How to Fix WordPress White Screen of Death Effectively

Table of Contents

• Why Does the White Screen of Death Happen?
• Steps to Resolve the White Screen of Death
• Step 1: Increase Your Memory Limit
• Step 2: Deactivate All Plugins Temporarily
• Step 3: Switch to a Default WordPress Theme
• Step 4: Enable Debugging for Clues
• Step 5: Consult an Expert
• Prevention is Better Than Cure
• Get Professional Help with Now Technology Systems

Have you ever sat down with a hot cup of coffee, ready to fine-tune your WordPress site only to be met with… nothing? Just a blank page staring back at you? You’re not alone. The notorious WordPress White Screen of Death (WSOD) is a common issue that can send even the coolest of website owners into a panic. But don’t worry, we’ve got your back. Dive into this guide where we’ll break down the mystery of the WSOD and show you how to fix it effectively while keeping things laid-back and stress-free.

Why Does the White Screen of Death Happen?

The White Screen of Death is akin to a mysterious glitch in the matrix of your WordPress world. It occurs when your WordPress site doesn’t just crash but gives you no error message to work with. Often, it’s the result of:

• Plugin conflict: When two plugins don’t play well together.
• Theme problems: A newly installed or updated theme that’s not compatible.
• Exhausted memory limit: You’ve hit your server’s memory limit.
• Error in the code: A recent tweak or addition to your site’s code that went awry.

Steps to Resolve the White Screen of Death

Step 1: Increase Your Memory Limit

Sometimes, your site simply runs out of steam — or memory, more specifically. Here’s how you can boost it:

1. Access your website’s files through an FTP client or cPanel’s file manager.
2. Locate and open the wp-config.php file.
3. Add the line: define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M'); to increase your limit to 256MB.
4. Save the changes.

If your site returns to normal, congratulations! Memory was your culprit.

Step 2: Deactivate All Plugins Temporarily

Plugins can be mischievous creatures. To identify if they are causing the issue, deactivate them all:

1. Navigate to your WordPress dashboard.
2. Select Plugins and then Installed Plugins from the menu.
3. Deactivate all plugins.
4. Check if your site is functioning properly.

If your site comes back to life, reactivate each plugin one by one, testing your site after each activation to pinpoint the troublemaker.

Step 3: Switch to a Default WordPress Theme

If plugins aren’t the problem, your theme might be playing the part of the villain. Here’s how to switch swiftly:

1. Navigate to Appearance and then Themes.
2. Activate a default theme, such as Twenty Twenty-One.
3. See if this resolves the issue. If it does, your theme may need some adjustments.

Step 4: Enable Debugging for Clues

If you’re still in the dark, it’s time to enable debugging for more insights:

1. Return to your wp-config.php file.
2. Add the following lines before /* That's all, stop editing! Happy blogging. */:
   
   define('WP_DEBUG', true); define('WP_DEBUG_LOG', true); define('WP_DEBUG_DISPLAY', false);
3. Check the wp-content/debug.log file for any error messages.

This log will point you in the right direction to address specific errors.

Step 5: Consult an Expert

If the issue persists, it may be time to enlist professional help. Sometimes, an expert touch is all you need to get your site back on its feet.

Prevention is Better Than Cure

While knowing how to fix the White Screen of Death is crucial, prevention can save you a lot of headaches. Regularly update your WordPress core, themes, and plugins. Choose quality hosting plans designed to handle the size of your site. Always back up your site to ensure you can quickly recover from any mishaps.

Get Professional Help with Now Technology Systems

At Now Technology Systems, we understand the intricacies of WordPress websites and the challenges small business owners in Australia face when trying to maintain a seamless online presence. If the White Screen of Death or any technical hurdle is impacting your website, our team of experienced professionals is ready to assist. We offer comprehensive WordPress management services, ensuring your site remains functional, secure, and up-to-date. Reach out to us and let us handle the technical nitty-gritty, so you can focus on what you do best — running your business.

Now Technology Systems offers comprehensive web solutions, including visually pleasing web design, expert WordPress support, seamless eCommerce solutions, and professional video production and editing.

We also specialise in WordPress website design, wooCommerce online store, WordPress support, Local SEO services, Video multi-language translation, subtitling, voice-over, Google Ads management, and fast managed web hosting to ensure your website is effective and easy to find.

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