Knowledgebase

White Screen of Death (WSoD)

The "White Screen of Death" (WSoD) is a term commonly used in the WordPress community to describe a situation where a user sees a completely white screen when trying to access their WordPress site, instead of the expected content. This can be frustrating and alarming, but it's usually a sign that there's a problem with the site's code or configuration.

Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot and resolve the WordPress White Screen of Death:

  1. Check for Plugins or Themes Issues:

    • Plugins: Deactivate all your plugins. If this resolves the issue, reactivate them one by one to identify the problematic plugin.
    • Themes: Switch to a default theme like Twenty Twenty or Twenty Twenty-One. If this resolves the issue, it indicates a problem with your original theme.
  2. Increase PHP Memory Limit:

    • Sometimes, a low PHP memory limit can cause a white screen. You can try increasing it by adding the following line to your wp-config.php file:
      SQL

 

    • define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M');
      If you're not comfortable editing files directly, you can contact your hosting provider for assistance.
  • Enable Debugging:

    • Open your wp-config.php file and locate the following line:
      SQL
  • define('WP_DEBUG', false);
  • Change false to true:
    SQL

 

    • define('WP_DEBUG', true);
    • This will display error messages that might help you identify the issue.
  1. Check for Syntax Errors:

    • Sometimes, a single line of incorrect code can break your entire site. If you've recently made changes to your theme or any plugins, review them for syntax errors.
  2. Check File Permissions:

    • Incorrect file permissions can sometimes cause problems. Ensure that your files and directories have the correct permissions.
  3. Clear Browser Cache:

    • Cached files in your browser can sometimes cause display issues. Try clearing your browser cache or try accessing the site from a different browser.
  4. Check Server Logs:

    • If you have access to your server logs, they can provide valuable information about what might be causing the issue.
  5. Reinstall WordPress Core:

    • You can reinstall WordPress core files without affecting your content or settings. Download the latest version from the official WordPress website and upload it to your server, overwriting the existing files.
  6. Consult with Hosting Support:

    • If you're not comfortable with technical troubleshooting, contacting your hosting provider's support team can be very helpful.
  7. Restore from Backup:

    • If none of the above steps work, restoring your site from a recent backup might be a last resort.

Always remember to back up your site before making any significant changes or updates. This ensures that you can easily revert to a working version if something goes wrong during troubleshooting.

 
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