The 500 Internal Server Error in WordPress is one of the most frustrating and common errors site owners encounter. It doesn’t point to a specific issue. Instead, it’s a general-purpose error that means something has gone wrong on the server, but the server can’t figure out what.
When this error shows up, it means your site is unavailable to users, and it could block your access to the admin area too. This can lead to lost traffic, reduced SEO rankings, and even lost revenue. For more info: "How To Fix the 500 Internal Server Error in WordPress"
Meaning of the HTTP 500 Error
The HTTP 500 error is a generic server-side error. When the server encounters a problem that it cannot identify, it responds with a 500 error. You might see messages like:
- "500 Internal Server Error"
- "HTTP Error 500"
- "This page isn’t working"
- "The website cannot display the page"
This error is not specific to WordPress. Any web server or application can display this error when something goes wrong behind the scenes.
Why This Error Appears on WordPress Sites
In WordPress, this error is typically caused by issues with plugins, themes, corrupted files, server misconfiguration, or PHP memory limits. These problems can cause the server to fail when trying to load a page, and the result is a 500 Internal Server Error.
The problem might be simple, like a single line of broken code, or more complex, like a conflict between multiple components. It’s often hard to pinpoint without troubleshooting.
How a 500 Internal Server Error Affects Your WordPress Website
Impact on Visitors and SEO
When visitors land on your site and see a 500 error, they often leave immediately. This raises your bounce rate and lowers trust in your website. Over time, repeated downtime can hurt your SEO rankings because search engines want to show users reliable websites.
Admin Dashboard Inaccessibility
If the error affects your backend, you may not be able to log into your WordPress dashboard. That means you can’t disable plugins, change themes, or fix settings from the admin area. You’ll need to use tools like FTP or your hosting control panel to make changes manually.
Connection Between White Screen and Error 500
Sometimes, instead of showing a 500 error message, the screen just goes blank. This is known as the "White Screen of Death." Though it looks different, it’s often caused by the same server-side issue that would trigger a 500 error. Both usually relate to PHP problems or misconfigurations.
Most Common Causes of the 500 Internal Server Error in WordPress
Faulty or Incompatible Plugins
A poorly coded or outdated plugin can cause a serious conflict within WordPress. Even a recent update to a plugin can create problems if it's not compatible with your version of WordPress or PHP.
Broken or Corrupt WordPress Theme
Themes can also be the root of the problem, especially if you’re using a custom or outdated theme. A single bad line of code in the theme’s functions.php file can bring down your entire site.
Corrupted .htaccess File
The .htaccess file controls important server rules. If it’s corrupted or contains invalid rules, your site might throw a 500 error. This is often one of the first things you should check.
PHP Memory Limit Exhausted
If your site uses more memory than your server allows, it can crash and show a 500 error. This often happens with heavy plugins, themes, or high traffic. You can usually fix it by increasing the PHP memory limit in the wp-config.php file.
Corrupted Core WordPress Files
Sometimes WordPress core files can become corrupted due to failed updates, malware, or server errors. If the main WordPress files are damaged, your site can crash.
Issues with Hosting or Server Configuration
Shared hosting environments can sometimes run into server configuration issues that affect your site. A server upgrade, timeout, or misconfigured permission can all lead to a 500 error.
WordPress Cache and Browser Cache Conflicts
Conflicts between your WordPress cache (from plugins like WP Super Cache or W3 Total Cache) and your browser cache can also cause this error. Clearing both can sometimes fix the issue.
Custom Code and Manual Edits
If you’ve recently edited theme files, plugin code, or added custom functions, you might have introduced an error. A single typo or syntax error can crash your website.
How to Fix the 500 Internal Server Error in WordPress: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Backup Your WordPress Site and Database
Before making any changes, always create a full backup of your website files and database. This way, you can restore your site if anything goes wrong during troubleshooting.
Step 2: Check and Rename the .htaccess File
- Connect to your site using FTP or your file manager.
- Locate the .htaccess file in the root directory.
- Rename it to something like
.htaccess_old. - Try reloading your website.
- If it works, go to Settings > Permalinks in WordPress and click "Save Changes" to generate a new .htaccess file.
Step 3: Increase PHP Memory Limit in wp-config.php
- Open wp-config.php via FTP.
- Add the following line above the "That's all, stop editing!" line:
define( 'WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M' ); - Save the file and reload your site.
Step 4: Deactivate All WordPress Plugins via FTP
- Navigate to the
wp-contentfolder. - Rename the
pluginsfolder toplugins_old. - Check if the site loads.
- If yes, rename the folder back to
plugins. - Reactivate plugins one by one to find the culprit.
Step 5: Switch to a Default WordPress Theme (Like Twenty Twenty-Four)
- Go to
wp-content/themes. - Rename your current theme’s folder.
- WordPress will fall back to a default theme.
- Check if the site loads correctly.
Step 6: Reupload WordPress Core Files Safely
- Download a fresh copy of WordPress from WordPress.org.
- Extract it and upload only the
wp-adminandwp-includesfolders via FTP. - This replaces the core files without touching your content or plugins.
Step 7: Check Hosting Server Error Logs
- Access your hosting control panel.
- Look for "Error Logs" or "Server Logs."
- These logs often point to the exact line or file causing the error.
Step 8: Contact Your Web Hosting Provider for Help
If none of the steps work, reach out to your hosting support team. They can check server-level issues, permission problems, or configurations that are out of your control.
Extra Troubleshooting Tips for WordPress 500 Internal Server Errors
Using WordPress Debug Mode to Spot Errors
- In wp-config.php, add this line:
define( 'WP_DEBUG', true ); - You’ll start seeing error messages that may tell you what’s broken.
Disabling WordPress Caching Plugins
Caching plugins can sometimes serve outdated files or conflict with updates. Try disabling plugins like W3 Total Cache or WP Super Cache.
Reviewing the PHP Version Compatibility
Check your site’s PHP version. Some plugins and themes don’t work well with older or newer versions. Make sure your PHP version is compatible with WordPress and all installed plugins.
Restoring a Previous Backup
If everything else fails, restore a working backup of your site. This quickly brings your site back online and gives you time to test what caused the error.
Using Recovery Mode (WordPress Auto Error Detection)
WordPress sometimes detects fatal errors and sends an email with a recovery link. If you get that email, use it to log in safely and fix the problem without FTP.
Best Practices to Prevent 500 Internal Server Errors in the Future
1. Keep WordPress Core, Plugins, and Themes Updated
Outdated software is one of the main reasons WordPress sites run into 500 internal server errors. Every WordPress update includes bug fixes, security patches, and performance improvements. When you delay updates, you leave your site exposed to known vulnerabilities and incompatibilities.
- Update Core: Always use the latest stable version of WordPress.
- Update Plugins: Outdated plugins can conflict with core WordPress files or each other.
- Update Themes: Old themes might not support new WordPress features, causing errors.
Set a weekly reminder or use automatic updates for non-critical plugins.
2. Avoid Poorly Coded Themes and Plugins
Free or unknown plugins and themes may contain bad code, bugs, or even malware. These poorly coded elements can easily create conflicts and lead to 500 errors.
- Check Ratings: Use plugins/themes with good reviews and regular updates.
- Avoid Nulled Products: Don’t use pirated premium themes/plugins—they’re unsafe and often unstable.
- Test in Staging: Always test new plugins or themes in a staging environment before going live.
3. Use Reliable and Managed WordPress Hosting
Cheap or shared hosting plans often lead to limited server resources. If your site uses more memory than allocated, it can trigger a 500 error.
- Choose Managed Hosting: Managed WordPress hosting providers like Kinsta, WP Engine, or SiteGround optimize servers specifically for WordPress.
- Monitor Resource Usage: Use your host’s control panel to keep an eye on CPU, RAM, and disk usage.
4. Regularly Clear WordPress and Browser Cache
Caching helps load your website faster, but outdated cache can conflict with newer site files, leading to errors.
- Clear Plugin Cache: Use tools like WP Super Cache or W3 Total Cache to clear WordPress cache.
- Browser Cache: Instruct users and admins to clear browser cache regularly when updates are made.
- Hosting Cache: If your host provides caching at the server level, clear that too after major changes.
5. Perform Routine Backups and Store Them Safely
Backups won’t prevent a 500 error, but they’ll help you recover quickly when something goes wrong.
- Use Trusted Tools: Plugins like UpdraftPlus, Jetpack Backup, or BlogVault are great choices.
- Store Externally: Save backups on Google Drive, Dropbox, or Amazon S3—not on the same server.
- Backup Often: Daily backups are best for busy sites. Weekly backups may work for smaller ones.
6. Monitor Server Resource Usage
A 500 error can be a sign your site is hitting server limits. Monitoring helps you catch problems before they become serious.
- Use Plugins: Tools like Query Monitor can help you track what’s consuming resources.
- Host Monitoring: Some hosting providers include resource monitoring tools in your dashboard.
- Upgrade Plan if Needed: If you're maxing out your plan, consider moving to a VPS or managed host.
When to Seek Professional Help for WordPress Error 500
Signs You Need Expert Support
Sometimes DIY fixes aren’t enough. If you’re stuck or unsure, professional help can save time and protect your site.
- The error persists after trying common fixes
- You don’t feel confident editing files via FTP or cPanel
- You can’t log in to WordPress admin
- You’ve fixed the issue, but it keeps coming back
- Your site is losing traffic or customers due to downtime
Benefits of Professional WordPress Error Fixing Services
Hiring an expert isn’t just about fixing a problem—it’s about preventing future ones.
- Safe Troubleshooting: Professionals know how to fix things without causing more damage.
- Root Cause Detection: Experts go beyond symptoms to find the real issue.
- Performance Boost: A clean, optimized site runs faster and is less prone to errors.
- SEO Protection: Minimizing downtime protects your search rankings.
- Peace of Mind: You focus on your business while someone else handles the tech stuff.
Still Need Help Fixing the WordPress 500 Internal Server Error?
Get Expert Support from Creation Wave
At Creation Wave, we help WordPress site owners like you fix 500 internal server errors daily. We know how stressful downtime can be, and we act fast to get your site running smoothly again.
Book a Free Consultation
Not sure what’s wrong? No problem. We’ll review your issue for free and explain how we can help.
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How We Fix WordPress Errors Daily
- Take a full backup before starting any fix
- Review server logs and .htaccess settings
- Identify plugin or theme conflicts
- Re-upload core files if needed
- Test everything in a staging environment
- Confirm the fix is working before going live
Fixing 500 Internal Server Errors in WordPress the Right Way
Quick Recap of All Fixes
- Rename or rebuild .htaccess
- Increase memory in wp-config.php
- Deactivate all plugins
- Switch to a default theme
- Reupload WordPress core files
- Check hosting logs
- Contact your host for deeper issues
Importance of Regular Maintenance
Staying proactive is the best way to avoid WordPress errors. Regular updates, routine backups, and safe plugin/theme use can prevent most major issues. Fix today’s problem, and protect tomorrow’s performance.
FAQs: WordPress 500 Internal Server Error Solutions
What causes the 500 error most often?
Usually it’s a plugin conflict, broken .htaccess file, or PHP memory exhaustion.
Can I fix a 500 error without access to WordPress admin?
Yes. Use FTP or your hosting file manager to rename plugins, edit files, or reupload clean files.
Will I lose my website data while fixing this error?
No, if you follow safe practices. Always back up your site before making changes.
Is a 500 internal server error dangerous for my SEO?
Yes. If your site is down for too long, Google may lower your search rankings.
What if the 500 error keeps coming back?
It likely means there's an ongoing problem—bad custom code, a bad host, or recurring plugin issues. Hire a professional to do a full audit.