10 Easy Fixes for WordPress Request Nonce Is Expired Error

Have you ever tried to save your work on WordPress, only to see a confusing error message saying “request nonce is expired”? It can be frustrating, especially if you don’t know what it means. You may feel like you’re just one click away from losing all your changes.

Imagine you’re writing a blog post. You step away for a break. When you come back, you try to save your draft, but instead, you see the error. This can happen if the “nonce” has expired.

A WordPress nonce is a unique code that helps keep your website safe. It makes sure actions are coming from you and not someone else. But, nonces have a time limit. Once they expire, they stop working.

Sometimes, this error isn’t just about time running out. It could be a plugin causing trouble, or your browser using old data. Maybe your server’s clock is wrong. The good news is that there are simple ways to fix this problem, and even prevent it in the future. Let’s look at how you can solve this issue and keep your WordPress site running smoothly.

TL;DR: The ‘request nonce is expired’ error occurs when security codes expire, often due to caching or server time issues. Simple fixes like refreshing the page or clearing cache can help. For better security, consider a reliable site security plugin to protect your hard work.

1. Refresh the page

‘Request nonce is expired’ errors can pop up when you’re right in the middle of something important. Sometimes, the simplest solution is just to refresh the page. This quick action can solve the problem if the nonce has only recently expired.

Imagine you’re editing a post and step away for a bit. When you return and try to save, you might see the error. By refreshing the page, you’re asking WordPress to reload everything fresh. This often renews the nonce, allowing you to carry on without any hassle.

Don’t worry if this seems too easy to be true. Often, the simplest solutions are the most effective. So, next time you see that error, try hitting refresh. It might be all you need to keep moving forward with your work.

2. Reset browser cache

Sometimes, your browser holds onto old data, causing ‘request nonce is expired’ errors. Clearing your cache and cookies ensures you’re working with the latest information.

To clear your cache, open your browser settings. Look for the option labeled Clear browsing data. Select it, and then choose Cached images and files and Cookies and other site data. Make sure to set the time range to All time for a thorough reset. Finally, click Clear data.

Imagine it’s like tidying up your desk. Once cleared, your browser can load the newest versions of your pages. This simple step can resolve errors and improve your browsing experience. Give it a try next time, and see if it helps!

3. Check for plugin or theme conflicts

Sometimes, your WordPress plugins or theme might not play well together. This could lead to ‘request nonce is expired’ errors. These conflicts can disrupt the way your site functions.

To check for plugin conflicts, start by disabling all your plugins. If the error goes away, one of them might be the problem. Re-enable them one-by-one, testing each time to find the culprit. Once you identify the troublesome plugin, consider replacing it. Don’t forget to let the developers know about the issue—they might offer a fix.

Themes can also cause conflicts. Try switching to a default theme like Twenty Twenty-Three. If the error disappears, your theme might be the issue. Identifying these conflicts helps keep your site running smoothly.

4. Increase nonce lifespan

In WordPress, the default nonce lifespan is 12-24 hours. If you’re working for longer periods, a nonce may expire, causing ‘request nonce is expired’ errors.

To extend the nonce lifespan, you’ll need to edit the wp-config.php file. Open this file and add the following code:

add_filter( 'nonce_life', 'custom_nonce_lifetime' );
function custom_nonce_lifetime() {
	return 24 * HOUR_IN_SECONDS;
}

This code increases the nonce lifespan. This gives you more time to complete your tasks without interruptions. It’s a helpful tweak if you often encounter expiration errors during long work sessions.

5. Correct server time

If your server’s time is off, it can cause ‘request nonce is expired’ errors in WordPress. Ensuring it’s correctly synchronized is important for your site to function smoothly.

To check your server time, log into your hosting account or use a tool like phpMyAdmin. Look for the server’s date and time settings. If you notice discrepancies, it might be the root of your nonce issues.

If the time isn’t correct, reach out to your hosting provider. They can help adjust the server time so it matches the accurate time zone. Keeping your server time correct helps prevent errors and ensures your site runs efficiently.

6. Verify custom code

Custom code can enhance your WordPress site. But it’s important to ensure nonce verification is properly implemented. This helps prevent nonce-related errors, like ‘request nonce is expired’.

People use custom code to add unique features or functionality not available through plugins or themes. You might add this code to your theme’s functions.php file or use a custom plugin.

When adding custom code, always check that nonces are being generated and verified correctly. If there are issues, review your code or consult a developer. Properly handling nonces ensures your custom features work smoothly and securely.

7. Check for updates

Keeping your WordPress site up to date is crucial for avoiding errors. This also includes nonce-related ones like ‘request nonce is expired’. This means updating the WordPress core, themes, and plugins regularly.

To update them, go to your WordPress dashboard. You’ll find notifications for updates in the Updates section.

Before updating, it’s smart to backup your site. This way, you won’t lose anything important if something goes wrong.

If possible, use a staging site to test updates. This lets you catch any issues before they affect your live site. Staying updated keeps your site secure and functioning smoothly.

8. Consult error logs

If ‘request nonce is expired’ errors keep occurring, check your WordPress error logs. They can provide valuable insights and help identify what’s going wrong behind the scenes.

To enable error logging, edit your wp-config.php file and add the following line before the end of the file:

define('WP_DEBUG', true);

This activates debugging mode. It allows you to see detailed error messages and log them for review.

Imagine it like turning on a light in a dark room; you’ll see more clearly what’s causing issues. Reviewing these logs can guide you to the root of the problem, making it easier to fix.

Just remember to turn debugging off when finished to keep your site secure. All you need to do is change the true value from earlier to false in your wp-config.php file.

9. Restore from backup

If all else fails and ‘request nonce is expired’ errors still haunt your site, restoring from a backup might be your best option. This can revert your site to a time before the issues started.

To do this, use the backup solution you have, whether it’s a plugin or a hosting feature. Locate a backup from when your site was working well, and restore it.

Think of it as hitting the reset button. It can save you time and stress, bringing everything back to normal. Always keep regular backups to make this process easier if needed.

10. Contact your hosting provider

So you’ve tried everything, but the ‘request nonce is expired’ error persists? It might be time to contact your hosting provider. They can offer server-side solutions that you might not have access to.

Your hosting support team can check for any underlying issues on the server that could be causing these errors. They’re equipped to handle technical problems beyond your control.

Reaching out for support ensures that any hidden server issues are addressed promptly. It’s a good step to take when other solutions haven’t worked.

What causes the request nonce is expired error?

‘Request nonce is expired’ errors can be frustrating, and they’re often caused by a variety of factors. Understanding these can help prevent issues.

How to prevent the request nonce is expired error?

Now that you know what causes the ‘request nonce is expired’ error and how to fix it, it’s time to look at ways to prevent this error from recurring:

Final thoughts

Handling ‘request nonce is expired’ errors might seem tricky at first, but with the right steps, you can fix them. Refreshing the page or clearing the cache often solves the issue quickly. If you’re still facing problems, looking at plugins or server settings might help. Always make sure everything is up to date to prevent future errors. Regular maintenance goes a long way.

Beyond nonces, securing your site is crucial. MalCare offers great features to keep your data safe. Its robust malware scanner and one-click removal feature swiftly deal with threats. The smart firewall protects your site from harmful activities. Plus, its vulnerability scanning checks for weaknesses. All these features work without slowing down your site. For peace of mind, consider using MalCare to keep your WordPress site secure.

FAQs

What does “nonce expired” mean?

“Nonce expired” means that a security code used by WordPress has run out of time. Nonces are temporary codes that help keep your site safe by ensuring actions are genuine. They usually last 12-24 hours. Once expired, they can’t validate actions, which can lead to errors when trying to do something on your site.

Why is my nonce not working in WordPress?

Your nonce might not work in WordPress because it could be expired, meaning its time limit has been reached. Browser cache might be using an old nonce, or there might be conflicts with plugins or themes. Incorrect server time or issues with custom code handling nonces can also cause problems.

How do I turn off nonce?

Turning off nonces in WordPress isn’t recommended because they help protect your site. However, if needed, you can modify specific code to skip nonce verification. Be careful, as this can make your site vulnerable to security risks. Always ensure your site’s security is a priority.