How To Fix the 500 Internal Server Error in WordPress (2025 Guide)

Category: Blog

Introduction


What Is the 500 Internal Server Error?


The 500 Internal Server Error is a general-purpose error message. It means something has gone wrong on the web server, but the server could not be more specific about the exact problem. In WordPress, this error often makes the entire website inaccessible, including the admin dashboard.

Why This Error Matters for WordPress Users


For WordPress users, the 500 Internal Server Error is serious because it can bring the whole site down. Visitors cannot access your pages, and you might lose important traffic, sales, or credibility. If you're running a business website, every minute the site is down could mean lost revenue and trust.

Quick Overview of Common Causes


Some of the most common causes of the 500 Internal Server Error in WordPress include:

  • Plugin conflicts or plugin corruption

  • Theme function issues, especially in functions.php

  • Corrupted or misconfigured .htaccess file

  • PHP memory limits being exceeded

  • Damaged WordPress core files

  • Problems or misconfigurations on the hosting server


Understanding these causes will help you take the right steps to fix the error quickly.

What Causes a 500 Internal Server Error in WordPress?


Plugin Conflicts or Corruption


Plugins can add a lot of features to your WordPress site. However, not all plugins are compatible with each other or with the version of WordPress you're using. A poorly coded plugin or one that conflicts with another can cause a 500 error.

Theme Function Issues


If there is an error in your theme's code, especially in the functions.php file, it can cause the site to crash and throw a 500 error. This might happen if you add custom code that contains errors or if the theme update fails.

.htaccess File Errors


The .htaccess file is a powerful configuration file used by the Apache web server. It controls settings like redirects and permalink structures. A single incorrect line in this file can make your site return a 500 error.

PHP Memory Limits


Every server allocates a certain amount of memory to run PHP scripts. If WordPress exceeds this limit—especially if you're using many heavy plugins or themes—it can lead to a 500 error.

Faulty WordPress Core Files


Sometimes WordPress core files become corrupted during updates or file transfers. If important files are missing or not working properly, WordPress won't be able to run, and the server will throw an error.

Hosting Server Misconfiguration


Occasionally, the problem isn't with WordPress at all. Your web host may have changed server settings, updated PHP, or misconfigured something that affects your site.

How to Prepare Before Troubleshooting


Backup Your WordPress Website


Before making any changes, always take a full backup of your site. This includes the database and all files. Use plugins like UpdraftPlus, Duplicator, or manually copy the files and export the database using phpMyAdmin.

Use Maintenance Mode (Optional)


If parts of your site are still working, enable a maintenance mode plugin to let visitors know you're working on it. This prevents a bad user experience.

Enable Debugging in wp-config.php


Turn on WordPress debugging to identify the specific issue. Open wp-config.php and add the following lines before "That's all, stop editing!":
define('WP_DEBUG', true);

define('WP_DEBUG_LOG', true);

define('WP_DEBUG_DISPLAY', false);

This tells WordPress to write error messages into a file called debug.log located inside the wp-content folder.

Step-by-Step Fixes for the 500 Error


1.Check for Corrupted .htaccess File



  1. Connect to your site using FTP or your hosting File Manager.

  2. Locate the .htaccess file in the root directory (usually public_html).

  3. Rename it to .htaccess_old.

  4. Visit your website. If it works, the .htaccess file was the problem.

  5. Go to your WordPress dashboard, visit Settings > Permalinks, and click "Save Changes" to generate a new .htaccess file.


2.Increase PHP Memory Limit



  1. Open wp-config.php.

  2. Add this line:


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


  1. If the error persists, you may also need to increase memory in php.ini or ask your host for help.


3.Deactivate All Plugins


If you can log into your dashboard:

  • Go to Plugins > Installed Plugins.

  • Deactivate all plugins.

  • Reload your site.


If you cannot log in:

  1. Use FTP or File Manager.

  2. Go to wp-content.

  3. Rename the "plugins" folder to "plugins_old."

  4. Check your site. If it loads, one of your plugins is the problem.

  5. Rename the folder back and activate each plugin one by one to find the faulty one.


4.Switch to Default WordPress Theme



  1. Go to wp-content/themes.

  2. Rename your current theme folder.

  3. WordPress will automatically switch to a default theme like Twenty Twenty-Four.

  4. Check if the site loads.


5.Reinstall WordPress Core Files



  1. Download the latest version of WordPress from wordpress.org.

  2. Unzip the folder.

  3. Delete the wp-content folder from the downloaded version.

  4. Upload the remaining files to your site using FTP, replacing the existing ones.

  5. This will not affect your content or themes but will replace core files.


6.Check File Permissions


Incorrect file permissions can cause server errors.

  • Folders should be set to 755.

  • Files should be set to 644. Check and correct these using your FTP client or hosting File Manager.


7.Review Server Error Logs


Check your hosting control panel (like cPanel) for "Error Logs."

  • Look for messages related to file paths or memory errors.

  • These logs can show which plugin, file, or setting caused the issue.



Advanced Fixes (For Developers)


Debugging Plugin/Theme Conflicts with WP-CLI


Use WP-CLI commands to deactivate plugins and themes from the command line if you don’t have access to the dashboard.

Checking Apache or Nginx Configuration


Misconfigured .htaccess files or server blocks in Nginx can cause 500 errors. Developers should review these files for syntax issues.

Handling PHP Timeout or Execution Issues


If a script takes too long to run, it may time out. Increase max_execution_time and max_input_time in php.ini or contact your host to adjust these settings.

6. Contacting Your Hosting Provider


If you’ve tried fixing the error yourself and it’s still there, it may be time to contact your hosting provider. Sometimes, the issue isn't on your website—it could be something wrong on the hosting company’s end.



What to Ask Your Host


When you reach out to support, make sure you share all the steps you've already taken. You can ask them things like:





  • Can you check the server error logs for my account?




  • Is there a problem with my PHP settings or memory limits?




  • Are there any issues with the server configuration?




  • Did anything change recently on the server that could affect my website?




Give them your domain name and the exact time you saw the error. This helps the support team find the problem faster.



When Hosting is the Root Cause


Sometimes, your hosting plan might not have enough power to handle your website—especially if your site has grown. Shared hosting (where many websites use the same server) often runs into memory or processing issues. In such cases, the 500 error might be happening because:





  • The server is overloaded.




  • There are restrictions on PHP execution time.




  • Your hosting provider updated something on the server.




If that’s the case, you may need to upgrade your plan or switch to a more powerful option like managed WordPress hosting or VPS.



Preventing the 500 Error in the Future


Fixing the error is one thing—but preventing it from happening again is even better. Here's how to keep your WordPress site healthy and reduce the chances of facing this error again:



Use Well-Coded Plugins and Themes


Not all plugins and themes are created the same. Some are poorly coded and can cause conflicts or overload your server. Stick to plugins and themes from trusted sources like:





  • The official WordPress.org repository




  • Well-known developers or companies




  • Tools that are regularly updated and have good reviews




Avoid using nulled (pirated) plugins—they can contain malicious code.



Keep WordPress and PHP Updated


Outdated versions of WordPress, themes, or plugins can cause compatibility issues. The same goes for PHP (the language WordPress is built on). Always:





  • Update WordPress core when a new version is released.




  • Keep your plugins and themes updated.




  • Make sure your site is using the latest stable version of PHP (as of 2025, that’s PHP 8.2 or higher).




You can check your PHP version in your hosting dashboard or by using plugins like WP Health.



Monitor Error Logs Regularly


Error logs are files where your server writes down any problem that happens behind the scenes. They’re useful for spotting issues before they break your site.


Most hosts let you view error logs through:





  • cPanel > Error Logs




  • A custom hosting dashboard




  • FTP file access (look for error_log files)




Check your logs weekly if possible, especially after updating plugins or themes.



Consider Managed WordPress Hosting


If you don’t want to worry about technical stuff, a managed WordPress host can help. They take care of updates, backups, security, and performance tuning for you.


Managed hosting often includes:





  • Automatic WordPress updates




  • Daily backups




  • Malware scans




  • Expert support for WordPress-specific issues




This kind of hosting is more expensive, but it saves a lot of time and stress.



Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)


Is the 500 error a virus or hack?


No, the 500 error is not caused by a virus or hacking in most cases. It usually means something is wrong with how the server is processing your website. However, if you recently installed a suspicious plugin or theme, it's good to scan your site for malware just to be safe.



Will this error delete my data?


No, the 500 error does not delete your posts, images, or database. It only means that your website isn't loading properly at the moment. Your data is still there. Once the error is fixed, your site will return to normal.



Can I fix it without coding skills?


Yes, many of the fixes don’t require any coding. You can:





  • Rename your .htaccess file




  • Increase PHP memory using wp-config.php




  • Deactivate plugins using FTP or your hosting file manager




  • Switch themes or reinstall WordPress core files




If you're unsure, follow step-by-step guides or ask for help from your hosting support or a WordPress expert.



 Final Thoughts


The 500 Internal Server Error can be scary when it first shows up, but it’s often easy to fix once you understand what causes it. From simple problems like bad plugins or a corrupted .htaccess file to more complex issues like server misconfigurations, there’s always a path to solve it.



Summary of Solutions


Here’s a quick recap of what you can do:





  • Check your .htaccess file and regenerate it




  • Increase your PHP memory limit




  • Deactivate all plugins, then reactivate one at a time




  • Switch to a default theme




  • Reinstall the WordPress core files




  • Review error logs and file permissions




  • Contact your hosting provider if needed




When to Call a WordPress Expert


If you’ve tried everything and still can’t fix the issue, don’t waste more time. It might be time to call in a developer or hire a WordPress expert. They can troubleshoot deeper issues like plugin conflicts, server configurations, or PHP errors quickly.



Tools and Services That Can Help


Here are some tools and services that can make your life easier:





  • WP Debug Log – Helps track hidden PHP errors




  • Health Check & Troubleshooting Plugin – Detects problems without affecting users




  • Managed Hosting Providers – Offers expert WordPress support and automatic fixes




  • Creation Wave LLC – A team of WordPress experts who can help you fix errors, speed up your site, and keep it secure




 
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