The 500 Internal Server Error is one of the most frustrating issues you can encounter on your WordPress site. This error prevents visitors from accessing your content, showing a generic message that doesn’t provide much detail about what went wrong. Whether you’re running a blog, an eCommerce store, or a portfolio site, a 500 Internal Server Error can severely disrupt your site’s functionality. Fortunately, this issue is usually fixable. In this article, we’ll walk you through the causes and solutions to the 500 Internal Server Error in WordPress.


What is the 500 Internal Server Error?

The 500 Internal Server Error is a generic error message indicating that something has gone wrong on the server hosting your WordPress website. However, the error doesn’t provide specific details about what caused the issue. This makes it particularly tricky to troubleshoot since the root cause can range from a plugin conflict to a server configuration problem.


Common Causes of the 500 Internal Server Error

  1. Corrupted .htaccess File The .htaccess file is a configuration file that controls how URLs are handled. A corrupted or misconfigured .htaccess file can lead to a 500 error.
  2. PHP Memory Limit Exceeded WordPress sites rely on PHP to process content, and if your site exceeds the PHP memory limit, it can cause a 500 error.
  3. Plugin or Theme Conflicts A poorly coded or incompatible plugin or theme can trigger a 500 error, especially after updates or new installations.
  4. Incorrect File Permissions If the file permissions on your WordPress files and folders are set incorrectly, they can prevent access to certain resources, leading to the 500 error.
  5. Server-Side Issues Occasionally, server-side issues such as misconfigured server settings, insufficient resources, or problems with the hosting provider can cause a 500 Internal Server Error.
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How to Fix the 500 Internal Server Error in WordPress

Here’s a step-by-step guide to troubleshooting and fixing the 500 Internal Server Error:

  1. Check the .htaccess FileThe first place to look when you encounter a 500 error is the .htaccess file. This file is responsible for controlling various server functions. To reset the .htaccess file:
    • Access your website via FTP or File Manager in your hosting control panel.
    • Locate the .htaccess file in the root directory.
    • Rename it to .htaccess_old.
    • Visit your WordPress dashboard and navigate to Settings > Permalinks.
    • Click Save Changes to regenerate a new .htaccess file.

    If the issue was caused by a corrupted .htaccess file, your site should now be accessible again.


  1. Increase the PHP Memory LimitA common cause of the 500 Internal Server Error is reaching the PHP memory limit. To increase the PHP memory limit:
    • Access your wp-config.php file.
    • Add the following line just above the “/* That’s all, stop editing! Happy publishing. */” line: define( 'WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M' );
    • Save the changes and refresh your site.

    This increases the amount of memory allocated to WordPress and may resolve the issue if the error is related to insufficient memory.


  1. Deactivate All PluginsIf the issue persists, it might be caused by a plugin conflict. To deactivate all plugins:
    • Access your website via FTP.
    • Navigate to the wp-content folder and rename the plugins folder to something like plugins_old.
    • Refresh your website.
    • If your site loads, it indicates that one of your plugins is causing the issue.
    • To identify the problematic plugin, rename the folder back to plugins and reactivate plugins one by one until you find the one causing the error.

  1. Switch to a Default ThemeA theme conflict can also cause a 500 error. To check if your theme is the culprit:
    • Go to your WordPress dashboard and activate a default WordPress theme, like Twenty Twenty-One or Twenty Twenty-Three.
    • If the error disappears after switching themes, your active theme was likely causing the problem.

  1. Check File PermissionsIncorrect file permissions can also lead to a 500 Internal Server Error. To fix this:
    • Use FTP or File Manager to check the permissions of your files and directories.
    • Files should have permissions set to 644 and directories should be set to 755.
    • If the permissions are incorrect, update them to the correct values.

  1. Contact Your Hosting ProviderIf none of the above solutions work, the problem might be server-side. Contact your hosting provider to check for any issues with the server configuration, resources, or server logs. Hosting providers like Kinsta or Pressable offer premium support for WordPress sites, which can help resolve server-related issues quickly.

How to Prevent the 500 Internal Server Error in the Future

  1. Regular Backups
    Always have a recent backup of your website in case something goes wrong. Many WordPress backup plugins are available to help you automate this process.
  2. Choose Reliable Hosting
    Opt for managed WordPress hosting that ensures your site runs smoothly and offers reliable support. Providers like Kinsta and Pressable are excellent choices for WordPress-specific needs.
  3. Keep WordPress, Plugins, and Themes Updated
    Regular updates are important to ensure compatibility between your site’s components and to prevent errors caused by outdated software.
  4. Use Well-Coded Plugins and Themes
    Always use plugins and themes from reputable sources and ensure they are compatible with your WordPress version.

Conclusion

The 500 Internal Server Error can be caused by various factors, including corrupted .htaccess files, plugin conflicts, and server-side issues. By following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this article—checking file permissions, increasing the PHP memory limit, and deactivating plugins—you can usually resolve the error. If the issue persists, consider reaching out to your hosting provider for assistance. Prevent future errors by maintaining regular backups, using reliable hosting, and keeping your site’s software up to date.


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