Fix 500 Internal Server Errors in WordPress

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Encountering a 500 Internal Server Error on your WordPress site can be frustrating and even panic-inducing—especially if it happens on a live site. It’s a common issue that can occur for a variety of reasons, but the good news is that it’s usually fixable with a bit of troubleshooting.

TLDR: Fixing 500 Internal Server Errors in WordPress

A 500 Internal Server Error is a general server error that can stem from corrupted files, plugin conflicts, or misconfigured server settings. To fix it, begin by deactivating plugins, switching themes, checking the .htaccess file, and increasing PHP memory limits. Always make a backup before making changes, and if you’re stuck, reach out to your hosting provider. Consistent debugging and a methodical approach will usually identify the culprit.

What Is a 500 Internal Server Error, Exactly?

The 500 Internal Server Error is a generic HTTP status code that means something went wrong on the server side, but the server couldn’t be more specific about what the problem is. It doesn’t tell you what exactly is broken but lets you know that something is broken.

This can make troubleshooting a little tricky since several underlying causes might lead to this error.

Common Causes of 500 Errors in WordPress

  • Corrupted .htaccess file
  • Plugin or theme conflicts
  • PHP memory limit exceeded
  • Core WordPress file corruption
  • Incorrect file permissions
  • Server misconfigurations

Step-by-Step Guide to Fix a 500 Internal Server Error

1. Backup Your Website

Before making any changes, back up your entire WordPress site, including both files and the database. This ensures that even if something goes wrong during troubleshooting, you can restore your site to its original state.

2. Check for a Corrupted .htaccess File

One of the most common reasons for a 500 error is a corrupted .htaccess file. Here’s how to fix it:

  1. Connect to your website using FTP or your hosting file manager.
  2. Locate the .htaccess file in your root directory and rename it to something like .htaccess_old.
  3. Try loading your website again.

If the error disappears, the file was the issue. Go to Settings > Permalinks in your admin dashboard and simply click “Save” to generate a new .htaccess file.

3. Deactivate All Plugins

A faulty plugin can bring down your site. To test this:

  1. Access your site files and go to the wp-content folder.
  2. Rename the plugins folder to something like plugins_disabled.
  3. Check your website. If it loads, a plugin is definitely the problem.

Log in to your WordPress dashboard and reactivate your plugins one by one to identify which one is causing the issue.

4. Switch to a Default WordPress Theme

Just like plugins, a theme can also cause server errors. If you suspect the theme is the culprit, switch to a default theme like Twenty Twenty-Three.

If you can’t access the admin dashboard, change the theme through your database using phpMyAdmin by editing the wp_options table and modifying the template and stylesheet values.

5. Increase Your PHP Memory Limit

Sometimes the error occurs because you’ve exceeded your PHP memory limit. Attempt to increase it by following these steps:

  • Edit the wp-config.php file.
  • Add this line before the line that says /* That's all, stop editing! */:
define( 'WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M' );

If this resolves the issue, you may want to contact your hosting provider to request a permanent PHP memory increase.

6. Check File Permissions

Incorrect file permissions can trigger 500 errors. Common permission settings include:

  • Folders should be set to 755
  • Files should be set to 644

You can adjust these permissions using an FTP client or your host’s file manager. Be careful—setting incorrect permissions can make your site vulnerable.

7. Reinstall WordPress Core Files

If the issue persists, you might have corrupted WordPress core files. To fix this:

  1. Download a fresh copy of WordPress from wordpress.org.
  2. Unzip the download and overwrite the wp-admin and wp-includes folders on your server with the clean versions.

This won’t affect your content, themes, or plugins but will restore the original core files.

8. Enable Debugging in WordPress

If you’re still in the dark, enable debugging to get more detailed error messages:

define( 'WP_DEBUG', true );
define( 'WP_DEBUG_LOG', true );
define( 'WP_DEBUG_DISPLAY', false );

Add these lines to your wp-config.php file and check the wp-content/debug.log file for more clues about what’s going wrong.

9. Contact Your Hosting Provider

If none of the above solutions work, it might be time to contact your hosting provider. Server-side issues or limitations like family PHP settings, server configuration, or database outages may not be something you can resolve on your own.

Preventing Future 500 Errors

Here are a few best practices to help you avoid running into this error again in the future:

  • Regularly update your WordPress core, themes, and plugins.
  • Remove unused plugins and themes.
  • Use quality hosting services with good customer support.
  • Install a security plugin to prevent malicious file changes.
  • Use backups and staging environments when making major changes.

Final Thoughts

While a 500 Internal Server Error might seem daunting, it’s rarely beyond repair. By following a methodical process and isolating each possible cause, you can usually get your WordPress site back online quickly. Don’t forget to document what actions you took so that if the error happens again, you’ll be better prepared to fix it.

And remember: always have a recent backup handy. It’s the ultimate peace of mind when troubleshooting complex WordPress problems.

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