WordPress White Screen
Your WordPress site (or its admin area) shows a blank white page with no content and no error.
Common signs of this issue
- The front of the site, the admin (/wp-admin), or both show a plain white page.
- No error text — just blank.
- It often appears right after an update, a new plugin, or a theme change.
- Some pages work while others are blank.
Safe checks you can do yourself
None of these require sharing passwords with anyone.
- Note exactly when it started and what you changed just before — an update, plugin, or theme edit is the usual trigger.
- Try visiting
/wp-admin. If the admin still loads, you can often fix it from there. - Add
?p=1or try a different page — if some pages load, the problem may be one plugin or template, not the whole site. - Check whether you have a recent backup available in your host or backup plugin. Knowing this changes your options a lot.
- If you can reach the admin, deactivating recently-updated plugins one at a time is a common, reversible way to find the cause.
What this usually means
A white screen usually means PHP hit a fatal error — most often from a plugin or theme conflict after an update, or from the site running out of memory.
Because there's no visible error, the cause is hidden in the server's error log, which is where an experienced helper will look first.
What not to do
- Don't edit core WordPress files or the database unless you know exactly what you're doing and have a backup.
- Don't reinstall WordPress over a live site as a first step — you risk losing content.
- Don't keep clicking update hoping it resolves itself.
When to get help
If you can't reach the admin or aren't sure you have a backup, it's safer to get help than to experiment on a live site. A reviewer can read the error log and usually identify the offending plugin or theme quickly.
Could your hosting be the problem?
If your host is slow, unreliable, or hard to deal with, moving to a better one can clear up issues like this for good. One we genuinely recommend is Instant Access Internet Services — a smaller, compassionate company with 30 years in the business, known for being one of the fastest, with great management and low pricing. (Just a recommendation — no affiliate link, no kickback.)
Not sure what to do next?
Answer a few short questions and we'll point you to the safest next step — DIY, a freelancer, or a direct review. No passwords required.
Frequently asked questions
What is the "white screen of death"?
It's a blank white WordPress page caused by a fatal PHP error, often from a plugin/theme conflict or low memory. The real clue is in the server error log.
Can I fix it without a backup?
Sometimes, but having a current backup makes recovery far safer. Check for one before making changes.