Fix the WordPress White Screen of Death

One of the most frustrating issues for WordPress users is the “White Screen of Death” (WSOD). When this occurs, the website becomes inaccessible, displaying only a blank, white screen. This issue may arise due to various reasons but can typically be fixed with a few troubleshooting steps. Here’s a guide on diagnosing and resolving the WSOD in your WordPress hosting setup.

Common Causes of the White Screen of Death

Understanding what triggers the WSOD can simplify the troubleshooting process. Here are the primary causes:

  1. Plugin or Theme Conflicts: A recently installed plugin or theme may be incompatible with WordPress, causing errors that result in a blank screen.
  2. Memory Exhaustion: WordPress may exceed the allocated memory, especially if the site uses resource-heavy plugins.
  3. Syntax Errors in Code: Errors in custom code added to themes or plugins can trigger the WSOD.
  4. Corrupted Files: Faulty core files, possibly due to incomplete updates, can also cause the screen to go blank.

Steps to Fix the White Screen of Death

  1. Disable All Plugins
    If the WSOD appeared after activating a plugin, access your hosting provider’s File Manager or FTP to rename the plugins folder temporarily. This action will disable all plugins. Once the site is accessible, reactivate each plugin one by one to identify the source of the conflict.
  2. Switch to a Default Theme
    A conflicting theme could also cause the WSOD. Access the WordPress dashboard and activate a default theme like “Twenty Twenty-One.” If access to the dashboard is unavailable, switch themes by renaming your active theme’s folder through your file manager. After restoring access, consider updating or replacing the problematic theme.
  3. Increase Memory Limit
    Low memory limits can cause WordPress to display a blank screen. To increase memory, access the wp-config.php file and add the line define(‘WP_MEMORY_LIMIT’, ‘256M’);. This should grant WordPress additional resources, potentially resolving the issue.
  4. Fix Syntax Errors in Code
    If code modifications were recently added, check for syntax errors. These errors often result in the WSOD. Correct them by accessing your theme or plugin files through the file manager. For those unfamiliar with coding, restoring the original file or consulting a developer is recommended.
  5. Enable WordPress Debug Mode
    Debug mode can reveal specific errors that cause the WSOD. By adding define(‘WP_DEBUG’, true); and define(‘WP_DEBUG_LOG’, true); to the wp-config.php file, WordPress will generate an error log that can help identify problematic files.
  6. Check for Corrupted Core Files
    Core WordPress files sometimes get corrupted during an update or file transfer. Re-uploading the core files (except for the wp-content folder) from a fresh download of WordPress can help resolve the issue without affecting content.

Preventative Measures for Avoiding the WSOD

  1. Limit Plugin Usage: Minimize the number of plugins installed, as each plugin adds load to your hosting server.
  2. Update Regularly: Keeping themes, plugins, and WordPress itself up-to-date can prevent compatibility issues.
  3. Use Reliable WordPress Hosting: Quality hosting services provide stability, offering sufficient memory limits, compatibility support, and expert assistance.

Conclusion

The WordPress White Screen of Death can disrupt both the functionality and appearance of a site, but it is often resolved with a few targeted adjustments. Reliable WordPress hosting, such as ShoHost, can help prevent such issues by offering robust support and resources that ensure stability and performance. Consider ShoHost’s reliable hosting solutions for a seamless WordPress experience that’s always ready for success.

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