# Enabling error reporting in PrestaShop

> Turn on PrestaShop error reporting to find the cause of blank pages and module errors, then turn it off again when you are done.

Source: https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/apps/prestashop/enabling-error-reporting-in-prestashop/

By default, **error reporting** in PrestaShop is disabled for security reasons. However, when troubleshooting issues such as blank pages or module errors, enabling error reporting can help identify the cause. On **ruachost.com**, you can enable error reporting by editing configuration files.

## Why Enable Error Reporting?

- Helps diagnose problems with modules, themes, or custom code.
- Displays detailed error messages instead of blank pages.
- Useful for developers during debugging.

## Steps to Enable Error Reporting

### For PrestaShop 1.5.3 and Newer

1. Log in to your account using **SSH** or **cPanel File Manager**.
2. Navigate to your PrestaShop installation directory.
3. Open the file:

   ```
   config/defines.inc.php
   ```
4. Locate the following line:

   ```
   define('_PS_MODE_DEV_', false);
   ```
5. Change `false` to `true`:

   ```
   define('_PS_MODE_DEV_', true);
   ```
6. Save the file and exit. ✅ Error reporting is now enabled.

### For PrestaShop Versions Older than 1.5.3

1. Log in to your account using **SSH** or **cPanel File Manager**.
2. Navigate to your PrestaShop installation directory.
3. Open the file:

   ```
   config/config.inc.php
   ```
4. Locate the following line:

   ```
   @ini_set('display_errors', 'off');
   ```

   ```
   ```
5. Change `off` to `on`:

   ```
   @ini_set('display_errors', 'on');
   ```
6. To display all errors and notices, add:

   ```
   error_reporting(E_ALL);
   ```
7. Save the file and exit. ✅ Error reporting is now enabled.

## Important Notes

- **Security caution**: Error reporting should only be enabled temporarily for troubleshooting.
- Once the issue is resolved, disable error reporting again by reverting the changes (`true → false` or `on → off`).
- Leaving error reporting enabled on a live site may expose sensitive information.