How To Fix the 500 Internal Server Error in WordPress

A “500 internal server error” in WordPress can be disappointing, but you can fix it with some simple steps. This error is usually caused by plugin conflicts, theme issues, contaminated files or problems related to the server. Start with basic troubleshooting such as cleaning your cash, neutralizing plugins, switching the theme and checking the .htaccess file. If the problem persists, you may need to adjust the server settings or contact your hosting provider.

Quick Check Points

1. Clear Browser Cache and Cookies

Sometimes, old cache files cause conflict. Refresh your browser and clean cache and cookies. This helps eliminate any temporary loading issues that can cause error.

2. Deactivate All Plugins

A faulty plugin is a common cause for 500 error. Log in to your WordPress dashboard and go to plugins> installed plugins. Select all plugins and neutralize them. Then, re -activate them one by one to identify the problematic one. If you cannot reach your dashboard, use FTP or your hosting file manager to change the name of the plugins folder inside the WP-content.

3. Switch to a Default Theme

If you have errors or conflicts about you, it can trigger 500 error. To see if the problem disappears, switch to a default theme. If you cannot reach the dashboard, use FTP to change the name of your current theme folder inside the WP-content/theme. This forces WordPress to use the default theme.

4. Check and Reset the .htaccess File

A corrupted .htaccess file can cause internal server errors. To check it:

• Access your server using FTP or your hosting file manager.
• Locate the .htaccess file in the public_html folder.
• Rename it to .htaccess.bk
• Go to your WordPress dashboard, visit Settings > Permalinks, and click Save Changes to generate a new .htaccess file.

5. Increase the PHP Memory Limit

A low PHP memory limit can cause WordPress to crash. To increase it:

• Open your wp-config.php file in the root folder using FTP or your hosting file manager.
• Add this line before the “That’s all, stop editing!” comment:
  define(‘WP_MEMORY_LIMIT’, ‘256M’);
• Save the file and reload your site.

If your host restricts memory changes, ask them to increase it for you.

Additional steps that can be taken:

Reinstall Core WordPress Files

If none of the previous solutions fix the error, some core WordPress files may be contaminated. Restoring them can help restore your site without affecting your content.

Steps to Reinstall WordPress Core Files:

1. Download a Fresh Copy of WordPress
   • Visit the official WordPress website and download the latest version.
   • Extract the ZIP file to your computer.
2. Connect to Your Server Using FTP
   • Use an FTP client like FileZilla or your hosting file manager to access your site’s files.
   • Navigate to the public_html folder (or the folder where WordPress is installed).
3. Upload and Replace Core Files
   • In the extracted WordPress folder, find these subfolders and files:
     • wp-admin/
     • wp-includes/
     • All root WordPress files except wp-content/
   • Upload these to your server and overwrite the existing ones.
4. Do Not Replace the wp-content Folder
   • The wp-content/ folder contains your themes, plugins, and media files. Keeping it unchanged ensures that your content remains safe.
5. Check Your Site
   • Once the upload is completed, refresh your site. If a contaminated core file causes the problem, your site should now work well.

7. Check File Permissions

Incorrect file permissions can prevent WordPress from running correctly and can cause 500 error. WordPress requires proper permission to access and execute files.

How to Fix File Permissions:

1. Connect to Your Site via FTP or File Manager
   • Open your FTP client or your hosting’s file manager.
2. Set Correct File Permissions
   • Navigate to the public_html folder.
   • Right-click the following and select File Permissions:
     • Folders (wp-admin, wp-content, wp-includes) → Set to 755
     • Files (all other WordPress files) → Set to 644
3. Apply Changes to Subdirectories
   • If your FTP client allows this, apply changes in all files and subdivisions to ensure the correct settings on your site.
4. Refresh Your Website
   • Once the permissions are updated, re -load your site to check if the problem is solved.

8. Debug WordPress Errors

Enable WordPress debugging mode to find specific issues due to error

Steps to Enable Debugging:

1. Open wp-config.php
   • Access the root folder of your WordPress site through FTP or File Manager.
   • Open the wp-config.php file.
2. Enable Debug Mode
   • Find this line in the file:
     define(‘WP_DEBUG’, false);
   • Replace it with:
     define(‘WP_DEBUG’, true);

define(‘WP_DEBUG_LOG’, true);

define(‘WP_DEBUG_DISPLAY’, false);

• Save the file and reload your site.

3. Check the Debug Log
   • Find the Debug.log file inside the WP-Content/.
   • Open it to see a wide error message.
   • Fix any error based on the log or consult the developer if necessary.

“If you’re facing a 500 Internal Server Error, follow these steps to fix it and keep your WordPress site running smoothly. For more help, Contact US for expert web development and maintenance services. We’re here to help you get your site back on track!”

Final Steps

If none of these solutions work, consider reaching your website from backup or reaching your hosting provider to help further.

What does a 500 Internal Server Error mean?

This error is a common message that something went wrong on the server, but it does not specify the exact problem. This is usually caused by misunderstandings, plugin conflicts or resource boundaries.

How does a 500 Internal Server Error impact SEO?

If this error persists, the search engine can struggle to crawl your site, which can slow down the sequencing. This can also increase the bounce rate as visitors leave due to inaccessibility. In extreme cases, the search engine can remove your site from their index.

Why does my website keep displaying a 500 error?

General reasons include plugin or theme conflicts, contaminated core files, issues with .htaccess file, insufficient PhP memory, or problems on hosting servers.

How do I prevent a 500 Internal Server Error in WordPress?

Regular maintenance can help avoid this error. Update your WordPress version, theme and plugins, monitor the server log, adapt the website performance, and back up your site often. Choosing a reliable hosting provider also reduces the risk of server related problems.