Encountering a 500 Internal Server Error on your WordPress site can be frustrating. This generic error message doesn’t provide specific details, making it difficult to diagnose the root cause. However, with the right troubleshooting steps, you can resolve this issue quickly and get your website back online.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore:

  • What is a 500 Internal Server Error?
  • Common Causes of the Error in WordPress
  • Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Methods
  • Preventive Measures to Avoid Future Errors

By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of how to fix a 500 error and keep your WordPress site running smoothly.

What is a 500 Internal Server Error?

A 500 Internal Server Error is a generic HTTP status code indicating that the server encountered an unexpected condition that prevented it from fulfilling the request. Unlike other errors (like 404 Not Found), a 500 error doesn’t specify the exact problem, making troubleshooting more challenging.

This error can appear in different forms, such as:

  • 500 Internal Server Error
  • HTTP Error 500
  • Internal Server Error

Since WordPress relies on server-side processing (PHP, database connections, and server configurations), multiple factors can trigger this issue.

Common Causes of a 500 Error in WordPress

Before diving into solutions, let’s look at the most frequent causes of this error:

1. Corrupted or Misconfigured .htaccess File

The .htaccess file controls WordPress permalinks and server configurations. If this file is corrupted or contains incorrect rules, it can cause a 500 error.

2. Plugin or Theme Conflicts

A malfunctioning plugin or theme can break your site, leading to a server error. This often happens after updates or installations.

3. PHP Memory Limit Exhaustion

WordPress requires sufficient PHP memory (memory_limit). If a script exceeds this limit, the server may crash with a 500 error.

4. Server Permission Issues

Incorrect file or folder permissions can prevent WordPress from accessing necessary files, triggering a server error.

5. Database Connection Problems

If WordPress can’t connect to the database (due to corrupted tables or incorrect credentials), it may display a 500 error.

6. PHP Version Incompatibility

Using an outdated or unsupported PHP version can cause conflicts with WordPress core, themes, or plugins.

7. Exceeded Server Resource Limits

If your hosting provider imposes limits (CPU, RAM, or execution time), exceeding them can result in a 500 error.

Now, let’s explore how to troubleshoot and fix these issues.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Methods

1. Check Server and Website Logs

Before making changes, check your server error logs for clues. You can access them via:

  • cPanel > Error Logs
  • SSH (check /var/log/apache2/error.log or /var/log/nginx/error.log)
  • WordPress Debug Log (enable WP_DEBUG in wp-config.php)

If you see specific errors (e.g., memory exhaustion or plugin conflicts), address them directly.

2. Rename the .htaccess File

Since .htaccess misconfigurations are a common cause, try renaming it:

  1. Access your site via FTP/SFTP (FileZilla) or cPanel File Manager.
  2. Locate the .htaccess file in the root directory.
  3. Rename it to .htaccess_old.
  4. Refresh your site—WordPress will generate a new .htaccess file.

If the error disappears, the issue was with the .htaccess file. You can later restore custom rules carefully.

3. Disable Plugins & Themes

A faulty plugin or theme is another likely culprit. To test:

Method 1: Via FTP

  1. Navigate to /wp-content/plugins/.
  2. Rename the plugins folder to plugins_old.
  3. Check if the site loads. If yes, reactivate plugins one by one to find the problematic one.

Method 2: Via Database (If You Can’t Access WP-Admin)

  1. Access phpMyAdmin from your hosting panel.
  2. Go to the wp_options table.
  3. Find active_plugins and edit its value to a:0:{} (this deactivates all plugins).

Switching to a Default Theme

  1. Rename your current theme folder (in /wp-content/themes/) to force WordPress to use a default theme (e.g., Twenty Twenty-Four).

4. Increase PHP Memory Limit

If your site runs out of memory, increase the limit by:

  • Editing wp-config.php: 
    define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M');
  • Or modifying php.ini: 
    memory_limit = 256M
  • Alternatively, contact your hosting provider to adjust the limit.

5. Check File and Folder Permissions

Incorrect permissions can cause 500 errors. Set recommended permissions via FTP:

  • Folders: 755
  • Files: 644
  • wp-config.php: 600 (for security)

6. Repair the WordPress Database

Corrupted database tables can trigger errors. To repair:

  1. Open wp-config.php and add: 
    define('WP_ALLOW_REPAIR', true);
  2. Visit yoursite.com/wp-admin/maint/repair.php.
  3. Click “Repair Database”.

Alternatively, use phpMyAdmin to run:

REPAIR TABLE wp_posts, wp_options;

7. Update PHP Version

WordPress recommends PHP 8.0 or higher. Check your current version in cPanel > PHP Selector or run:

php -v

If outdated, upgrade via your hosting panel or request assistance from your provider.

8. Check for Server Overloads

If your site exceeds resource limits (common on shared hosting), consider:

  • Optimizing WordPress (caching, image compression).
  • Upgrading to a better hosting plan (VPS or dedicated server).
  • Contacting your host to check for server-side issues.

Preventive Measures to Avoid Future 500 Errors

  1. Regular Backups – Use plugins like UpdraftPlus to restore your site quickly.
  2. Update WordPress, Themes, and Plugins – Outdated software can cause conflicts.
  3. Use a Staging Site – Test updates before applying them to your live site.
  4. Monitor Server Resources – Tools like New Relic can help track performance issues.
  5. Enable Debugging – Add this to wp-config.php for early error detection: 
    define('WP_DEBUG', true);
define('WP_DEBUG_LOG', true);

Conclusion

A 500 Internal Server Error in WordPress can stem from various issues—corrupted files, plugin conflicts, server misconfigurations, or resource limits. By following this guide, you can systematically diagnose and fix the problem.

Key Takeaways:

✔ Check error logs for specific clues.
✔ Disable plugins/themes to identify conflicts.
✔ Fix .htaccess and file permissions.
✔ Increase PHP memory if needed.
✔ Repair the database if corrupted.
✔ Update PHP for better compatibility.

If the issue persists, contact your web hosting support—they can often pinpoint server-related problems.

By implementing these solutions and preventive measures, you’ll minimize downtime and keep your WordPress site running efficiently.

Need further help? Drop a comment below or reach out to a WordPress expert! 🚀

Author: Kelvin Musagala

Kelvin Musagala is an experienced web designer, developer, and digital strategist with a strong focus on SEO, web development, and WordPress solutions. As the founder of DevOps Web Designers, Kelvin leverages years of expertise to deliver innovative websites, enhance user experiences, and drive online success for clients. When he's not perfecting pixels or optimising websites, Kelvin enjoys creating impactful content, mentoring aspiring developers, and exploring new ways to innovate in the digital space.

error: