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How to Fix the White Screen of Death in WordPress

The White Screen of Death (WSoD) is one of the most common WordPress errors. It happens when the site displays a blank white screen without any error messages, making it difficult to determine the cause. This error often results from PHP errors, memory exhaustion, or compatibility issues with themes and plugins.

Here’s how to troubleshoot and fix the White Screen of Death in WordPress.


Step 1: Increase PHP Memory Limit

Sometimes, the WSoD happens because WordPress has exhausted its memory. You can increase the memory limit to resolve this issue:

  • Access Your Site Files via cPanel or FTP: Log in to your cPanel or connect to your site using an FTP client.
  • Edit the wp-config.php File: Locate this file in the root directory of your WordPress installation.
  • Add Memory Limit Code: Add the following code just above the line that says “That’s all, stop editing! Happy blogging.”
define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '1536M');

Save and Upload the File: Save the changes and upload the file back to your server if using FTP.

    After updating, check if the website loads. If not, proceed to the next step.


    Step 2: Deactivate All Plugins

    Conflicting or malfunctioning plugins can cause the White Screen of Death. Here’s how to deactivate them:

    1. Log into cPanel or Connect via FTP.
    2. Navigate to the wp-content Folder: Inside this folder, you’ll see a folder named plugins.
    3. Rename the plugins Folder: Rename it to something like plugins_old. This will deactivate all plugins.
    4. Check Your Website: Try reloading your site. If it loads, the issue is with one or more plugins.

    To find the specific plugin causing the issue, rename the plugins_old folder back to plugins, then rename each plugin folder one by one until you find the one causing the WSoD.


    Step 3: Switch to a Default Theme

    A faulty theme can also cause the White Screen of Death. To test this:

    1. Access cPanel or FTP.
    2. Go to wp-content/themes Folder: Locate the folder of your currently active theme.
    3. Rename the Theme Folder: Rename your theme folder to deactivate it. WordPress will automatically switch to a default theme (such as Twenty Twenty-One).
    4. Check Your Site: If the site loads, the issue is likely with your theme. You may need to update or reinstall it.

    Step 4: Enable Debug Mode for More Information

    WordPress has a built-in debug mode that can provide clues about the WSoD. Here’s how to enable it:

    1. Open wp-config.php in cPanel or FTP.
    2. Add Debug Code: Look for WP_DEBUG in the file. If it doesn’t exist, add the following lines:
    define('WP_DEBUG', true);
    define('WP_DEBUG_LOG', true);
    define('WP_DEBUG_DISPLAY', false);
    1. Save the File: Reload your site, then check the wp-content/debug.log file for error messages.

    This log file can reveal errors causing the WSoD, such as plugin or theme issues.


    Step 5: Clear Your Cache

    If you use a caching plugin or have server-side caching, clearing it can sometimes fix the White Screen of Death.

    1. Clear Caching Plugin: If you can access the WordPress dashboard, go to your caching plugin settings and clear the cache.
    2. Server Cache: If your hosting provider uses caching, clear it from your hosting account’s control panel.

    Step 6: Restore from Backup

    If none of the above steps resolve the issue, consider restoring your site from a recent backup. We providers automated backups, or you can restore from your control panel, or contact us!


    Additional Tips

    • Check File Permissions: Incorrect file permissions can sometimes cause the WSoD. Ensure that folders are set to 755 and files to 644.
    • Contact Your Host: If you’re unable to resolve the issue, reach out to us, as server-side issues can also lead to the White Screen of Death.

    By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the White Screen of Death and get your WordPress site back up and running. If the issue persists, it’s best to seek professional assistance.

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