WordPress White Screen Error Solution – White Screen of Death

One of the most common issues WordPress users face is the white screen error. Instead of seeing your content, you encounter a blank white page, and sometimes you can’t even access the admin panel. This problem is known in the WordPress world as the White Screen of Death (WSoD).

So, why does the WordPress white screen error happen and how can it be fixed? Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Causes of the WordPress White Screen Error

• Plugin conflicts: Incompatible or faulty plugins

• Theme-related issues: Outdated or poorly coded themes

• PHP memory limit: Exceeding the defined memory limit on the server

• Code errors: Mistakes in functions.php or files with custom code

• Corrupted files: Wrong permissions or broken WordPress core files

How to Fix the WordPress White Screen Error

1. Deactivate Plugins


If you cannot access the admin panel, rename the wp-content/plugins folder via FTP or file manager.
If the site loads, the problem is caused by a plugin. Activate them one by one to identify the faulty one.

2. Change the Theme

Rename the active theme folder inside wp-content/themes.
WordPress will automatically switch to a default theme (e.g., Twenty Twenty-Three).
If the site works, the problem is theme-related.

3. Increase PHP Memory Limit

Add this line to your wp-config.php file:
define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M');
This allows WordPress to use more memory.

4. Enable WP_DEBUG Mode

Activate these lines in the wp-config.php file:
define('WP_DEBUG', true);
define('WP_DEBUG_LOG', true);
This will display error messages instead of a blank screen.

5. Check Files and Permissions

Re-upload the WordPress core files.
Ensure correct file permissions (755 for folders, 644 for files).

Tips to Prevent the White Screen Error

• Take regular backups

• Always keep plugins and themes updated

• Use a reliable hosting provider with WordPress-optimized servers

• Avoid unnecessary code and plugins

The WordPress white screen error may seem alarming at first, but it’s usually caused by a simple plugin, theme, or memory setting issue. By following the steps above, you can easily solve the problem and get your website back online.