the error and note it, including the timezone.

If the Host Finds No Entries

Ask your host to confirm that logging is enabled and that it checked the relevant logs:

• PHP error logs.
• Web server logs, such as Apache or NGINX.
• Database logs, such as MySQL or MariaDB.

If needed, try another support channel, such as phone or chat, or ask for escalation to a higher support tier. Obtain the matching entries before continuing.

Capture Errors With WP Debug Toolkit

Our partner tool WP Debug Toolkit surfaces PHP/WordPress errors that may not appear on screen. Use code BDDOC for the partner discount.

1. Install and activate the plugin.
2. Enable its error-capture features and reproduce the issue.
3. Export or copy the specific error entries.

Enable WordPress Debugging

If your host cannot provide logs and WP Debug Toolkit is not an option, use WordPress's built-in debugging to capture PHP errors.

1. Add or update the following in wp-config.php, above the /* That's all, stop editing! */ comment:

define( 'WP_DEBUG', true );
define( 'WP_DEBUG_LOG', true ); // writes to wp-content/debug.log
define( 'WP_DEBUG_DISPLAY', false ); // keep errors off the front end
@ini_set( 'display_errors', 0 );

2. Reproduce the issue and note the time.
3. Download wp-content/debug.log and share the entries from around that time.

Many logs use UTC. Compare timezones at everytimezone.com. See the official WordPress debugging guide for configuration details.

Use the Error Details

Read the matching entries to identify the cause. Ask your host to investigate server errors; follow 500/50x Errors for memory and timeout errors.

If you need Breakdance Support to investigate, include the entries with the support checklist.

For requested file access, follow FTP/SFTP Access.