Why does the ‘Are you sure you want to do this’ error occur in WordPress?

Have you ever been faced with the ‘Are you sure you want to do this’ error? This is one of the most common WordPress errors that you may get when you are building and developing a WordPress website. This error occurs because of a Nonce check failure. That means when WordPress can’t read the Nonce of theme or plugin correctly, there will be an error message like the image below. So, what is the solution to the issue? Let’s explore the blog today to find out how to fix this error quickly and effectively.

Fix 'Are you sure you want to do this' error 1

The solution to fix the ‘Are you sure you want to do this’ error in WordPress

Before starting to find the causes and fix the error, it’s necessary for you to use WordPress Backup Plugins to generate a backup. This will help your site database be safer in case you meet bad situations. Once backup, let’s begin to address the trouble now!

Deactivating your plugins

When you get the error, it may most likely be due to the plugins or themes you are using on your site. Therefore, you need to deactivate all the WordPress plugins first. After that, let’s connect the WordPress hosting account via an FTP client. Next, simply go to the wp-content folder, then change the name of the plugins folder into plugins.deactivated.

Now, let’s access your WordPress admin dashboard, and go to Plugins -> Installed Plugins. There will be a notification ensuring that all your plugins are uninstalled and deactivated. If the error doesn’t still appear, that means one of the plugins you are using caused the problem. So, you need to go back FTP client, then rename the plugins.deactivated folder into plugins. After that, go back to your admin dashboard, activate each plugin one by one to find which plugin causes the error. When you know the plugin causing the issue, let’s contact plugin developers to ask them about this or try to use another plugin with the same features.

Investigating your theme

If you are checking all the plugins but they don’t cause the error, it’s time for you to investigate the theme you are using. In the admin area, let’s go to Appearance -> Themes. In case you will see the message ‘The active theme is broken. Reverting to the default theme‘, simply active the default theme. If there is no error after you use the default theme, that means the theme you use before caused the error. So, you just need to use another theme or the default theme to avoid the issue.

Fix 'Are you sure you want to do this' error 2

Replacing the WordPress core files

If the two methods above don’t work, you may try to replace your WordPress code files. Let’s follow the steps:

  • Access the WordPress files by using the FTP client
  • In the root directory, delete all files except wp-content and wp-config.php 
  • Download the latest WordPress version, unzip as well as save it on your system
  • Open the folder containing the new WordPress files

Fix 'Are you sure you want to do this' error 3

  • On the left side of the screen, select all files except wp-content and wp-config.php

Fix 'Are you sure you want to do this' error 4

  • Right-click on the selected folder, then choose upload

The solution can help you remove the error. So, let’s check out the result on your site now.

Wrap up

In conclusion, we have already shared with you some tips to fix ‘Are you sure you want to do this’ error. Thus, we hope that you can effectively tackle the trouble whenever you get it. If you believe the blog is helpful, why don’t you suggest it to your friends? Last but not least, don’t forget that we are offering a lot of responsive and eye-catching Free WordPress Themes, let’s take a look!

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