A blank WordPress admin or frontend is scary, but the worst move is deleting things at random. Use a calm order.
1. Do not panic-delete the database
Take a backup (files + DB) if you can still reach hosting. Note the last change: plugin update, theme edit, PHP version bump, or deploy.
2. Turn on visibility
If you can edit wp-config.php, enable debug logging (WP_DEBUG / WP_DEBUG_LOG) and check wp-content/debug.log or the host error log. The first fatal error line usually names the culprit.
3. Isolate plugins without the admin UI
Via SFTP/SSH, rename wp-content/plugins to plugins.off (or rename the newest plugin folder). Reload. If the site returns, rename back and binary-search folders until you find the conflict.
4. Theme sanity check
Temporarily switch to a default theme by renaming the active theme folder. Child-theme fatals and broken functions.php edits are common after “quick CSS” edits.
5. PHP / memory limits
Confirm PHP version and memory after isolation. A host on an unsupported PHP with an old plugin can white-screen after a silent platform upgrade.
6. Restore only after you know the trigger
Restoring a backup without knowing the trigger just resets the clock. Document the failing plugin/theme/version first.
Full recovery checklist (no paywall):
https://shopaiwp.com/guides/troubleshooting/wordpress-white-screen-of-death-recovery/
What usually bites you harder in production — a bad plugin update, or a theme functions.php edit?
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