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Why do changes in functions.php sometimes cause a WordPress white screen?

Asked on Aug 26, 2025

Answer

Changes in the `functions.php` file can lead to a WordPress white screen, commonly known as the "White Screen of Death," due to PHP errors such as syntax mistakes or undefined functions. This file is crucial for theme functionality, and errors can halt script execution, resulting in a blank page.

Example Concept: The "White Screen of Death" occurs when PHP errors in files like `functions.php` prevent WordPress from loading properly. Common causes include syntax errors, calling undefined functions, or exceeding memory limits. Enabling WP_DEBUG in `wp-config.php` can help identify these errors by displaying them on the screen or logging them to a file.

Additional Comment:

Enable debugging by adding "define('WP_DEBUG', true);" to your `wp-config.php` file to see error messages.
Check for syntax errors such as missing semicolons or mismatched brackets.
Ensure all functions and variables used are correctly defined and available.
Consider using a child theme to test changes without affecting the main theme.
Increase PHP memory limit if the issue is related to memory exhaustion.

✅ Answered with WordPress best practices.

Ask any question about WordPress here... and get an instant response.

Why do changes in functions.php sometimes cause a WordPress white screen?

Asked on Aug 26, 2025

Answer

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