WordPress is a popular platform used by bloggers and website owners to create their websites. It is easy to use and has a wide range of features. However, at times, users may encounter the “white screen of death” (WSOD) error, which can be frustrating and overwhelming. In this article, we will explain what causes the WSOD and provide you with a step-by-step guide on How to fix WordPress white screen of death.
What is the WordPress white screen of death?
The white screen of death is a common error in WordPress that causes the website to display a blank white page, leaving users unable to access their website or the WordPress dashboard. This error can occur due to a variety of reasons, including a problem with a plugin or theme, a PHP error, a memory issue, or a server configuration problem.
What causes the WordPress white screen of death?
There are several reasons why you might experience the WordPress white screen of death. The most common causes include:
Plugin conflicts
One of the most common causes of the white screen of death is a conflict between two or more plugins. This usually occurs when two or more plugins have the same functionality or use the same code. As a result, the website cannot load, and the user sees a blank white page.
Theme conflicts
Another common cause of the white screen of death is a conflict between the theme and the plugins. This can happen when the theme and the plugins use different versions of jQuery or other libraries.
PHP errors
If there is an error in the PHP code, the website may display a blank white screen. This could be due to a syntax error, missing files, or outdated PHP version.
Memory issues
If your website is running out of memory, it may cause the white screen of death error. This can happen when the website has too many plugins or when the server is not configured properly.
Server configuration issues
A server configuration issue can also cause the white screen of death. This can happen when there is a problem with the PHP settings or when the server is overloaded.
How to fix the WordPress white screen of death?
Now that we have discussed the possible causes of the white screen of death, let’s take a look at how you can fix it. Here are some solutions that you can try:
Deactivate plugins
One of the first things you can do is to deactivate all the plugins on your website. This can help you determine whether the problem is caused by a plugin conflict. To do this, log in to your WordPress dashboard, go to the Plugins page, and select all the plugins. Then, click on the “Deactivate” option from the Bulk Actions dropdown menu.
Change the theme
If deactivating the plugins does not solve the problem, you can try changing the theme. This can help you determine if the problem is caused by a theme conflict. To do this, go to the Appearance tab in the WordPress dashboard, select Themes, and then activate a different theme.
Increase memory limit
Another solution is to increase the memory limit of your website. To do this, you need to edit the wp-config.php file in your WordPress root directory. Add the following line of code to the file: define(‘WP_MEMORY_LIMIT’, ‘256M’); This will increase the memory limit to 256 MB.
Check for PHP errors
If the above solutions do not work, you should check for PHP errors. To do this, you need to enable debugging mode in WordPress. Open the wp-config.php file and add the following lines of code:
define(‘WP_DEBUG’, true); define(‘WP_DEBUG_LOG’, true); define(‘WP_DEBUG_DISPLAY’, false);
This will enable debugging mode and create a debug.log file in the wp-content directory. This file will contain the PHP errors that are causing the white screen of death. You can use this information to identify the source of the problem and fix it.
Rename the .htaccess file
If the white screen of death is caused by a server configuration issue, you can try renaming the .htaccess file. To do this, access your WordPress root directory via FTP or cPanel, find the .htaccess file, rename it to something like .htaccess_old, and try accessing your website again.
Reinstall WordPress
If none of the above solutions work, you may need to reinstall WordPress. Before you do this, make sure to backup your website data and files. Then, download the latest version of WordPress from the official website and follow the installation instructions.
Contact your hosting provider
If you have tried all the above solutions and still can’t fix the white screen of death error, it may be time to contact your hosting provider. Your hosting provider may be able to identify the root cause of the problem and provide a solution.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the white screen of death can be a frustrating and confusing error for WordPress users. However, by following the solutions outlined above, you can quickly identify the root cause of the problem and fix it. In most cases, the white screen of death is caused by a plugin or theme conflict, a PHP error, a memory issue, or a server configuration problem. By deactivating plugins, changing the theme, increasing memory limit, checking for PHP errors, reinstalling WordPress, or contacting your hosting provider, you can resolve this issue and get your website back up and running.
It is important to note that prevention is key when it comes to the white screen of death. Regularly updating your WordPress installation, themes, and plugins, and regularly backing up your website can help prevent this error from occurring in the first place.
In summary, the white screen of death is a common error in WordPress, but it can be fixed with the right solutions. By understanding the causes of the error and following the steps outlined above, you can quickly and easily get your website back up and running.