WordPress 500 Internal Server Error: What to do

ByContributor

Fix WordPress 500 Internal Server Error

🔹 What Causes the 500 Internal Server Error?

This error is typically caused by:

  • 🔸 Corrupt .htaccess file
  • 🔸 Plugin conflicts
  • 🔸 Theme issues
  • 🔸 PHP memory limit exhaustion
  • 🔸 Corrupt core WordPress files
  • 🔸 Incorrect file permissions
  • 🔸 Server-side issues

🔹 How to Fix the Error

1️⃣ Check and Rename the .htaccess File

Use FTP or cPanel File Manager to locate and rename the file to .htaccess_backup. Then regenerate it via WordPress:

WordPress Dashboard → Settings → Permalinks → Save Changes

2️⃣ Increase PHP Memory Limit

Modify the wp-config.php file:

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

Or, update .htaccess:

php_value memory_limit 256M

3️⃣ Deactivate Plugins

Rename the wp-content/plugins folder to plugins_backup. If your site loads, a plugin is the problem.

4️⃣ Switch to a Default Theme

Rename your current theme folder inside /wp-content/themes/ and WordPress will switch to the default theme.

5️⃣ Enable Debugging Mode

Edit wp-config.php and add:

define('WP_DEBUG', true);
define('WP_DEBUG_LOG', true);
define('WP_DEBUG_DISPLAY', false);
@ini_set('display_errors', 0);

6️⃣ Check File Permissions

  • Folders: 755
  • Files: 644

7️⃣ Reinstall WordPress Core Files

Download a fresh WordPress copy, delete the wp-content folder from it, and upload the rest to your server.

8️⃣ Check Server Logs

View logs in cPanel under Errors or check:

/var/log/apache2/error.log

🔹 How to Prevent Future Errors

  • ✅ Keep WordPress, plugins, and themes updated.
  • ✅ Use reliable hosting.
  • ✅ Monitor site performance and logs.
  • ✅ Regularly backup your site.

🔹 Final Thoughts

A 500 Internal Server Error can be fixed by systematically troubleshooting each possible cause. If the issue persists, contact your web host for support.

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