How to Fix the WordPress White Screen of Death

The White Screen of Death is a blank page with no error text, usually caused by a faulty plugin, a broken theme, or an exhausted PHP memory limit. The fixes below work through the most common causes.

Enable Debugging

Edit wp-config.php and turn on logging to see the hidden error:

define( 'WP_DEBUG', true );
define( 'WP_DEBUG_LOG', true );
define( 'WP_DEBUG_DISPLAY', false );

Reload the page, then check wp-content/debug.log for the failing file.

Disable Plugins and Themes

If you can still reach the dashboard, deactivate plugins one at a time. If you cannot:

1. Open cPanel File Manager and go to wp-content.
2. Rename the plugins folder to plugins_off to disable all plugins.
3. Reload the site. If it works, rename the folder back and disable plugins individually.
4. If plugins are not the cause, switch to a default theme by renaming your active theme folder inside wp-content/themes.

Increase the Memory Limit

A common cause is running out of PHP memory. Add this to wp-config.php:

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

If the limit is capped at server level, raise the PHP memory limit in cPanel under Select PHP Version then Options, or contact support.

Once resolved, set WP_DEBUG back to false so visitors never see error output.