The White Screen of Death (WSOD) in WordPress can be a daunting experience, but fear not—there are several common reasons behind it, and solutions are readily available. Let’s dive into troubleshooting and fixing the deadliest white screen of death.
Enable Debugging Mode
In your WordPress configuration file (wp-config.php), set WP_DEBUG to true. This will enable debugging mode and provide more detailed error messages.
define('WP_DEBUG', true);
Check Error Messages: Visit your site, and instead of the white screen, you should now see error messages pointing to the source of the issue.
Memory Limit Exhausted
If the error indicates a memory limit issue, you can increase it by adding the following line to your wp-config.php file.
define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M');
Plugin or Theme Conflicts
If you can access the admin area, deactivate all plugins. If not, use FTP to rename the plugins folder in your wp-content directory to something else.
Switch to Default Theme: Temporarily switch to a default WordPress theme (e.g., Twenty Twenty-One) by renaming your current theme’s folder.
Read: WordPress Security Plugins: Why We Choose Wordfence
Corrupted Core Files
Download a fresh copy of WordPress from the official website and upload the core files via FTP, excluding the wp-content folder. This will ensure that the core files are not corrupted.
Incorrect File Permissions
Incorrect file permissions can lead to the white screen. Ensure that the file and folder permissions are correctly set. Directories should typically have a permission setting of 755, and files should have a setting of 644.
Database Connection Issues
Verify your database credentials in the wp-config.php file. Ensure that the database server, username, password, and database name are accurate.
PHP Compatibility
Ensure that your hosting server is running a PHP version that is compatible with your WordPress version. Upgrade to a supported PHP version.
.htaccess File Issues
Rename your existing .htaccess file to something else and let WordPress generate a new one. You can do this from the WordPress admin area or by using FTP.
Theme Functions.php File Issues
Errors in your theme’s functions.php file can cause the white screen. Review the file for syntax errors or any code that may be causing the problem.
Contact Hosting Support
If all else fails, don’t hesitate to contact your hosting provider’s support. They can often assist in diagnosing server-related issues.
Read: Common WordPress Website Security Vulnerabilities (And How To Fix Them)
Conclusion: Resurrecting Your WordPress Site
By systematically addressing these potential issues, you can successfully troubleshoot and fix the white screen of death in WordPress. Remember to proceed cautiously, make backups before making significant changes, and take one step at a time to pinpoint the exact cause of the issue.