Written by Admin on 2025-05-06

Dealing with "Call to a member function on null" Error in WordPress

If you are a WordPress developer, then at some point, you might have come across the "Call to a member function on null" error. For those that haven't, it is an error that occurs when your PHP code is attempting to call a method on an object that doesn't exist or is null.

In WordPress, this error usually occurs when trying to access a property or method of an object that doesn't exist, such as when trying to access a non-existent post object or attempting to call a method on a null object. This error can be frustrating, but thankfully, it is easy to fix.

The following are some methods you can use to fix the "Call to a member function on null" error:

Use Debugging Tools

Debugging tools such as the WP Debug or PHP error logs can be used to identify the cause of the error. These tools help you to locate the problem quickly by displaying the exact line of code that is causing the issue.

Check for Null

Before attempting to call a method or access a property, you should always check to make sure that the object is not null. Checking for null is a common practice in programming and can prevent you from running into errors such as the "Call to a member function on null" error.

Analyze Plugin and Theme Code

If the error persists after checking for null and using debugging tools, then the next step is to analyze your code. Pay special attention to all plugins and themes installed on your WordPress website, as they can be the cause of the error.

Update WordPress and Plugins

The error can also occur due to outdated plugins, WordPress installation or themes. So, ensure that you are using the latest version of WordPress, plugins, and themes. Updating these tools can prevent the error from occurring.

Hire a WordPress Developer

Sometimes the error can be beyond your technical skills, and you need someone with more experience to fix it. In this case, consider hiring a WordPress developer who can help identify and fix the error.

In conclusion, the "Call to a member function on null" error can be fixed by utilizing debugging tools, checking for null, analyzing plugin and theme code, updating WordPress and plugins or hiring a WordPress developer. By following these simple steps, you can overcome this error and keep your WordPress website functioning as intended.