How to switch to a default WordPress theme to resolve the “White Screen of Death”

Jithindas
3 min readMay 10, 2023

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Encountering the white screen of death in WordPress can be quite frustrating, as it renders your website inaccessible. One common solution is to switch to a default WordPress theme. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it and explains word press support service

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  1. Identify the issue: The “White Screen of Death” typically occurs when there is a fatal error in your WordPress installation or theme files. Switching to a default theme can help determine if the issue is theme-related.
  2. Access your website files: To access your website files, you can use an FTP client (e.g., FileZilla) or a file manager provided by your hosting provider. Connect to your server using the FTP credentials or log in to your hosting control panel and locate the file manager.
  3. Locate the “themes” folder: In the root directory of your WordPress installation, look for a folder named “wp-content.” Open it, and inside, you’ll find another folder called “themes.”
  4. Rename the active theme folder: Identify the folder name of your currently active theme. It should be located within the “themes” folder. To switch to a default theme, you need to rename the active theme’s folder. For example, if your active theme is named you can rename it to anything else you prefer.
  5. WordPress will fall back to a default theme: By renaming the active theme’s folder, WordPress will automatically revert to a default theme, such as Twenty Twenty-One or Twenty Twenty. These themes come pre-installed with WordPress and are a safe option to use temporarily.
  6. Check your website: Visit your website to see if the “White Screen of Death” has been resolved. If the issue was related to your previous theme, your website should now load properly with the default theme.
  7. troubleshoot the theme: If switching to the default theme resolves the issue, it suggests that the problem lies with your previous theme. You can proceed to troubleshoot the theme by checking for updates, ensuring compatibility with your WordPress version, or contacting the theme developer for support.
  8. Revert to the original theme: Once you have resolved the “White Screen of Death” and identified the problem with the previous theme, you can switch back to it. Rename the default theme’s folder back to its original name and rename the previously active theme’s folder to its original name as well.
  9. Install a different theme if necessary: If you find that your previous theme is causing persistent issues, you may want to consider switching to a different theme altogether. Choose a reputable and well-supported theme from the WordPress theme directory or a premium theme provider.

By following these steps, you can switch to a default WordPress theme to resolve the “White Screen of Death” and regain access to your website. Remember to maintain a backup of your files before making any changes, and if you’re uncertain or uncomfortable with these steps, it’s recommended to consult a developer or seek support from your hosting provider.

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