Sign Up
Submit Ticket

How to Fix a 500 Internal

Home How to Fix a 500 Internal
Comments Off on How to Fix a 500 Internal Server Error in WordPress (9 Proven Solutions)
Errors

A 500 Internal Server Error on your WordPress website is frustrating—not only because it locks you and your visitors out, but because it gives no clear indication of what’s wrong. The good news? This error is common and solvable with a few methodical steps.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything from what a 500 error is, what causes it, and how to fix it quickly to restore your website’s functionality.

What Is a 500 Internal Server Error?

A 500 error is a generic server error message that indicates something went wrong on the server’s side, but the server can’t identify the exact issue. Unlike 404 errors (missing pages), a 500 error means the server failed to load your site entirely.

What Forms Can a Temporary 500 Error Take?

Depending on your server, browser, or theme, a 500 error might show up as:

  • “500 Internal Server Error”
  • “HTTP Error 500”
  • “The server encountered an internal error and was unable to complete your request.”
  • “This page isn’t working”

Common Causes of a 500 Error in WordPress

  1. Corrupted or outdated plugins/themes
  2. Corrupted .htaccess file
  3. PHP memory limit exhaustion
  4. Incorrect file permissions
  5. Outdated PHP version
  6. Issues with WordPress core files
  7. Server misconfiguration
  8. Incompatible or broken code

What Are the Consequences of a 500 Error?

A prolonged 500 error can:

  • Lead to loss of traffic and conversions
  • Hurt your SEO rankings
  • Damage your brand’s credibility and user trust

That’s why it’s important to resolve it as soon as possible.

9 Solutions to Fix a 500 Error in WordPress

1. Reload the Page

Sometimes it’s a temporary glitch. Refresh the page after waiting a few seconds. If the error clears, no further action is needed.

2. Contact Your Web Host

If reloading doesn’t work, reach out to your hosting provider. They can check server logs, performance, and configuration on their end.

3. Disable Plugins and Switch Theme

A corrupted or incompatible plugin or theme may be the culprit.

  • Access your site via FTP or File Manager
  • Navigate to /wp-content/plugins and rename the folder to plugins-disabled
  • Refresh your site to see if it loads
  • Do the same with /wp-content/themes by switching to a default theme like Twenty Twenty-Four

4. Check the .htaccess File

Corrupt .htaccess files often trigger 500 errors.

  • Go to your root directory
  • Rename .htaccess to .htaccess_old
  • Try reloading your site
  • If it works, go to Settings > Permalinks in your WP dashboard and click “Save” to generate a new .htaccess file

5. Increase PHP Memory Limit

Your server might be running out of memory. To increase the limit:

Add this to your wp-config.php file:

define(‘WP_MEMORY_LIMIT’, ‘256M’);

If this works, you’ll still want to identify what’s consuming the memory (usually a plugin).

6. Modify PHP Version

WordPress recommends using PHP 7.4 or higher. Use your hosting control panel to switch to the latest stable PHP version if you’re running an older one.

7. Check File and Folder Permissions

Incorrect file permissions can trigger 500 errors.

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

Check and correct these using your FTP client or hosting panel.

8. Check Server Logs

Your server logs provide clues to the source of the error.

  • Access them through your hosting dashboard or FTP
  • Look for recent entries around the time the error started
  • Keywords like “fatal error” or “PHP error” can guide you

9. Reinstall WordPress Core

If none of the above works, your core WordPress files may be corrupted.

  • Download the latest version of WordPress from wordpress.org
  • Replace the wp-admin and wp-includes folders via FTP
  • Do not overwrite the wp-content folder or wp-config.php

What to Do If the 500 Error Still Persists?

If your efforts don’t resolve the issue:

  • Switch to a Managed WordPress Maintenance Service like WP FixPlan
  • Our experts provide 24/7 support, advanced troubleshooting, performance tuning, and complete peace of mind.

Final Thoughts

The HTTP 500 Internal Server Error may seem vague, but with a systematic approach, it’s fixable. Start with simple solutions and move toward more technical steps. Regular backups, updates, and site monitoring can prevent these issues in the future.

Need Help Fixing Your Site?

Let the experts at WP FixPlan handle it for you. From emergency bug fixes to full maintenance plans, we’re here to help—fast, safe, and stress-free.