Overview
Debugging helps identify errors in websites, especially for platforms like WordPress or custom PHP applications. On shared hosting using Plesk, debugging is typically enabled by modifying configuration files.
Method 1: Enable Debugging in WordPress
Step 1: Open File Manager in Plesk
- Log in to Plesk
- Go to Websites & Domains
- Click File Manager
- Open your website root directory (usually
httpdocs)
Step 2: Edit wp-config.php
- Locate the file:
wp-config.php
- Click Edit
Step 3: Enable Debug Mode
Find the following line:
define('WP_DEBUG', false);
Replace it with:
define('WP_DEBUG', true);
define('WP_DEBUG_LOG', true);
define('WP_DEBUG_DISPLAY', true);
define('WP_DEBUG_LOG', true);
define('WP_DEBUG_DISPLAY', true);
Step 4: Save Changes
- Click Save
- Refresh your website to see error messages
Optional (Recommended for Production Safety)
To avoid showing errors publicly:
define('WP_DEBUG_DISPLAY', false);
@ini_set('display_errors', 0);
@ini_set('display_errors', 0);
Errors will still be logged in:
/wp-content/debug.log
Method 2: Enable PHP Error Reporting (General Websites)
Step 1: Go to PHP Settings
- In Plesk, go to Websites & Domains
- Click PHP Settings
Step 2: Adjust Error Settings
Set the following:
- display_errors → On
- error_reporting → E_ALL
Step 3: Apply Changes
- Click OK or Save
Method 3: Use .htaccess (Alternative)
If needed, add the following to your .htaccess file:
php_flag display_errors on
php_value error_reporting E_ALL
php_value error_reporting E_ALL
⚠️ Note: This may not work on all shared hosting configurations
Important Notes
- Debugging should be disabled on live websites after troubleshooting
- Displaying errors publicly may expose sensitive information
- Always use logging (
debug.log) for safer debugging
Troubleshooting
If debugging does not work:
- Check file permissions
- Ensure correct PHP version is selected in Plesk
- Verify no conflicting settings in
.htaccessorphp.ini - Contact support:
???? https://portal.linkdata.com/submitticket.php
Summary
- Edit
wp-config.phpfor WordPress debugging - Use PHP Settings in Plesk for general debugging
- Optionally use
.htaccess - Disable debugging after resolving issues
