If you’re a WordPress user, you may have encountered the dreaded “white screen of death” at some point. This error can be frustrating, especially if you’re not familiar with the technicalities of website troubleshooting. But don’t worry – this guide will show you how to fix the WordPress white screen of death and get your website back up and running in no time.

Step 1: Check for Plugin and Theme Conflicts

The first step to fix the WordPress white screen of death is to check for plugin and theme conflicts. Sometimes, a plugin or theme can cause this error to occur. To test this, deactivate all plugins and switch to a default theme (such as Twenty Twenty-One). If the white screen disappears, it means that there is a conflict with one of your plugins or your theme. You can then reactivate your plugins one by one until you find the one causing the issue.

Step 2: Increase Memory Limit

If the plugin and theme conflict test did not fix the issue, then the next step is to increase the memory limit. WordPress requires a certain amount of memory to function properly, and sometimes the white screen of death can occur if there is not enough memory available. To increase the memory limit, you need to edit the wp-config.php file. Simply add the following code to the file:

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

This will increase the memory limit to 256 MB. If this doesn’t work, you can try increasing it even further.

Step 3: Enable Debugging

Enabling debugging can help you identify the cause of the WordPress white screen of death. To enable debugging, add the following code to the wp-config.php file:

define( 'WP_DEBUG', true );

This will turn on WordPress debugging mode, which will display error messages on the screen. You can then use these error messages to pinpoint the source of the issue.

Step 4: Replace Core Files

If none of the above steps worked, then the last resort is to replace the core files. This involves downloading a fresh copy of WordPress and replacing the existing files on your website. Before you do this, make sure to back up your website to avoid losing any data. You can then follow these steps to replace the core files:

• Download the latest version of WordPress from the official website.
• Unzip the file and delete the wp-content folder.
• Connect to your website using FTP and navigate to the root directory.
• Delete all the files except for the wp-config.php file and the wp-content folder.
• Upload the new WordPress files to the root directory.

Once you’ve completed these steps, your website should be up and running again.

Conclusion

The WordPress white screen of death can be a frustrating issue, but it’s not insurmountable. By following these steps, you can identify and fix the issue, and get your website back up and running. Remember to always back up your website before making any changes, and if you’re not comfortable with the technical aspects of website troubleshooting, consider seeking professional help.