If you’re encountering the notorious “White Screen of Death” (WSOD) when accessing different sections of your WordPress Storefront backend, don’t panic. This common issue can be caused by various factors, but with a systematic approach, you can troubleshoot and resolve it. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get your site back on track:
1. Increase PHP Memory Limit:
The first step you’ve taken is to increase the PHP memory limit to 1024 MB. While this is a good start, you may want to verify that the change is taking effect. Edit your wp-config.php file and add the following line:
define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '1024M');Save the file and check if the issue persists.
2. Plugin Troubleshooting:
Deactivate all plugins and reactivate them one by one to identify the culprit. If you’re unable to access the WordPress dashboard, you can disable plugins via FTP. Navigate to the wp-content directory, and rename the plugins folder to something like plugins_old. This will deactivate all plugins, allowing you to access your admin area.
If the issue resolves, reactivate plugins one at a time until the WSOD reappears. This will help you pinpoint the problematic plugin.
3. Remove Unnecessary Plugins and Theme Files:
Even if a plugin is not directly causing the WSOD, having too many unnecessary plugins can impact your site’s performance. Remove any plugins you don’t need, especially those that might conflict with Storefront.
Similarly, ensure you are using the latest version of the Storefront theme. Remove any old theme files that might be causing compatibility issues.
4. Check Error Logs:
Review your error logs for clues. Access your server’s error logs or enable debugging in WordPress. Add the following lines to your wp-config.php file:
define('WP_DEBUG', true);
define('WP_DEBUG_LOG', true);
define('WP_DEBUG_DISPLAY', false);Check the wp-content/debug.log file for any error messages that might indicate the root cause.
5. Theme Compatibility:
If none of the above steps resolves the issue, consider testing the site with a default WordPress theme like Twenty Twenty-One. If the WSOD disappears with the default theme, there might be a compatibility issue with Storefront and your current theme.
6. Contact Support:
If all else fails, reach out to the official Storefront support or the WordPress forums for assistance. Provide detailed information about the issue, steps you’ve taken, and any error messages from the logs.
By following these steps, you can systematically identify and resolve the White Screen of Death issue on your WordPress Storefront. Remember to back up your site before making significant changes, and take one step at a time to ensure a smooth troubleshooting process.