# Troubleshooting blank pages in WordPress

> Fix a blank white page in WordPress by checking plugins and themes and turning on debugging to find the error.

Source: https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/wordpress/guides/troubleshooting-blank-pages-in-wordpress/

Sometimes WordPress may display a **blank page** (also called the *“white screen of death”*) when you try to view your site. This can affect one page, several pages, or even the entire site. On **ruachost.com**, you can resolve this issue by checking plugins, themes, and enabling debugging.

## Common Causes

- A malfunctioning **plugin**.
- A malfunctioning **theme**.
- PHP or database errors hidden by default settings.

## Step‑by‑Step Troubleshooting

### 1. Disable Plugins

- If you can log in as administrator:

  - Go to **Dashboard → Plugins**.
  - Deactivate plugins one by one until the site loads correctly.
- If you cannot log in:

  - Log in to **cPanel**.
  - Use **File Manager** to navigate to:

    ```
    public_html/wp-content/plugins
    ```
  - Rename each plugin folder (e.g., `akismet` → `akismet_backup`).
  - Reload the site after each change until the issue is resolved.

### 2. Revert to Default Theme

- If plugins are not the cause, the theme may be broken.
- If you can log in:

  - Go to **Dashboard → Appearance → Themes**.
  - Activate a default WordPress theme (e.g., Twenty Twenty‑Four).
- If you cannot log in:

  - Log in to **cPanel → phpMyAdmin**.
  - Open your WordPress database.
  - Select the **wp_options** table.
  - Locate the `template` and `stylesheet` rows.
  - Change their values to the default theme name (e.g., `twentytwentyfour`).
  - Save changes and retest the site.

### 3. Enable Debugging

- Edit `wp-config.php` in your WordPress directory.
- Add or update the following line:

  ```
  define('WP_DEBUG', true);
  ```
- Reload the site to see error messages that may reveal the cause.
- Remember to set it back to `false` after troubleshooting.

> **Note:**
- If you see **“Error establishing a database connection”**, follow database troubleshooting steps instead.
- Always back up your site before making changes.
- Restore plugin/theme folder names after identifying the issue.