What to do when you see Whitescreen on WordPress Website?

A white screen in WordPress, often referred to as the “White Screen of Death” (WSOD), is a common issue that can occur for various reasons. When you encounter a white screen, it typically means there’s a problem with your WordPress website that needs to be addressed. Here’s what to do when you see a white screen on your WordPress website:

1. Check for Server Errors:
   • Sometimes, a white screen is caused by server-related issues. Contact your hosting provider or check your server error logs for any error messages or clues about what might be causing the problem.
2. Disable WordPress Plugins:
   • Often, a problematic or incompatible plugin can trigger the white screen issue. To identify if this is the case:
     • Access your WordPress site’s directory using FTP or a file manager.
     • Navigate to the “wp-content” folder.
     • Rename the “plugins” folder to something like “plugins-disabled.”
     • This will deactivate all plugins on your site. If the white screen disappears, it confirms that a plugin was the cause.
3. Revert to a Default Theme:
   • A theme issue can also lead to the white screen problem. To rule this out:
     • Access your WordPress site’s directory using FTP or a file manager.
     • Navigate to the “wp-content/themes” folder.
     • Rename the folder of your active theme (e.g., “twentytwenty”) to something else.
     • WordPress will automatically switch to a default theme like “Twenty Twenty” or “Twenty Twenty-One.” If the white screen is gone, your theme may be the issue.
4. Increase Memory Limit:
   • Sometimes, a memory limit issue can cause the white screen. To increase the memory limit:
     • Access your site’s “wp-config.php” file using FTP or a file manager.
     • Add the following code just before the “/* That’s all, stop editing! */” line:sql define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '128M');
     • Save the file and check if the white screen is resolved.
5. Check for Syntax Errors:
   • If you recently made changes to your WordPress files (e.g., themes or plugins), check for syntax errors in your code. Even a small error can lead to a white screen.
     • Revert to the previous working version of the file or correct the syntax issue.
6. Clear Cache:
   • If you’re using a caching plugin or server-side caching, clear the cache. Sometimes, outdated cache files can lead to display issues.
7. Check for Database Issues:
   • Database corruption or errors can also cause problems. Consider using the “wp-config.php” file to repair the database:
     • Add the following line to “wp-config.php”:sql define('WP_ALLOW_REPAIR', true);
     • Access the “wp-admin/maint/repair.php” URL in your browser and follow the instructions to repair your database.
8. Restore from Backup:
   • If none of the above solutions work and you have a recent backup of your website, consider restoring your website to a working state from the backup.
9. Seek Professional Help:
   • If you’re unable to resolve the white screen issue on your own, it may be necessary to enlist the help of a WordPress developer or support specialist. They can diagnose and fix the issue more thoroughly.

Remember to create backups of your site before making any significant changes or modifications. This allows you to restore your website in case something goes wrong during troubleshooting.