WordPress updates are essential for maintaining the security and functionality of your website. However, encountering a blank page after updating WordPress can be a frustrating experience. This issue, often referred to as the "White Screen of Death," indicates a problem with the website's code or configuration. As a Netland user, it's crucial to understand the common causes of blank pages after WordPress updates and implement the necessary steps to resolve them effectively. In this comprehensive guide tailored for Netland users, we'll explore the common reasons behind WordPress websites showing blank pages after updates, provide step-by-step troubleshooting instructions, and offer solutions to restore your website's functionality.
Understanding Blank Pages After WordPress Updates
Encountering a blank page after updating WordPress usually indicates a PHP error, fatal error, or misconfiguration that prevents the website from loading properly. This issue can occur due to various factors, including incompatible plugins or themes, PHP version conflicts, memory limitations, or syntax errors in code files.
Common Causes of Blank Pages After WordPress Updates
- Incompatible Plugins or Themes: Updates to WordPress core may trigger compatibility issues with outdated plugins or themes, causing fatal errors or blank pages.
 - PHP Version Compatibility: Updates to WordPress may require a newer version of PHP that is not compatible with the current server configuration, resulting in PHP errors or blank pages.
 - Memory Limitations: WordPress updates or changes to website content may exceed the server's memory limit, causing PHP errors or blank pages due to insufficient memory.
 - Syntax Errors in Code: Updates to WordPress core, plugins, or themes may introduce syntax errors or code conflicts that prevent the website from loading properly.
 - Corrupted Files: File corruption during the update process or due to server issues may result in blank pages or other display issues on the website.
 
Troubleshooting Steps
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Enable Debugging: Enable WordPress debugging to identify and display PHP errors that may be causing the blank page. Edit the wp-config.php file and set
WP_DEBUGtotrue.php 
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define( 'WP_DEBUG', true ); - 
Check Error Logs: Review the server error logs for any PHP errors or fatal errors that may provide insights into the cause of the blank pages.
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Deactivate Plugins and Themes: Deactivate all plugins and switch to a default WordPress theme (e.g., Twenty Twenty-One) to determine if the issue is caused by a plugin or theme conflict.
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Update Plugins and Themes: Ensure that all installed plugins and themes are updated to the latest versions compatible with the updated WordPress core.
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Increase Memory Limit: Increase the PHP memory limit by editing the wp-config.php file and adding the following line:
php