This is a fairly common error that WordPress users encounter when updating their websites. This issue has been resolved multiple times. I’ve fixed it twice for my websites and many other times for client websites.
It might seem like a complicated technical problem (and there are technical aspects to it) or difficult to fix, but the reality is quite different. This happens when WordPress does not receive a JSON response while uploading a document.
It’s easy to fix. This guide will show you five simple methods to fix this problem. There’s a high chance that at least one of these five methods will work for your website. Let’s get started!
What is JSON response not a valid error in WordPress? The main causes
Before you move on to solutions, it’s important to understand the cause of the problem. Before I go any further, you should know that the server and our website (WordPress), which we use to update the blog and post new content or make changes of all sizes and types, are constantly communicating.
When you upload visuals, such as images, the same thing happens. WordPress asks the server to save any new visuals that are added to the content. Both must now communicate in JSON format (JavaScript Object Notation) to ensure smooth operation.
A language barrier between your website and the server causes the “JSON response not valid” error. The server sends back a response that is not exactly right or in the format you expect.
The server will display an error message. No one knows why the server behaves in this manner. This can be due to a poor permalink structure or security firewall.
Updating Failed: JSON Response Is Not Valid Error – 5 Ways To Fix
The best way to fix the “updating fails: JSON response not valid” error is to read through all of the solutions. You can then try each one. Follow the first solution and then move on to the second, third, and so on.
Remove Faulty Themes & Plugins
The first thing I do to solve almost any WordPress problem is to check for faulty plugins and then the theme. JSON response can be caused by flawed themes and plugins on your website.
If the theme is not working correctly, you can change it. Before you do this, create a website backup so that you can restore the blog in the event of a problem.
How to remove the faulty plugins:
The “Plugins” option can be found in the WordPress dashboard.
Select all plugins by clicking the checkbox.
Select ” Deactivate ” from the drop-down list.
To deactivate all plugins, click on ” Apply.”
How to remove a theme that is not working:
Login to your WordPress Account.
The ” Appearance ” menu is located in the dashboard.
Click the ” theme” option.
You’ll find the WordPress themes by default on the theme page.
Choose any theme from the list and click ” Activate.”
You can upload images to the website easily without receiving an invalid JSON error. Install another theme and customize it to meet your needs.
The same procedure for deactivating plugins can be followed to activate them, but only one at a time. You can then determine which plugin caused the error. Delete the plugin and never download it again.
Check website URL settings & Permalink structure.
Check the URL settings of your WordPress website and the permalink structure for each blog post. If you make a mistake in either of these points, the JSON invalid reply error may occur.
Check the URL of the WordPress website.
Click on the ” settings ” tab in WordPress.
Choose ” general” from the list of options.
You will be redirected back to the ” Settings ” page.
Make sure that your website address appears in the URL column.
Do not forget that the URL must begin with “https” and not “http.”
Click ” Save changes” after entering the correct URL.
Check the website Permalink Structure
Click on ” Settings ” in the WordPress dashboard.
Select ” Permalink “.
Choose ” Custom structure,” then add the tag as shown in the image.
Click on ” Save Changes.”
SSL Certificate & Redirection Error
Is the problem still present after you have entered the correct URL into the settings? Check if you have an SSL certificate if you continue to see the error. It authenticates and secures the website owner’s identity.
Bloggers without this SSL certificate will not have HTTPS in their URL and, therefore, will have a JSON error. It is important first to buy and install an SSL Certificate. You can buy it separately or purchase hosting that offers SSL.
Redirection errors in WordPress can cause different issues. This is due to HTTPS redirects that conflict. You may receive the Invalid Response error as a result. You’ll therefore need two certificates: one on your origin server and another provided by the CDN.
Restore.Htaccess File
The. access is another reason why many of us get the error “updating has failed: response is not valid JSON” when updating. This file acts as a manager of your website’s URLs.
This file is used to manage web addresses when we add or update content on the website. This file can sometimes become corrupted or outdated. It will cause permalink problems that result in JSON invalid response errors.
What should I do? In this situation, you can fix JSON errors by regenerating your. htaccess to a new, updated version. This will also keep your website working smoothly. Here are the steps to restore this. htaccess file.