Written by Admin on 2025-05-06

Troubleshooting WordPress Error: "Column 'referrer' cannot be null for query insert into"

As a WordPress user, encountering errors and issues is quite common. One of the common errors that a user may face while working on WordPress is "Column 'referrer' cannot be null for query insert into". This article will dive into what this error means and how to troubleshoot it.

Understanding the Error

WordPress uses a database to store all the data (posts, pages, comments, user information, etc.) used on the website. Whenever a user interacts with the website, a query is sent to the database to perform a specific task. The error "Column 'referrer' cannot be null for query insert into" occurs when a query is sent to the database, and the "referrer" column is missing.

Why does this Error Occur?

Several reasons can cause this error. One of the primary reasons is outdated or incompatible plugins and themes. It is vital to keep your plugins and themes updated to the latest version as outdated or incompatible plugins/themes can cause errors in WordPress.

Another reason is issues with the database. If your database is damaged, it may cause errors like this. Additionally, incorrect database configuration settings or incorrect WordPress files can also cause errors like this.

How to Troubleshoot the Error

There are different ways to troubleshoot an error like "Column 'referrer' cannot be null for query insert into." Here are a few steps you can follow to troubleshoot this error:

Step 1: Deactivate All Plugins

As mentioned earlier, outdated or incompatible plugins can cause this error. Deactivating all plugins and then reactivating them one by one can help you identify the plugin causing this error. Once you have identified the problematic plugin, either update it or replace it with another plugin.

Step 2: Switch to Default Theme

If deactivating the plugins does not solve the problem, switch to the default WordPress theme. Sometimes, the error occurs due to incompatible themes that are not compatible with the current version of WordPress. By switching to the default theme, you can identify the problematic theme.

Step 3: Repair the Database

If none of the above steps works, try repairing the database. You can repair the database by going to the cPanel and selecting the "MySQL Databases" option. Click on "Repair DB" next to the database that needs repair.

Step 4: Reinstall WordPress

If all the steps above fail to fix the error, you can try reinstalling WordPress. Reinstalling WordPress will replace all the existing files with the new files and can sometimes solve complex errors.

In conclusion, the error "Column 'referrer' cannot be null for query insert into" can be frustrating, but it can be fixed by identifying and fixing the underlying issue. Follow the steps outlined above, and you should be able to fix this error and get back to working on your WordPress site.