---
title: "Enable WordPress debug mode"
description: "Instructions to activate WordPress Debug Mode to find and fix errors. Step-by-step instructions for activation and use."
canonical: "https://www.bajorat-media.com/en/blog/activate-wordpress-debug-mode/"
locale: "en"
collection: "blog"
lastModified: "2024-06-06T08:12:56.000Z"
image: "https://www.bajorat-media.com/assets/img/blog/wordpress-debug-modus-aktivieren-17949-titelbild.png"
---

# Enable WordPress debug mode

Instructions to activate WordPress Debug Mode to find and fix errors. Step-by-step instructions for activation and use.

WordPress is a versatile and user-friendly content management system (CMS) used by millions of people worldwide. But sometimes problems can arise when creating or managing a website. This is exactly where **WordPress Debug Mode** comes into play. In this article we will explain what this mode is, why it is important and how you can activate and use it. ![Enable WordPress Debug Mode](/assets/img/blog/wordpress-debug-modus-aktivieren-17949-wordpress-debug-modus.png)

## What is WordPress Debug Mode?

Debug Mode is a feature that helps developers and website owners **identify** and fix **errors** and **issues** in your [WordPress installation](/en/services/wordpress-development/). When this mode is enabled, WordPress displays detailed error messages that would normally remain hidden. This information can help find the cause of problems and develop appropriate solutions.

## Why is debug mode important?

Activating debug mode is particularly helpful in the following situations:

### Troubleshooting:

If your website is not working as expected, the **detailed error messages** may provide clues to the cause of the problem.

### Development:

Developers use Debug Mode to ensure their themes and plugins are **bug-free** before releasing them.

### Performance optimization:

By identifying warnings and errors, you can **optimize** your website and minimize potential security risks. ![Enable WordPress Debug Mode](/assets/img/blog/wordpress-debug-modus-aktivieren-17949-wordpress-debug-modus-2.png)

## Enable WordPress debug mode

Enabling Debug Mode is a simple process but requires some technical knowledge. Here are some steps to enable debug mode in your WordPress installation:

### Access the wp-config.php file

-   The file is located in the main directory of your WordPress installation.
-   You can access it via an FTP client or your hosting provider's file management tool.

### Changing the configuration

-   Open the **wp-config.php** file in a text editor.
-   Look for the line **define(‘WP\_DEBUG’, false);**
-   Change this line to  **define(‘WP\_DEBUG’, true);**

### Additional debugging options

To get even more detailed information, you can add additional lines.

-   Below the line **define(‘WP\_DEBUG’, true);** add another line with the following content:
-   **define(‘WP\_DEBUG\_LOG’, true);**
-   The error messages are now saved in a **LOG file**.
-   With the additional line **define('WP\_DEBUG\_DISPLAY', true);** or **define('WP\_DEBUG\_DISPLAY', false);**, which you can also insert below, you specify whether the WordPress debug messages should be output via HTML (true) or not (false).

## How do you use debug mode effectively?

After enabling Debug Mode, you should do the following to use it effectively.

### Check error messages

Visit your WordPress website and navigate to the pages that are having issues. Write down the error messages you see or open the **debug.log** file in the **wp-content** directory to read more detailed error logs.

### Analyze problems

Use the information from the error messages to **identify** the cause of the problems. Search for the error messages online to find possible solutions or contact your hosting provider.

### Fix errors

Once you have identified the cause of the problem, you can take appropriate **actions** to resolve it. This can include disabling plugins, updating themes, or editing code.

### Disable debug mode

After making the necessary [troubleshooting](/en/services/wordpress-first-help/), you should **disable** debug mode again to ensure the security and performance of your website. To do this, change the line **define(‘WP\_DEBUG’, true);**  in the **wp-config.php** file back to **define(‘WP\_DEBUG’, false);**. ![Enable WordPress Debug Mode](/assets/img/blog/wordpress-debug-modus-aktivieren-17949-wordpress-debug-modus-3.png)

## Conclusion

WordPress Debug Mode can help you **quickly and effectively identify** and fix problems on your website. Enabling this mode gives you valuable insight into how your website works, which can help you maintain a stable and secure online presence. Use debug mode **responsibly** and only turn it on when necessary for the best results.