Fix Hostinger Frontend Issues with Browser Tools
TL;DR:
- Blank sections and missing assets on Hostinger sites usually stem from script errors or broken file paths
- The browser console shows JavaScript errors and warnings that break your page layout
- The network panel reveals which files aren't loading and why
- These built-in browser tools help you diagnose frontend problems without guesswork
- Regular monitoring catches issues before they affect your visitors
When your Hostinger site displays blank sections or missing elements, the problem often lies in frontend rendering issues. Your browser's developer tools provide the fastest way to identify what's going wrong.
Understanding the Browser Console
The browser console tracks JavaScript activity on your Hostinger site and flags errors that disrupt normal page rendering. This makes it your first stop for troubleshooting display problems.
Opening the Console
Right-click anywhere on your webpage, select 'Inspect', then click the 'Console' tab. You'll see a live feed of your site's JavaScript activity.
Reading Error Messages
Red text indicates critical errors that can break page functionality. These often point to missing files, syntax problems, or conflicts between scripts. Yellow warnings might seem less urgent, but they can still cause layout issues or slow performance.
Common Console Errors on Hostinger
- Failed to load resource errors usually mean a file path is incorrect
- Uncaught TypeError messages often indicate plugin conflicts
- Mixed content warnings appear when HTTP resources load on HTTPS pages
The console timestamps each message, helping you trace when problems occur during page loading.
Using the Network Panel
The network panel shows every file your Hostinger site requests when loading. This includes images, stylesheets, JavaScript files, and fonts. Failed requests often explain missing content or broken layouts.
Accessing Network Information
Switch to the 'Network' tab in your browser's developer tools, then refresh your page. You'll see each file request with its status, size, and load time.
Identifying Problem Files
Look for entries with red status codes:
- 404 errors mean files can't be found at their specified location
- 403 errors indicate permission problems
- 500 errors suggest server-side issues
Checking Load Performance
Large files or slow server responses can cause layout shifts as content loads. The network panel's timeline view shows which resources delay your page rendering.
Files that take longer than 3-4 seconds to load often need optimization or alternative hosting arrangements.
Diagnosing Blank Sections
Blank sections typically result from JavaScript errors that prevent content from displaying. Check your console for errors occurring around the time that section should load.
Common causes include:
- Missing jQuery or other required libraries
- Conflicts between different JavaScript files
- Incorrect API endpoints or database connections
- CSS rules that hide content unintentionally
Cross-reference console errors with your network panel. A missing JavaScript file will show as both a 404 error in the network tab and likely trigger related errors in the console.
Fixing Asset Loading Issues
When images, fonts, or stylesheets don't load properly, start by checking their file paths in the network panel. Hostinger sites sometimes break when files move between directories or when URLs change.
Path Problems
Relative paths can break when page structures change. Absolute URLs pointing to old locations cause similar issues. The network panel shows the exact URL your site attempted to access, making it easier to spot incorrect paths.
Cache-Related Issues
Browser caching sometimes serves outdated versions of files. Clear your browser cache and hard refresh (Ctrl+F5 or Cmd+Shift+R) to ensure you're seeing current versions.
File Permission Issues
403 errors in the network panel suggest file permission problems on your Hostinger server. Check that your files have appropriate read permissions through your hosting control panel.
FAQs
Why do I see errors in the console even though my site looks normal?
Not all console errors affect visible functionality. Some relate to analytics scripts, advertising code, or optional features. Focus on errors that correlate with actual display problems.
How often should I check these developer tools?
Check after making any changes to your site, especially when adding new plugins, themes, or custom code. Regular monitoring helps catch issues before visitors encounter them.
Can I use these tools if I don't know how to code?
Yes. You don't need coding knowledge to spot 404 errors, identify slow-loading files, or copy error messages for support requests. The visual information often points toward solutions.
What should I do if the errors seem too technical?
Document the exact error messages and which actions trigger them. This information helps Hostinger support or developers diagnose problems more quickly.
Jargon Buster
Frontend Rendering – The process of displaying webpage content like text, images and interactive elements in your browser
Browser Console – A debugging tool that shows JavaScript errors, warnings and messages from your webpage
Network Panel – Browser tool that displays all files your webpage requests, including their loading status and performance
Script Errors – Problems in JavaScript code that prevent normal website functionality
File Paths – The location addresses where your website's files are stored, essential for loading content correctly
404 Error – Status code indicating a requested file cannot be found at its specified location
Wrap-up
Browser developer tools give you direct insight into how your Hostinger site loads and where problems occur. The console reveals JavaScript issues that break functionality, while the network panel shows which files fail to load properly.
These tools work together to paint a complete picture of frontend problems. Console errors often correlate with failed network requests, helping you trace issues from symptom to root cause.
The more you use these tools, the faster you'll spot patterns and identify solutions. Most frontend issues on Hostinger sites fall into predictable categories once you know what to look for.
Ready to level up your troubleshooting skills? Join the Pixelhaze Academy for more hands-on tutorials and expert guidance.