Debug the React white screen of death
A white screen (or blank page) in React typically means the app crashed during rendering without a visible error. This is often caused by uncaught exceptions, missing error boundaries, or a broken build output.
Error messages you might see
Uncaught TypeError: Cannot read properties of undefined (reading 'map')Uncaught Error: Minified React error #130Why this happens in AI-generated code
Accessing properties on undefined data
AI-generated code often chains property access (data.items.map) without null checks, crashing when API responses are empty or still loading.
Missing error boundaries
AI tools rarely generate error boundary components, so a single rendering error in any child component crashes the entire application tree.
Incorrect default export
AI-generated files sometimes use named exports where a default export is expected, causing the framework to render undefined instead of a component.
How to fix it
Add null checks and loading states
Always check that data exists before rendering: use optional chaining (data?.items?.map) and render loading/empty states when data is undefined.
Wrap components in error boundaries
Add React error boundary components at key points in your component tree to catch rendering errors and display fallback UI instead of a blank screen.
Get professional help
Still stuck? Our engineers can diagnose blank screen issues quickly. Visit /products to get started.
Related technologies
Can't fix it yourself?
Our code audit identifies this issue and dozens more. Get a prioritized fix list.
Security Review
Automated Security Scan
AI-powered analysis of your codebase. Get a detailed report with prioritized findings within 24 hours.
Get StartedSecurity Review
Manual Security Review
Expert engineer works on your project directly. Fixed scope, fixed price, no surprises.
Get a QuoteSecurity Review
Full Pentest
Enterprise-grade engagement tailored to your needs. Dedicated engineer, ongoing support.
Fix Bugs
Code Audit
AI-powered analysis of your codebase. Get a detailed report with prioritized findings within 24 hours.
Get StartedFix Bugs
Bug Fixing
Expert engineer works on your project directly. Fixed scope, fixed price, no surprises.
Get a QuoteFix Bugs
Ongoing Support
Enterprise-grade engagement tailored to your needs. Dedicated engineer, ongoing support.
Refactor Code
Code Audit
AI-powered analysis of your codebase. Get a detailed report with prioritized findings within 24 hours.
Get StartedRefactor Code
Refactoring
Expert engineer works on your project directly. Fixed scope, fixed price, no surprises.
Get a QuoteRefactor Code
Full Rewrite
Enterprise-grade engagement tailored to your needs. Dedicated engineer, ongoing support.
100% of your audit purchase is credited toward any paid service. Start with an audit, then let us fix what we find.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find what's causing the white screen?
Open your browser's developer console (F12) - there will almost always be a JavaScript error logged there. The stack trace will point you to the component that threw the error.
Why does the white screen only happen on certain routes?
The crash is likely in a component specific to that route. Each route renders different components, so the error is isolated to the component tree for that page.
Related resources
Related Technologies
Still stuck? We can fix it for you.
Send us your repo. We'll diagnose the issue and give you a fixed quote within 24 hours.