A WordPress 500 internal server error is a common issue that can frustrate even experienced site owners. Unlike specific errors like “404 Not Found,” this one provides no clue about its source. It leaves your site inaccessible and users confused. Thankfully, you can troubleshoot and fix it with the right approach. In this blog post, we’ll explore everything from causes and fixes to preventive tips—ensuring you’re fully prepared to tackle the issue.
What is a 500 Internal Server Error in WordPress?
The 500 internal server error in WordPress is a generic message from the web server indicating that something has gone wrong but it cannot specify the cause. It typically originates from your website’s backend, often due to misconfigured files, conflicts, or hosting environment limitations.
Understanding the Technical Background
This error doesn’t give a direct cause, which is why it’s often a process of elimination to find the solution. In WordPress, it might be a corrupted file, a poorly coded plugin, or a server resource issue. It stops your site from loading and affects everything from user trust to SEO performance.
What Causes the WordPress 500 Internal Server Error?
Before you fix the problem, you need to understand what might be triggering it. Here are the most common causes.
1. Corrupted .htaccess File
The .htaccess file manages your website’s configurations at the server level. Even a small corruption—possibly from a failed plugin install or misconfiguration—can cause a 500 internal server error.
2. PHP Memory Limit Reached
WordPress operates within a server-assigned memory limit. If your plugins or themes consume more than this limit, the server fails to load the site and throws a 500 error. You can increase this limit by editing the wp-config.php file and inserting the line that says define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M'); directly within the file. This increases the memory allocated to your WordPress application.
3. Plugin or Theme Conflict
Outdated, incompatible, or poorly coded plugins or themes are often to blame. A new update or install can clash with your site’s structure and trigger server failure.
4. File and Folder Permission Errors
Each WordPress file and directory has permission settings. If these are incorrect, your server might block access to necessary resources, leading to an internal server error.
5. Corrupted Core WordPress Files
A failed WordPress update, malware infection, or manual code error can corrupt core files like wp-settings.php or files inside the wp-admin folder. If these files become unreadable, the server cannot proceed and returns a 500 error.
How to Fix the WordPress 500 Internal Server Error
Resolving this error involves methodically checking and fixing possible issues one at a time. Let’s go through the most effective fixes.
1. Rename the .htaccess File
Log into your server via cPanel or FTP, go to your site’s root directory, and find the .htaccess file. Rename it to something like .htaccess_old. This disables the current file. Then, try reloading your website. If it works, go to your WordPress dashboard, navigate to Settings > Permalinks, and click Save to regenerate a new .htaccess file.
2. Increase PHP Memory Limit
Sometimes, WordPress doesn’t have enough memory to complete a request. In such cases, open the wp-config.php file and add the line define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M'); just before the line that says /* That's all, stop editing! Happy blogging. */. This tells the server to allocate more memory to WordPress processes, which often resolves the issue.
3. Disable All Plugins Temporarily
Use FTP or File Manager to navigate to /wp-content/ and rename the plugins folder to plugins_backup. This will deactivate all plugins. If the error disappears, then you know one of your plugins was the cause. Rename the folder back to plugins and reactivate them one at a time to identify the specific plugin causing the issue.
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4. Switch to a Default Theme
If plugins aren’t the problem, try switching your theme. Access your dashboard or use FTP to rename your active theme’s folder. WordPress will automatically revert to a default theme like Twenty Twenty-Four. If the site loads, then the theme is likely the issue.
5. Reupload Core WordPress Files
Download a fresh version of WordPress from wordpress.org. Then use FTP to replace the wp-admin and wp-includes folders. Avoid replacing the wp-content folder to preserve your themes and plugins. This process often clears out corrupted files and restores your website without affecting content.
Advanced Troubleshooting Tips
Sometimes the problem lies deeper than basic fixes. Here’s what to do if none of the above works.
1. Turn On Debugging in WordPress
WordPress has a built-in debug mode that can help you identify hidden issues. To enable it, edit the wp-config.php file and change the debug setting by adding define('WP_DEBUG', true); inside the file. This makes WordPress display error messages on the front end, which you can use to track down the problem.
2. Check Server Error Logs
Server logs can provide detailed insights. Access them through your cPanel or hosting dashboard. Look for recent entries that coincide with when the error started. These logs often include file paths and line numbers related to the error, helping you locate the root cause.
3. Correct File Permissions
Make sure your files and directories have the right permissions. Typically, directories should be set to 755 and files to 644. You can adjust these permissions via your FTP client or hosting control panel.
4. Contact Your Hosting Provider
If you’re still stuck, your host might be able to help. Hosting providers often have deeper access to logs and server-level settings. They may also offer one-click tools to restore your site from a backup.
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Preventing WordPress 500 Internal Server Errors in the Future
Prevention is better than cure. Here are a few best practices to help you avoid this error in the long run.
1. Always Update WordPress Core, Themes, and Plugins
Running outdated software increases the chance of conflicts and security issues. Enable auto-updates for critical plugins and themes, or update them manually every week.
2. Take Regular Backups
Use plugins like UpdraftPlus or your host’s built-in tools to schedule daily or weekly backups. This ensures that if an error occurs, you can easily roll back to a stable version.
3. Test Changes in a Staging Environment
Always test major updates or changes in a staging site. This helps you avoid unexpected crashes on your live site. Many managed WordPress hosts offer this feature by default.
4. Monitor Your Website’s Health
Use tools like Google Search Console or third-party uptime monitors to keep track of your site’s availability. If something goes wrong, you’ll be notified instantly.
5. Choose Reliable Hosting
A good host offers not just storage but also performance tuning, error logs, and technical support. Avoid overly cheap plans that compromise on resources and reliability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes a 500 internal server error on WordPress?
It’s commonly caused by a corrupted .htaccess file, plugin or theme conflict, PHP memory exhaustion, or server configuration errors.
Can I fix this error without logging into WordPress Admin?
Yes, using FTP or cPanel, you can rename plugin folders or modify wp-config.php to apply fixes without dashboard access.
Will increasing PHP memory always solve the issue?
Not always, but it helps in many cases where large plugins or processes require more resources than the server allows by default.
Can outdated plugins cause this error?
Yes, plugins with outdated or poorly written code can crash your server and generate a 500 error.
Will switching to a default theme help?
If the issue is theme-related, switching to a default theme like Twenty Twenty-Four can restore functionality.
Is this error bad for SEO?
Definitely. A site displaying this error frequently may lose rankings as it affects site accessibility and user experience.
Can my hosting provider help me fix this?
Yes, especially if it’s a server-side issue. They can provide logs, insights, and sometimes even fix it for you.
Should I use a child theme to avoid errors?
Yes. Using a child theme allows you to customize your site without affecting core theme files, reducing the risk of code conflicts.
Conclusion
The WordPress 500 internal server error can be alarming, but it’s almost always fixable. By understanding the potential causes—such as corrupted .htaccess files, low memory limits, or plugin conflicts—you can take the right steps to restore your site. From editing your wp-config.php file to increasing memory with define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M');, each method serves as a piece of the puzzle toward a full recovery.
More importantly, adopting preventive practices like regular backups, updates, and choosing reliable hosting will help you avoid future breakdowns. Keep your site healthy, updated, and secure—and if needed, explore professional help to boost your site’s performance and resilience.
