How to Check Plesk Logs for Troubleshooting
Logs record exactly what happens on your server and help identify root causes of issues.
Accessing Logs
Log Browser (Recommended)
Plesk > Websites & Domains > your domain > Logs. Shows real-time entries from multiple sources.
Filtering
Filter by type (Error, Warning, Info), source (IIS, PHP), date range, or keyword. Enable auto-refresh to watch logs in real time while reproducing issues.
Types of Logs
Access Log
Every HTTP request: timestamp, method, URL, status code, user agent. Look for patterns of 404s (broken links), 500s (code bugs), or 401s (brute force).
Error Log
Server-side errors with details. This is where you find explanations for 500 errors.
PHP Error Log
Entries prefixed with [php]:
- Fatal error — Script crashed (missing class, function, file)
- Warning — Something wrong but script continued
- Parse error — Syntax error in code
Application Logs
- WordPress:
wp-content/debug.log(when WP_DEBUG_LOG enabled) - .NET: Application log files or Windows Event Log
Mail Logs
Email delivery attempts, bounces, spam filter decisions, authentication attempts.
Reading Logs
Common Patterns
Repeated 500 errors on same URL: Code bug or resource issue on that endpoint.
Spike in 404s for one URL: Broken link somewhere. Set up a redirect.
Rapid 401 POST to login: Brute force attack. Enable CAPTCHA or login protection.
"Allowed memory size exhausted": PHP needs more memory. Increase memory_limit.
Enabling Debug Logging
PHP
Plesk > PHP Settings: set display_errors=On, error_reporting=E_ALL, log_errors=On. Disable display_errors after debugging.
WordPress
In wp-config.php:
define('WP_DEBUG', true);
define('WP_DEBUG_LOG', true);
define('WP_DEBUG_DISPLAY', false);ASP.NET
In web.config: <customErrors mode="Off"/> and <compilation debug="true"/>. Disable in production.
Downloading Logs
Use Plesk File Manager or FTP to download log files. For large files, use text editors like Notepad++ or VS Code.
Log Retention
Logs grow over time. Plesk rotates automatically, but check disk usage. Archive important logs before deleting old ones.
Related Articles
Need help? Contact our support team at {{SUPPORT_URL}}/client/support.