Fix WordPress White Screen of Death [10 Working Methods]

The WordPress White Screen of Death (WSoD) is one of the most common issues that WordPress users usually get to see. It occurs when a website gets blank and completely white screen appears. That leaves no error message or indication of what’s wrong with the WordPress website. Recent studies suggest that plugin or theme conflicts account for 40% of WSoD cases, while 25% are caused by PHP memory exhaustion.

Though it may seem very hard, resolving this error is quite easy with the right steps. In this guide, we’ll discuss 10 working methods to fix the WordPress White Screen of Death (WSoD) and ensure your website runs smoothly again.

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What is the WordPress White Screen of Death (WSoD)?

The WSoD is a common error that renders your website inaccessible by displaying a blank white screen. Unlike other WordPress errors, it provides no visible error message, making troubleshooting difficult.

The error can affect either the entire website or specific sections, such as the admin panel.

Common Causes of WSoD

Cause	Percentage of Cases
Plugin or Theme Conflicts	40%
PHP Memory Exhaustion	25%
Syntax Errors	15%
File Permission Issues	10%
Cache Conflicts	5%
Corrupted WordPress Files	5%

(Source: WPBeginner)

The WSoD can occur due to a variety of reasons, ranging from coding issues in plugins or themes to server misconfigurations.

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10 Methods To Fix WordPress White Screen of Death (WSoD)

1. Enable Debugging Mode

Debugging mode in WordPress is a built-in feature designed to detect and log errors. It is an essential first step in troubleshooting the WordPress White Screen of Death (WSoD). When enabled, debugging mode creates a log of all errors occurring on your website, making it easier to identify the root cause.

Steps to Enable Debugging Mode

1. Access the wp-config.php file in your WordPress installation directory using an FTP client or file manager in your hosting panel.
2. Locate the line /* That's all, stop editing! Happy publishing. */ and add the following lines of code above it:

define('WP_DEBUG', true);
define('WP_DEBUG_LOG', true);
define('WP_DEBUG_DISPLAY', false);

3. Save the file and refresh your website. WordPress will create a debug log in the wp-content directory named debug.log. Open this file to review the errors causing the WSoD.

This method is especially useful for finding coding errors in plugins, themes, or custom PHP scripts. By analyzing the log file, you can determine whether a specific plugin, theme, or file needs to be fixed or replaced. Debugging doesn’t fix the issue directly but provides the information needed to take corrective actions.

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2. Increase PHP Memory Limit

The PHP memory limit determines the amount of server memory WordPress can use to execute its scripts.

A low PHP memory limit often causes the WSoD, especially on websites running resource-heavy plugins or themes. Increasing the memory limit ensures WordPress has enough resources to load properly.

Steps to Increase PHP Memory Limit

1. Open the wp-config.php file in your WordPress root directory.
2. Add the following code near the top of the file, before the /* That's all, stop editing! */ line:

define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M');

3. Save the changes and refresh your website.

Alternatively, if you have access to your hosting control panel:

• Edit the php.ini file and set memory_limit = 256M.
• For .htaccess files, add the line:

php_value memory_limit 256M

This method is especially effective for resolving issues caused by resource-intensive plugins or themes. If the problem persists, check with your hosting provider to ensure your server supports the memory allocation you’ve defined.

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3. Deactivate Plugins

Plugins are a common cause of the WSoD, particularly if they are outdated, poorly coded, or incompatible with other site components.

Deactivating plugins allows you to isolate and identify the plugin responsible for the error.

Steps to Deactivate Plugins

1. If you can access your WordPress admin panel:
   • Navigate to Plugins > Installed Plugins and deactivate all plugins.
   • Reactivate them one by one, refreshing your site after each activation to identify the problematic plugin.
2. If you can’t access the admin panel:
   • Use an FTP client or file manager to access the wp-content folder.
   • Rename the plugins folder to plugins_disabled. This will deactivate all plugins.
   • Refresh your site to see if the issue is resolved.
   • Rename the folder back to plugins and reactivate plugins individually to pinpoint the issue.

Deactivating plugins is effective because it narrows down the root cause. Once the faulty plugin is identified, replace it with an alternative or contact the developer for a fix.

4. Switch to a Default Theme

Themes play a significant role in your website’s functionality. A poorly coded or incompatible theme can lead to the WSoD.

Switching to a default WordPress theme helps determine if the theme is the cause of the problem.

Steps to Switch Themes

1. If the admin dashboard is accessible:
   • Go to Appearance > Themes and activate a default theme like Twenty Twenty-Three.
2. If the admin dashboard isn’t accessible:
   • Use an FTP client to navigate to the wp-content/themes folder.
   • Rename the active theme’s folder to deactivate it (e.g., rename your-theme to your-theme_disabled).
   • WordPress will automatically switch to a default theme if available.

If switching to a default theme resolves the WSoD, the issue lies within your original theme. Check the theme files for errors or update it to the latest version. If you use a custom-built theme, consult the developer for assistance.

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5. Clear Cache

Cached data can sometimes conflict with recent changes on your website, causing the WSoD. Clearing your site’s cache ensures that the browser and server display the most up-to-date version of your website.

Steps to Clear Cache

1. If you use a caching plugin like W3 Total Cache or WP Super Cache:
   • Log in to your admin panel, navigate to the plugin’s settings, and click Clear Cache.
2. If the admin panel isn’t accessible:
   • Use an FTP client to delete the cache folder inside the wp-content directory.
3. Clear your browser cache as well:
   • Go to your browser settings and clear cached files for the website.

Caching improves website performance but can cause conflicts if outdated files are loaded. Clearing cache ensures that updated files and settings are applied.

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6. Check File Permissions

Incorrect file permissions can prevent WordPress from accessing critical files, causing errors like the WSoD.

Ensuring proper file and folder permissions helps restore site functionality.

Correct File Permissions

• Files should have permissions set to 644.
• Folders should have permissions set to 755.

Steps to Fix File Permissions

1. Use an FTP client or hosting file manager to access your WordPress root directory.
2. Right-click on files and folders to adjust their permissions.
3. Apply permissions recursively to all subfolders and files.

If unsure about permissions, consult your hosting provider. Incorrect settings can expose your site to security vulnerabilities, so it’s essential to apply the correct permissions.

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7. Restore a Backup

If recent changes caused the WSoD, restoring a backup is a quick way to revert your website to a functional state.

Many hosting providers and WordPress plugins offer backup and restore tools.

Steps to Restore a Backup

1. Access your hosting control panel and locate the backup section.
2. Select a backup version from before the WSoD occurred.
3. Restore both files and databases.

Alternatively, use plugins like UpdraftPlus or Jetpack to restore backups. Regular backups ensure minimal downtime during troubleshooting.

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8. Disable Auto-Updates

WordPress, plugin, and theme auto-updates can sometimes introduce compatibility issues, resulting in the WSoD.

Disabling auto-updates gives you control over when and how updates are applied.

Steps to Disable Auto-Updates

Add this line to the wp-config.php file:

define('AUTOMATIC_UPDATER_DISABLED', true);

With auto-updates disabled, you can manually update plugins, themes, and WordPress core files after testing them on a staging site. This prevents unexpected errors.

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9. Fix Syntax Errors

Manual edits to theme or plugin files can introduce syntax errors, breaking the site and causing the WSoD.

A single misplaced character, such as a missing semicolon, can trigger the issue.

Steps to Fix Syntax Errors

1. Use an FTP client to access the file you edited.
2. Open the file in a text editor and carefully review your changes.
3. Revert the file to its original state or replace it with the default version.

To avoid future syntax errors, use a code editor with syntax highlighting and test changes on a staging site.

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10. Reinstall WordPress Core Files

Corrupted WordPress core files can lead to the WSoD. Reinstalling these files ensures that you’re running the latest, unmodified version of WordPress.

Steps to Reinstall Core Files

1. Download the latest WordPress package from wordpress.org.
2. Extract the files and upload them to your server via FTP, excluding the wp-content folder and wp-config.php file.
3. Replace all other files.

Reinstalling core files preserves your content while fixing errors caused by corrupted or missing files.

How to prevent WordPress WSoD error?

While it’s crucial to know how to fix the WSoD, prevention is equally important. Regular updates, backups, and monitoring can reduce the risk of encountering this issue.

• Keep Plugins and Themes Updated: Outdated code is a common cause of errors. Update all plugins, themes, and the WordPress core regularly.
• Use a Staging Environment: Test changes on a staging site before applying them to your live site.
• Schedule Backups: Regular backups ensure you can restore your site if errors occur. Use plugins like UpdraftPlus or BackWPup for automatic backups.
• Choose Reliable Hosting: Opt for hosting providers with strong WordPress support and features like automated backups and server monitoring.

Troubleshooting Checklist

Here’s a quick checklist for troubleshooting the WordPress WSoD:

1. Deactivate plugins via FTP.
2. Switch to a default theme.
3. Increase the PHP memory limit.
4. Enable WordPress debugging.
5. Clear site and server cache.
6. Verify file permissions.
7. Re-upload core WordPress files.
8. Ensure PHP compatibility.
9. Disable automatic updates temporarily.
10. Contact your hosting provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

Nowadays, the WordPress White Screen of Death is quite a common yet resolvable issue. By using methods like debugging, increasing memory, and deactivating plugins, you can identify and fix the error. Preventative measures, such as regular backups and testing updates, ensure long-term stability. Follow these steps to maintain a functional and error-free WordPress site.