How to Resolve the WordPress White Screen of Death

Encountering the WordPress White Screen of Death (WSOD) can be a daunting experience, but don’t worry—it’s a common issue that can be resolved with some troubleshooting. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you get your site back up and running.

Step 1: Increase the Memory Limit

One of the most common causes of the WSOD is an exhausted memory limit.

1. Access your wp-config.php file: You can do this via FTP or your hosting control panel.
2. Add the following code just before the line that says /* That's all, stop editing! Happy blogging. */:

   php

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

3. Save the file and check your site.

Step 2: Disable All Plugins

Plugin conflicts can also cause the WSOD.

1. Access your WordPress files via FTP or your hosting control panel.
2. Navigate to the wp-content folder and rename the plugins folder to something like plugins_old.
3. Check your site: If it loads, the issue is with one of your plugins.
4. Rename the folder back to plugins and rename each plugin folder inside the plugins directory one by one to identify the culprit.

Step 3: Switch to a Default Theme

A problematic theme can be the cause.

1. Access your WordPress files via FTP or your hosting control panel.
2. Navigate to wp-content/themes and rename your active theme’s folder to something like theme_old.
3. WordPress will revert to a default theme like twentytwentyone if it’s available. Check if the issue is resolved.

Step 4: Enable Debug Mode

Enabling debug mode can help you pinpoint the issue.

1. Access your wp-config.php file via FTP or your hosting control panel.
2. Add or modify these lines:
   define('WP_DEBUG', true);
define('WP_DEBUG_LOG', true);
define('WP_DEBUG_DISPLAY', false);

3. Check the debug.log file in the wp-content folder for errors and warnings.

Step 5: Check for Corrupted Core Files

Sometimes core WordPress files can become corrupted.

1. Download a fresh copy of WordPress from wordpress.org.
2. Extract the files and upload them to your WordPress installation via FTP, overwriting the existing files (except for the wp-content folder and wp-config.php file).

Step 6: Increase PHP Text Processing Capability

1. Create a .user.ini file in your WordPress root directory.
2. Add the following line to the file:

   php.ini

   max_input_vars = 3000


Step 7: Check File Permissions

Incorrect file permissions can also lead to the WSOD.

1. Ensure your WordPress files and directories have the correct permissions: Files should be set to 644 and directories to 755.

Step 8: Reinstall WordPress

If all else fails, reinstalling WordPress might be necessary.

1. Backup your wp-content folder and wp-config.php file.
2. Delete all WordPress files except the wp-content folder and wp-config.php file.
3. Download a fresh copy of WordPress and upload it to your server.
4. Restore your wp-content folder and wp-config.php file.

Step 9: Contact Your Hosting Provider

If you’re still experiencing issues, it may be time to contact your hosting provider. They can help identify server-related problems that might be causing the WSOD.

By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the WordPress White Screen of Death and get your site back online. If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to leave a comment below.