Question: How do I troubleshoot WordPress white screen of death? Print

Answer : 

The White Screen of Death (WSOD) is a common WordPress error where your website or admin panel loads only a blank white page. This usually indicates a PHP error, plugin conflict, theme problem, or lack of server resources. This guide explains how to diagnose and fix it on GHFS Hosting.

1. What Causes the White Screen of Death?

Common causes include:

• Faulty or incompatible plugins

• Broken or outdated themes

• PHP errors or fatal errors

• Exhausted PHP memory limit

• Corrupted WordPress files

• Malware infections

• Issues after an update

2. Step 1: Enable WordPress Debug Mode

Debug mode helps reveal the actual error behind the blank screen.

Steps:

1. Log in to Plesk

2. Open File Manager

3. Edit wp-config.php

4. Add or modify these lines:

5. Save the file

6. Check /wp-content/debug.log for error messages

This file usually shows the exact cause.

3. Step 2: Disable All Plugins

Most WSOD cases are caused by a faulty plugin.

If WordPress admin is accessible:

1. Go to Plugins → Installed Plugins

2. Select all plugins → Deactivate

If admin is NOT accessible:

1. Open Plesk File Manager

2. Navigate to:
   /httpdocs/wp-content/plugins/

3. Rename the folder to something like:
   plugins-disabled

WordPress will automatically disable all plugins.

Then test your site.
If it works → One of the plugins is the issue.
Restore the folder name and activate plugins one-by-one to find the culprit.

4. Step 3: Switch to a Default WordPress Theme

A broken or outdated theme can also cause WSOD.

If admin is accessible:

• Switch to Twenty Twenty-Three or another default theme.

If admin is NOT accessible:

1. Go to:
   /httpdocs/wp-content/themes/

2. Rename your active theme folder

3. WordPress will automatically fall back to a default theme (if installed)

If the site loads, your theme is the problem.

5. Step 4: Increase PHP Memory Limit

Low PHP memory can cause WSOD.

Add this line to wp-config.php:

You may also increase memory in Plesk’s PHP Settings page.

6. Step 5: Check for Corrupted Core Files

If a recent update failed, WordPress core files may be damaged.

Solution:

1. Download a fresh copy of WordPress

2. Upload via Plesk File Manager

3. Replace all files except:

   • wp-content

   • wp-config.php

This restores missing or corrupted files.

7. Step 6: Check the .htaccess File

A bad rewrite rule can break the site.

Steps:

1. Locate .htaccess in /httpdocs/

2. Rename it to .htaccess-backup

3. Reload your site

If the site loads, generate a new one:

• Go to Settings → Permalinks

• Click Save

8. Step 7: Look for Malware or Suspicious Code

WSOD can occur due to:

• Injected scripts

• Unauthorized files

• Modified core files

Run a Security Scan via Plesk WordPress Toolkit.

9. Step 8: Check PHP Version Compatibility

Plugins or themes may not support your current PHP version.

Steps:

1. In Plesk → open PHP Settings

2. Try switching to a different PHP version (e.g., 8.0 or 8.1)

3. Test the site

10. Step 9: Restore a Backup (Last Resort)

If nothing works, restore a backup:

1. Open Plesk

2. Go to Backup Manager

3. Choose a restore point

4. Restore files, database, or both

Choose a date before the issue occurred.

11. When to Contact GHFS Hosting Support

Contact support if:

• You cannot determine the cause from debug logs

• The white screen appears on both frontend and backend

• You suspect malware

• You need help restoring a backup

• PHP errors persist after troubleshooting

GHFS Hosting support can analyze logs and repair your WordPress installation.