Troubleshooting · Oct 2026 · 2 min read

WordPress white screen: a calm way to find the cause

A blank WordPress site is alarming, but the cause can usually be found in a few careful steps.

Before you change anything, make sure you have a recent backup of your files and database. Then think about what changed just before the problem started, such as a plugin or theme update, a new plugin or a change of PHP version on the hosting.

Check your email. Since version 5.2, WordPress often sends the site administrator an email when a fatal error occurs, with a link to a recovery mode that lets you sign in and deactivate the plugin or theme at fault.

Turn on error logging. In the wp-config.php file, set WP_DEBUG and WP_DEBUG_LOG to true, then load the site again and read the wp-content/debug.log file. The error usually names the plugin or theme responsible. Turn logging off again when you are done.

If you cannot sign in, you can deactivate all plugins at once by renaming the wp-content/plugins folder through your hosting file manager or SFTP. If the site comes back, rename the folder back and reactivate plugins one at a time until the problem returns.

If plugins are not the cause, switch to a default theme in the same way by renaming the active theme's folder. Also check whether your hosting recently changed the PHP version or memory limit, as older plugins and themes often break on newer PHP versions.