How Can I Resolve the WordPress HTTP 500 Internal Server Error?

It's quite common for WordPress users to encounter an HTTP 500 internal server error. As a top-notch server management company offering 24/7 support, we often get asked how to fix this issue.

In this article, we'll share some tips to help you troubleshoot the problem. If you're facing this issue, you're in the right place. But before we dive into the solutions, let's understand what an HTTP 500 internal server error is and why it happens.

What is HTTP 500 Internal Server Error?

This error occurs when the server has trouble displaying the page requested by the user. It can be caused by issues in WordPress themes or plugins, making it an application-side problem. Unfortunately, there are usually no clear indicators of what went wrong.

Common Causes

  • Corrupted theme or plugin

  • Incompatible PHP versions

  • Limited PHP memory

  • Corrupted .htaccess file

Sometimes, this error might only appear in your browser and not affect your visitors. Before troubleshooting, make sure others are experiencing the same issue.

Points to Consider Before Fixing HTTP 500 Error
  • 1.

    Refresh the Page: Sometimes, simply refreshing the page can fix the error. It might just be a temporary server overload.

  • 2.

    Restore Backup: If you have a backup of your site, restoring it can help bring your site back to normal. If the error persists after restoration, proceed with troubleshooting steps.

How to Fix a 500 HTTP Internal Server Error Examples & Use Cases

1. Switching Theme and Deactivating Plugins

  • 1.

    Deactivate All Plugins: Disable all your plugins and switch to the default WordPress theme.

  • 2.

    Check Site: See if your site runs without issues. If it does, the problem might be with a newly installed theme or plugin.

  • 3.

    Test Plugins: Reactivate plugins one by one to identify which one causes the error.

2. Increasing PHP Memory Limit

Low memory allocation can trigger the error. You can increase the PHP memory limit to fix it:

  • 1.

    Open the wp-config.php file in your site’s root directory.

  • 2.

    Add the following code:

define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '64M');

  • 3.

    Save the file and check your site.

If the issue persists even after increasing the memory, contact your hosting provider for support.

3. Checking .htaccess File

A corrupted .htaccess file can also cause the error. Here’s how to fix it:

  • 1.

    Log in to your hosting control panel (cPanel).

  • 2.

    Go to File Manager and navigate to the public_html folder.

  • 3.

    Locate the .htaccess file, rename it (e.g., .htaccess_backup), and save.

  • 4.

    Check your site to see if the issue is resolved.

4. Updating PHP Version

PHP is essential for running your site, and outdated versions can cause errors. Follow these steps to update PHP:

  • 1.

    Log in to your cPanel account.

  • 2.

    Navigate to phpMyAdmin or the PHP Manager section.

  • 3.

    Check your current PHP version and ensure it is up-to-date.

By following these steps, you should be able to fix the 500 HTTP internal server error on your WordPress site. If problems persist, consider reaching out to WordPress management service providers for assistance.

Conclusion

This article covers common causes of the HTTP 500 error and provides troubleshooting steps to fix it. You can try to solve the issue yourself using these methods. However, sometimes the problem might not be related to PHP memory limits, PHP versions, or corrupted plugins, themes, and .htaccess files.