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Resolving the 'Parse error: syntax error, unexpected ')' in admin-display.cls.php' After LiteSpeed Cache Update

15 threads Sep 25, 2025 Plugin → Litespeed cache

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Several users have reported their websites going offline after an automatic update of the LiteSpeed Cache plugin, displaying a critical error: Parse error: syntax error, unexpected ‘)’ in /wp-content/plugins/litespeed-cache/src/admin-display.cls.php on line 361. This article explains the likely cause and provides steps to resolve the issue.

What Causes This Error?

This parse error is a PHP syntax error. It typically indicates that the plugin files on the server became corrupted during the update process. While the error points to a specific line and character, the root cause is often an incomplete file transfer or a conflict during the auto-update procedure, resulting in a broken file.

How to Fix It

Since the error prevents access to the WordPress admin area, you will need to act on the server level. The following methods are the most common and effective solutions.

Method 1: Reinstall the Plugin Manually (Recommended)

This is the most reliable fix, as confirmed by users in the community.

  1. Access your server via FTP, SFTP, or your hosting provider's file manager.
  2. Navigate to the /wp-content/plugins/ directory.
  3. Delete the entire litespeed-cache folder. This will remove the corrupted files. Your plugin settings are stored in the database and will be preserved.
  4. Reinstall a fresh copy of the plugin. You can do this in two ways:
    • Via WordPress Admin: After deleting the files, visit your website's admin area. It should now be accessible. Go to Plugins > Add New, search for "LiteSpeed Cache," and install it.
    • Manually Upload: Download the latest version from the WordPress plugin repository. Extract the ZIP file and upload the new litespeed-cache folder to your /wp-content/plugins/ directory.
  5. Once reinstalled, activate the plugin. Your previous settings should still be active.

Method 2: Temporarily Disable the Plugin via File System

If you cannot immediately reinstall the plugin, this method will bring your site back online.

  1. Access your server via FTP/SFTP or file manager.
  2. Navigate to the /wp-content/plugins/ directory.
  3. Rename the litespeed-cache folder to something like litespeed-cache-off. This will deactivate the plugin.
  4. Your site should now load. You can then proceed with a clean reinstallation (Method 1) at your convenience.

Preventing Future Occurrences

While automatic updates are convenient, they can sometimes fail. For mission-critical websites, consider implementing a staging environment where you can test plugin updates before applying them to your live site.

If the problem persists across multiple sites after a clean reinstall, it may be helpful to check if your server's PHP version is compatible with the latest version of the LiteSpeed Cache plugin. The plugin team provides information about requirements in their documentation.

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