How to Fix the WordPress WSOD (White Screen of Death)

The WordPress WSOD

The WordPress White Screen of Death (WSOD) is a common issue that website owners and developers encounter when using the WordPress content management system. When you access your website, instead of seeing your content, you see a blank, white screen. This can be frustrating and can cause your website to be inaccessible to your visitors.

In this article, we will discuss the common causes of WSOD, how to fix it, and some preventative measures to avoid it in the future.

Causes of WordPress WSOD

There are several reasons why you may encounter the WordPress White Screen of Death. Some of the most common causes are:

Plugin or Theme Issues

Plugins and themes are an essential part of WordPress, and they can add functionality and design to your website. However, not all plugins and themes are created equal. Some may conflict with each other or with your WordPress core files, causing WSOD.

To fix this issue, you can try disabling all your plugins and switching to a default theme. If the issue is resolved, you can then reactivate your plugins one by one, and the theme you were using to identify which one is causing the problem.

PHP Memory Limit

WordPress is built using the PHP programming language, and the amount of memory allocated to it can impact its performance. If your website exceeds the PHP memory limit, it can cause WSOD.

To increase the PHP memory limit, you can add the following line of code to your wp-config.php file:

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

This line of code will increase your website’s memory limit to 256 megabytes.

Corrupted WordPress Files

Sometimes, WordPress core files or files related to plugins and themes can become corrupted. If a file is missing or has an error, it can cause WSOD.

To fix this issue, you can try to replace the damaged file with a fresh copy of WordPress files. This can be done by reinstalling WordPress or uploading a fresh copy of the affected file to your server.

Server Issues

Server issues such as an overloaded server or a misconfiguration can cause WSOD. This is because the server cannot process the request to display your website’s content.

If you suspect that the server is causing the problem, you can contact your web hosting provider to investigate and fix the issue. They may need to perform maintenance on the server, adjust its settings, or migrate your website to a different server.

Database Issues

Your WordPress database stores all your website’s data, such as posts, pages, and comments. If your database becomes corrupt or experiences a problem, it can cause WSOD.

To fix database-related issues, you can try repairing your database using the built-in WordPress database repair tool or a plugin such as WP-DBManager. These tools can identify and fix any issues with your database, making it possible to access your website again.

How to Fix WordPress WSOD

Now that we have discussed the common causes of WSOD let’s discuss how to fix it.

Check for a Plugin or Theme Conflict

The first step to fixing WSOD is to identify if a plugin or theme is causing the issue. To do this, you can disable all your plugins and switch to a default theme.

To disable plugins, follow these steps:

• Log in to your WordPress dashboard
• Click on Plugins
• Select all your plugins
• Click on Deactivate from the Bulk Actions drop-down menu
• Click Apply

To switch to a default theme, follow these steps:

• Log in to your WordPress dashboard
• Click on Appearance
• Click on Themes
• Click on the Activate button next to the default theme

If the white screen disappears, it means that a plugin or your theme is causing the problem. Now you can activate your plugins and theme one by one to identify the problematic one.

To activate plugins and themes, follow these steps:

• Log in to your WordPress dashboard
• Click on Plugins or Appearance
• Select one plugin or theme
• Click on Activate
• Check your website to see if the white screen appears

Repeat the process until you find the problematic plugin or theme. Once you have identified the culprit, you can deactivate or remove it.

Increase the PHP Memory Limit

If the issue persists after deactivating all plugins and switching to a default theme, you may need to increase your website’s PHP memory limit.

To do this, you can add the following line of code to your wp-config.php file:

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

This code will increase the memory limit to 256 megabytes. You can adjust the value to fit your website’s needs.

Replace Corrupted WordPress Files

If the issue persists, it may be caused by a corrupted WordPress core file or a file related to a plugin or theme. You can replace the damaged file by reinstalling WordPress or uploading a fresh copy of the affected file to your server.

To reinstall WordPress, follow these steps:

• Download the latest version of WordPress from the official website.
• Unzip the file on your computer.
• Connect to your website via FTP or file manager.
• Delete the wp-admin and wp-includes folders.
• Upload the new wp-admin and wp-includes folders to your website’s root directory.
• Upload the remaining files to your website’s root directory, overwriting the existing files.

If you suspect that a file related to a plugin or theme is causing the issue, you can reinstall the plugin or theme or upload a fresh copy of the affected file.

Contact Your Web Hosting Provider

If none of the above steps work, the issue may be caused by a server-related problem. You can contact your web hosting provider and explain the issue to them. They will investigate the issue and provide a solution.

Repair Your Database

If the issue is related to the database, you can try repairing it using the built-in WordPress database repair tool or a plugin such as WP-DBManager.

To use the built-in WordPress database repair tool, follow these steps:

• Access your website’s files via FTP or file manager.
• Locate the wp-config.php file and add the following line of code:

define('WP_ALLOW_REPAIR', true);

• Save the changes and upload the file to your server.
• Access your website via a web browser and add the following text to the end of your website’s URL: /wp-admin/maint/repair.php.
• Click on the Repair Database button to start the repair process.

Preventative Measures to Avoid WordPress WSOD

The best way to avoid WordPress WSOD is to take preventative measures. Here are some tips to help you prevent WSOD from occurring:

Keep WordPress Core, Plugins, and Themes Updated

One of the main reasons why WordPress websites experience issues is due to outdated plugins, themes, or WordPress core. Keeping these elements up-to-date is essential to ensuring that your website is secure, performs optimally, and does not experience WSOD.

Use Reliable Web Hosting

Your website’s hosting provider can impact its performance, speed, and security. Choose a reliable web hosting provider that can provide sufficient resources for your website and ensure that it’s secure and regularly maintained.

Use Reliable Plugins and Themes

Not all plugins and themes are created equal, and some can cause WSOD. Use reliable plugins and themes from trusted sources, and ensure that they are compatible with your WordPress core version.

Monitor Server Resources

Server resources, such as CPU, RAM, and disk space, can also cause WSOD. Monitor your server resources regularly and ensure that your website is not exceeding its resource limits.

Disable Plugins and Themes That Are Not in Use

Unused plugins and themes can also cause WSOD. Disable any plugins or themes that you’re not using, as they can take up unnecessary server resources and cause conflicts.

Use a Child Theme

If you’re making changes to your website’s theme, it’s best to use a child theme instead of editing the parent theme directly. This will help you avoid issues with theme updates, which can cause WSOD.

Keep Backups of Your Website

Regularly backing up your website can help you restore it if it experiences issues, including WSOD. You can use backup plugins, web hosting provider backups, or manual backups to keep your website’s data safe.

In Summary

The WordPress WSOD can be frustrating and time-consuming to resolve, but it’s often caused by simple issues that can be fixed with a few basic troubleshooting steps. By following the steps outlined in this article and taking preventative measures, you can avoid WSOD and keep your website running smoothly.

If you’re still experiencing issues after trying the above steps, it’s best to consult a professional WordPress developer who can help you identify and resolve the problem.