WordPress is a popular tool to build websites. Many people use it. But sometimes the search does not work. This can be very frustrating. In this article, we will learn how to fix this. It will be easy and simple.

Check Your Theme

The theme of your WordPress site can cause issues. Some themes are not perfect. They might break the search function. Check if your theme is the problem.

Steps To Check Your Theme

1. Go to your WordPress dashboard.
2. Click on “Appearance”.
3. Click on “Themes”.
4. Change the theme to a default one, like “Twenty Twenty-One”.
5. Test the search function.

If the search works now, your theme is the problem. You can contact the theme maker for help.

Credit: searchwp.com

Check Your Plugins

Plugins add features to your site. But they can also cause problems. Some plugins do not work well with others. They can break the search function.

Steps To Check Your Plugins

1. Go to your WordPress dashboard.
2. Click on “Plugins”.
3. Deactivate all plugins.
4. Test the search function.

If the search works now, a plugin is the problem. Activate the plugins one by one. Test the search each time. This will help you find the bad plugin.

Check Your Search Settings

WordPress has settings for search. Sometimes these settings can cause issues. You need to check them.

Steps To Check Your Search Settings

1. Go to your WordPress dashboard.
2. Click on “Settings”.
3. Click on “Reading”.
4. Make sure “Discourage search engines from indexing this site” is not checked.

This setting can stop your site from being searched. Make sure it is not checked.

Check Your Search Form Code

The search form has code. This code must be correct. If the code is wrong, the search will not work.

Steps To Check Your Search Form Code

1. Go to your WordPress dashboard.
2. Click on “Appearance”.
3. Click on “Editor”.
4. Find the file named “searchform.php”.
5. Check the code in this file.

The code should look like this:

Search for:

If the code is different, fix it. This should make the search work again.

Check Your Database

The database stores all your site data. Sometimes the database has problems. This can break the search.

Steps To Check Your Database

1. Go to your WordPress dashboard.
2. Click on “Tools”.
3. Click on “Site Health”.
4. Click on “Database”.
5. Check if there are any issues.

If there are issues, fix them. You can use a plugin like “WP-DBManager” to help.

Check Your Permalinks

Permalinks are the URLs of your site pages. Sometimes permalinks can cause issues. This can break the search.

Steps To Check Your Permalinks

1. Go to your WordPress dashboard.
2. Click on “Settings”.
3. Click on “Permalinks”.
4. Click on “Save Changes” without changing anything.

This will refresh your permalinks. It can fix the search.

Credit: kreativopro.com

Check Your PHP Version

WordPress needs a specific PHP version. If your PHP version is old, it can cause problems.

Steps To Check Your Php Version

1. Go to your WordPress dashboard.
2. Click on “Tools”.
3. Click on “Site Health”.
4. Click on “Info”.
5. Find the “Server” section.
6. Check the PHP version.

The PHP version should be 7.4 or higher. If it is old, update it. Contact your host for help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Is My WordPress Search Not Working?

Your WordPress search may not work due to plugin conflicts or theme issues.

How Can I Fix WordPress Search Errors?

Disable plugins, switch to default theme, and reindex your site to fix errors.

What Plugins Can Improve WordPress Search?

SearchWP and Relevanssi are top plugins to improve WordPress search functionality.

How Do I Reindex My WordPress Site?

Use a plugin like Relevanssi or SearchWP to reindex your WordPress site.

Conclusion

Fixing WordPress search not working is important. It helps users find content. Check your theme, plugins, and settings. Look at the search form code and database. Refresh your permalinks and check the PHP version. These steps will help you fix the problem. Your site will work better. Users will be happy. Follow these steps and enjoy your WordPress site.