Fixing Blank Screen Issues in Hostinger Previews
TL;DR:
- Blank screens in Hostinger usually come from JavaScript errors or missing files
- Check the browser console for red error messages that point to the problem
- Use the Network tab to spot failed requests for images, CSS, or scripts
- Roll back to a previous backup if you can't identify the specific issue
- Regular backups give you more restore points when things go wrong
When your Hostinger site preview shows nothing but a blank white screen, it's usually one of three things going wrong. Here's how to track down the problem and get your site back up.
Check the Browser Console First
The console is your best friend when debugging blank screens. It shows you exactly what's breaking behind the scenes.
Right-click anywhere on the blank preview screen and select "Inspect". Click the "Console" tab and look for red error messages. These errors tell you which scripts are failing or what's missing from your page.
Common errors you might see include "ReferenceError" (missing variables), "TypeError" (wrong data types), or "SyntaxError" (broken code). Note down the file names and line numbers mentioned in these errors.
If you see multiple errors, start with the first one listed. Fixing that often resolves the others too.
Inspect Network Requests
Sometimes the console looks clean but files still aren't loading properly. The Network tab shows you every request your page makes and whether it succeeds.
Keep the developer tools open and switch to the "Network" tab. Reload your preview page to capture all the requests. Look for any entries highlighted in red or showing 404, 500, or other error codes.
Failed requests usually mean broken file paths, missing images, or CSS files that moved locations. Check that your file paths match where things actually live on your server.
Pay attention to the waterfall chart too. If requests are timing out or taking ages to complete, that can also cause blank screens while the page waits for resources.
Roll Back to a Working Version
When you can't pinpoint the exact problem, rolling back buys you time to investigate without your site being broken.
Log into your Hostinger control panel and find the backup management section. Look for a backup from before the blank screen issue started appearing.
Choose your restore point carefully. Pick a date when you know the site was working, but try not to go back so far that you lose important recent changes.
After restoring, test the preview again. If it works, you know the problem was introduced between the backup date and when things broke.
Preventing Future Issues
Most blank screen problems happen after making changes to themes, plugins, or custom code. Test your preview after each significant change rather than making multiple updates at once.
Keep regular backups, especially before installing new plugins or updating existing ones. Weekly backups work well for most sites, but daily ones make sense if you're actively developing.
Double-check file paths when moving or renaming files. A single typo in a CSS or JavaScript reference can break your entire page.
FAQs
Why does my Hostinger site show a blank screen?
Usually JavaScript errors, missing files, or broken file paths. Sometimes it's a plugin conflict or theme issue.
What if the console shows no errors but I still get a blank screen?
Check the Network tab for failed requests. The page might be waiting for resources that aren't loading properly.
How far back should I roll back my site?
Only as far as necessary. Start with the most recent backup from when you know the site worked, then go further back if needed.
Can I fix JavaScript errors myself?
Simple syntax errors like missing commas or brackets are fixable if you're comfortable with code. Complex logic errors might need a developer.
Jargon Buster
Console: Browser tool that shows JavaScript errors and warnings as your page loads
Network requests: Attempts to load files like images, CSS, and scripts from your server
404 error: Server response meaning a requested file doesn't exist at that location
Rollback: Restoring your site to an earlier working version from a backup
Wrap-up
Blank screen issues feel frustrating but they're usually straightforward to diagnose. Start with the console to catch JavaScript errors, then check the Network tab for loading problems. When in doubt, rolling back to a working backup gets you operational again while you investigate.
The key is methodical troubleshooting. Work through each step rather than trying random fixes, and you'll spot the problem faster.
Ready to dive deeper into web development troubleshooting? Join Pixelhaze Academy for detailed guides and expert support.