Encountering an Internal Server Error (500 Error) on your WordPress site can be frustrating, especially when you don’t know the cause. This error indicates a problem on the server hosting your website, but finding the exact reason can sometimes feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to diagnose and fix the Internal Server Error on your WordPress site.
What is the WordPress Internal Server Error (500 Error)?
An Internal Server Error is a general error message that appears when something goes wrong on the server, preventing it from completing the request. This error typically manifests as a blank page or a message saying “500 Server Error,” leaving you with no clue about what caused it.
The 500 error is a server-side issue, meaning it’s related to the server environment, configuration files, or server overload rather than an issue with the user’s browser or device.
Causes of WordPress Internal Server Errors
The Internal Server Error can be triggered by a variety of issues, including:
Causes of WordPress 500 Internal Server Error
How to Fix WordPress Internal Server Errors (500 Error)
1. Check the .htaccess File
A corrupted .htaccess file is one of the most common culprits behind the 500 error in WordPress.
Steps to fix the .htaccess file: |
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| Step 1: | Connect to your site via FTP using an FTP client like FileZilla, or access the file manager in your hosting control panel. |
| Step 2: | Locate the .htaccess file in your WordPress root directory (the same directory as your wp-content, wp-includes, and wp-admin folders). |
| Step 3: | Rename the .htaccess file to something like .htaccess_old. This will deactivate it temporarily. |
| Step 4: | Now, try to access your site. If it loads without the 500 error, the problem was with your .htaccess file. |
| Step 5: | To create a new .htaccess file, go to your WordPress admin dashboard, navigate to Settings > Permalinks, and click Save Changes. This will regenerate the .htaccess file with the default settings. |
2. Increase the PHP Memory Limit
Sometimes, your WordPress site may exceed the default PHP memory limit, resulting in a 500 Internal Server Error.
Steps to increase the PHP memory limit: |
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|---|---|
| Step 1: | Access your wp-config.php file via FTP or file manager. |
| Step 2: | Add the following line of code just before the line that says “That’s all, stop editing! Happy blogging.” define(‘WP_MEMORY_LIMIT’, ‘256M’); |
| Step 3: | Save the file and check if the error is resolved. |
3. Deactivate All Plugins
A faulty or incompatible plugin can trigger the 500 error on your site.
Steps to deactivate all plugins: |
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|---|---|
| Step 1: | Access your site’s root directory via FTP or file manager. |
| Step 2: | Navigate to the wp-content folder. |
| Step 3: | Rename the plugins folder to something like plugins_old. |
| Step 4: | Try to access your site. If it loads properly, the issue is with one or more of your plugins. |
| Step 5: | Rename the plugins_old folder back to plugins and then deactivate plugins one by one from the WordPress admin dashboard to find the problematic one. |
4. Switch to a Default WordPress Theme
Sometimes, the active WordPress theme might be causing conflicts leading to the 500 Error.
Steps to switch to a default theme: |
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|---|---|
| Step 1: | Access your WordPress admin dashboard. |
| Step 2: | Go to Appearance > Themes and activate a default theme like Twenty Twenty-Three. |
| Step 3: | Refresh your website to check if the error is fixed. |
If switching to a default theme resolves the issue, the problem is likely with your theme.
5. Check Server Logs for Errors
If the issue persists after trying the above steps, you may need to check your server’s error logs for more information.
Steps to check server logs: |
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|---|---|
| Step 1: | Log in to your hosting control panel (such as cPanel or Plesk). |
| Step 2: | Look for the Error Log section and open the logs. |
| Step 3: | Check for any errors related to your WordPress site. This can give you insights into what’s causing the 500 error. |
6. Reinstall WordPress Core Files
If core WordPress files have been corrupted, reinstalling them may resolve the issue.
Steps to reinstall WordPress: |
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|---|---|
| Step 1: | Log in to your WordPress admin dashboard. |
| Step 2: | Go to Dashboard > Updates. |
| Step 3: | Click Reinstall Now to reinstall the core files of WordPress without affecting your themes, plugins, or content. |
7. Contact Your Hosting Provider
If you’ve tried all the above steps and the error persists, the issue may lie with your hosting provider’s server settings. Contact your hosting support and ask them to investigate the issue further.
Preventing Future Internal Server Errors
While Internal Server Errors are not always avoidable, here are some steps to minimize the risk:
Preventing Errors
Final Thoughts
A 500 Internal Server Error on your WordPress website can be caused by various issues, but with the right troubleshooting steps, it’s possible to resolve it. From checking the .htaccess file to increasing your PHP memory limit, deactivating plugins, and reinstalling core files, these solutions should help you fix the error and get your site back online.
If you encounter persistent problems, don’t hesitate to contact your hosting provider for further support.
