Question
Answer and Explanation
A white screen, often referred to as the "White Screen of Death" (WSOD), after migrating a WordPress site is a common issue. It typically indicates a fatal error that prevents WordPress from rendering the page. Here are several reasons why this might occur:
1. PHP Errors:
- Memory Limit: The PHP memory limit might be insufficient for your site's needs, especially after migration. This can be resolved by increasing the memory limit in your `php.ini` file or through your hosting control panel.
- Plugin or Theme Conflicts: Incompatible or poorly coded plugins or themes can cause PHP errors. Try disabling all plugins and switching to a default WordPress theme (like Twenty Twenty-Three) to see if the issue resolves. If it does, re-enable plugins one by one to identify the culprit.
- PHP Version Incompatibility: Ensure your server's PHP version is compatible with your WordPress version and plugins. An outdated or incompatible PHP version can lead to errors.
2. Database Connection Issues:
- Incorrect Database Credentials: After migration, the database connection details in your `wp-config.php` file might be incorrect. Double-check the database name, username, password, and host.
- Database Import Errors: If the database import process was incomplete or corrupted, it can lead to a WSOD. Ensure the database was imported correctly and completely.
3. File Permission Problems:
- Incorrect File Permissions: WordPress files and directories need specific permissions to function correctly. Incorrect permissions can prevent WordPress from accessing necessary files. Typically, directories should be set to 755 and files to 644.
4. .htaccess Issues:
- Corrupted .htaccess File: A corrupted or incorrectly configured `.htaccess` file can cause a WSOD. Try renaming the `.htaccess` file to something like `.htaccess_old` and see if the site loads. If it does, generate a new `.htaccess` file through WordPress settings.
5. Theme or Plugin Issues:
- Theme or Plugin Conflicts: As mentioned earlier, conflicts between themes and plugins are a common cause. Deactivate all plugins and switch to a default theme to troubleshoot.
6. Server Issues:
- Server Overload: If your server is overloaded, it might not be able to process requests, leading to a WSOD. Check your server resources and consider upgrading if necessary.
7. Debugging:
- Enable Debugging: To get more specific error messages, enable WordPress debugging by adding the following lines to your `wp-config.php` file:
define( 'WP_DEBUG', true );
define( 'WP_DEBUG_LOG', true );
define( 'WP_DEBUG_DISPLAY', false );
- This will log errors to a `debug.log` file in your `wp-content` directory, which can help pinpoint the exact cause of the issue.
By systematically checking these potential causes, you should be able to identify and resolve the issue causing the white screen after your WordPress migration.