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How to fix 500 errors in WordPress

The 500 Internal Server Error is an HTTP status code that indicates that something went wrong on the server that is hosting your WordPress site, but the server is unable to be more specific about the error. Essentially, the server is saying "something is broken, but I don't know what it is."

When a 500 error occurs, the server typically returns a plain text message that says "500 Internal Server Error" along with a brief description of the problem. In some cases, you may also see a more detailed error message or a custom error page that provides more information about the specific cause of the error.

The 500 Internal Server Error is also known by several other names, including:

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

This error can have many causes, ranging from simple misconfigurations to complex server issues.

We'll take a look at 14 of the most common causes of the 500 Internal Server Error in WordPress and provide step-by-step instructions for resolving each issue.

1. Corrupted .htaccess file​

The .htaccess file is a powerful configuration file for your WordPress site, and a corrupted .htaccess file can cause a 500 error.

To fix this issue, you'll need to access your website's files through FTP or your hosting control panel, and then follow these steps:

  1. Locate the .htaccess file in the root directory of your WordPress installation.
  2. Rename the .htaccess file to something like .htaccess_old.
  3. Log in to your WordPress admin dashboard.
  4. Go to Settings > Permalinks.
  5. Click the Save Changes button.

This will generate a new .htaccess file, which should fix the issue if the previous .htaccess file was indeed the source of the problem.

2. Plugin conflicts​

Plugins are a great way to add new features and functionality to your WordPress site, but sometimes, they can cause compatibility issues with other plugins or your theme, resulting in a 500 error.

If you suspect a plugin conflict is causing the 500 error, you can deactivate all plugins and then reactivate them one by one to identify the source of the problem.

  1. Log in to your WordPress admin dashboard.
  2. Go to Plugins > Installed Plugins.
  3. Select all plugins.
  4. Choose Deactivate from the Bulk Actions dropdown.
  5. Click the Apply button.
  6. Reactivate each plugin one by one, testing your site after each activation to see if the 500 error is still present.

If the 500 error goes away after deactivating a certain plugin, you'll know that plugin is the source of the problem. You can then contact the plugin's developer for further assistance, or look for an alternative plugin that does the same thing without causing conflicts.

3. Exhausted PHP memory limit​

If your WordPress site has a lot of plugins, images, or heavy traffic, it can use up more memory than the default PHP memory limit, which can result in a 500 error.

You can increase the PHP memory limit in your wp-config.php file by adding this line of code:

define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M');

This will increase the memory limit to 256 MB. You can adjust the value as needed, but keep in mind that a higher memory limit can also lead to other performance issues. If you're not sure what value to use, consult with your hosting provider or a WordPress developer.

4. Syntax errors in PHP code​

A syntax error in your PHP code can cause a 500 error. This could be due to a plugin, a theme, or custom code added to your site.

To fix this issue, you'll need to access your website's files through FTP or your hosting control panel and find the file that contains the syntax error.

If the error comes from our themes or plugins, you can open a technical ticket. Our technical team is here to fix those issues for you.

If the error doesn't come from our themes or plugins, you'll have to contact the developer that created them.

If you're not familiar with PHP but want to make some modifications on a theme, it's best to hire a WordPress developer for assistance.

5. Incompatibility with the web server​

Your WordPress installation may not be compatible with the web server software you're using, which can result in a 500 error.

To fix this issue, you may need to upgrade your web server software or consult with your hosting provider for assistance.

6. Server-side issues​

Issues with the web server, such as misconfigurations, software bugs, or hardware problems, can cause a 500 error.

If you suspect a server-side issue is causing the error, you should contact your hosting provider for assistance.

7. Corrupted WordPress core files​

Corrupted WordPress core files can cause a variety of issues, including a 500 error.

If you suspect this is the cause of the error, you can try to repair your WordPress installation by following these steps:

  1. Log in to your WordPress admin dashboard.
  2. Go to Updates > Re-install Now.
  3. Click the Re-install Now button.

This will reinstall the latest version of WordPress and should repair any corrupted files.

However, if the issue persists, you may need to contact your hosting provider for further assistance.

8. Incorrect file permissions​

Incorrect file permissions can prevent your WordPress site from functioning properly and can result in a 500 error.

To fix this issue, you'll need to access your website's files through FTP or your hosting control panel and set the permissions for your WordPress files and directories as follows:

  • Directories: 755
  • Files: 644

If you're not comfortable changing file permissions, you can contact your hosting provider for assistance.

9. Database connection problems​

If your WordPress site can't connect to its database, it will result in a 500 error.

To fix this issue, you'll need to access your website's files through FTP or your hosting control panel and then check your database connection settings in the wp-config.php file.

The wp-config.php file contains the information your WordPress site needs to connect to its database, including the database name, username, password, and host. Make sure this information is accurate and that your database is running properly. If you're not sure what to do, you can contact your hosting provider for assistance.

10. Outdated PHP version​

WordPress requires a minimum PHP version to run, and if your server is running an outdated version, it can result in a 500 error.

To fix this issue, you'll need to upgrade your PHP version to the latest stable release. You can usually do this through your hosting control panel or by contacting your hosting provider for assistance.

11. PHP max execution time exceeded​

If a script takes too long to execute, the PHP max execution time limit can be exceeded, resulting in a 500 error.

To fix this issue, you can increase the PHP max execution time limit in your .htaccess file by adding this line of code:

php_value max_execution_time 300

This will increase the max execution time limit to 300 seconds. You can adjust the value as needed, but keep in mind that a higher max execution time limit can also lead to other performance issues.

12. Insufficient disk space​

If your server does not have enough disk space, it can result in a 500 error.

To fix this issue, you'll need to free up some disk space by deleting unnecessary files or upgrading your hosting plan to a plan with more disk space.

13. CDN or caching issues​

If your website is using a CDN or caching solution, misconfigurations can result in a 500 error.

To fix this issue, you'll need to check the configuration of your CDN or caching solution and make sure it's set up correctly. If you're not sure what to do, you can contact the support team for your CDN or caching solution for assistance.

14. Mod security rules​

If your website is behind a firewall or mod security rules are in place, they can sometimes block legitimate requests and result in a 500 error.

To fix this issue, you'll need to check your firewall and mod security rules and make sure they're not blocking any legitimate requests. If you're not sure what to do, you can contact your hosting provider for assistance.