Elementor Pro site_editor_type() does not exist

Introduction

While working on WordPress updates for a client, I encountered a critical error related to the Elementor Pro plugin “site_editor_type() does not exist“. The error message was not initially informative, but through a series of steps, I managed to diagnose and resolve the issue. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the issue “site_editor_type() does not exist” when using Elementor Pro, its solution, and the steps I took to ensure a seamless experience.

Encountering the Error

During routine plugin updates, I encountered a critical error “site_editor_type() does not exist” with the Elementor Pro plugin. The error message urged me to check the site admin email inbox for instructions, which wasn’t particularly helpful. Realizing that I hadn’t enabled the WP_DEBUG setting, I enabled it to gain more detailed error information. This led to an error message indicating an issue with a missing function within the plugin code.

Uncaught ReflectionException: Method ElementorPro\Modules\ThemeBuilder\Documents\Section::get_site_editor_type() does not exist

Identifying the Problem

Analyzing the error, it became evident that the problem was specific to Elementor Pro. The error message indicated that the function “site_editor_type()” did not exist, which initially seemed helpful but lacked context. After further investigation, I also observed that the client’s Elementor Pro license might have been expired or not correctly linked to the site. Temporarily disabling the plugin resolved the error, but this wasn’t an ideal solution due to the need for Elementor Pro and its extra features.

Resolving the “site_editor_type() does not exist” Issue

To resolve the issue, I recommended that the client update their Elementor plugins since there’s the standard Elementor plugin and the Pro one. However, after the update, the error resurfaced again once I re-enabled the plugin. After thoroughly testing and researching online resources, I identified the root cause: the plugin was missing the mentioned function, likely due to outdated plugin files. For Elementor Pro, you can only get the latest updates if you have paid for the licensing.

The Solution

To rectify the situation, follow these steps:

1. Disable the Plugin

This step is crucial for restoring the site to proper functionality.

If the plugin is enabled and you get this error, you probably can’t access wp-admin. So you only have two ways to disable the plugin. You can either use WP-CLI, or you can use shell/ FTP to move the plugin folder.

To disable the plugin with WP-CLI, you can run the following:

wp plugin deactivate elementor-pro

To disable the plugin with FTP or shell, you can move the folder to elementor-pro-bak. This allows you to back up the plugin in case you need it again. Once you get the plugin reinstalled, delete the backed-up plugin folder.

mv wp-content/plugins/elementor-pro wp-content/plugins/elementor-pro-bak

Either delete the plugin folder using FTP or deactivate it using WP-CLI with the command wp plugin deactivate elementor-pro. This step is crucial for restoring proper site functionality.

2. Obtain the Latest Plugin Files

Access the Elementor Pro plugin files from your Elementor account by visiting https://my.elementor.com/subscriptions/.

If you don’t have an Elementor subscription, you must buy a subscription first:

Download the plugin zip file you’ll need for installation. To download the file, click the down arrow next to your user avatar in the top right-hand corner of the page.

3. Install the Updated Plugin

Log in to your WordPress site and navigate to the plugins page. Go to:

https://<your_domain_name>/wp-admin/plugin-install.php

Click on “Upload.” Upload the zip file downloaded from the Elementor site.

4. Activate the Plugin

Once uploaded, activate the updated Elementor Pro plugin. This step ensures that the latest version with the missing function is now in use.

5. Update the License

In most cases, the license will be automatically enabled. If not, navigate to the admin menu under Elementor and find the option to update the Elementor Pro license.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can successfully address the “site_editor_type()” error caused by outdated Elementor Pro plugin files. This guide helps you troubleshoot and resolve the issue, ensuring that you can continue using the plugin’s features without any hindrance. If you encounter any challenges during this process, leave a comment below. Your website’s functionality and user experience are of utmost importance, and this solution ensures a smooth continuation of your WordPress endeavors.

If this worked out for you and want to show your love, you can always buy me a coffee.