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 one of the most confusing problems you can face on a WordPress website. It appears when something goes wrong on the server, but the server cannot explain the exact reason. Instead of telling you what failed, it simply shows a message saying the site cannot load. This makes the error feel scary, especially for beginners, because it stops your whole website from working.

The good news is that a 500 error is fixable. It usually happens because of a simple issue inside your WordPress files, plugins, or server settings. Once you find the cause, your site can be back online in just a few minutes. Understanding why this problem happens is the first step to solving it.

Common Reasons Why the 500 Error Happens in WordPress

Corrupted .htaccess File

The .htaccess file controls many important rules on your website, including links, redirects, and security settings. If this file becomes damaged or gets the wrong code, your server may break and show a 500 error. This is one of the most common causes.

Plugin or Theme Conflict

Sometimes a plugin or theme contains bad code or is not compatible with the latest version of WordPress. When this happens, your site may crash and show a 500 error. This usually happens after an update or after installing a new plugin.

PHP Memory Limit Issues

WordPress needs a certain amount of memory to run. If your site runs out of memory because of heavy plugins, large images, or slow hosting, the server may stop working. When the limit is too low, a 500 error can appear.

Server Misconfiguration

Sometimes the problem is not in WordPress but on the hosting server. Wrong server settings, outdated software, or overloaded servers can all cause a 500 error. This is more common on cheap or crowded hosting plans.

Faulty Core Files

If important WordPress core files get deleted or corrupted, your site will not load properly. This can happen during updates, file uploads, or malware attacks. When core files break, the server has trouble processing your site and shows a 500 error.

Before You Start: Important Safety Steps

Before you try to fix the WordPress 500 Internal Server Error, you must take a few safety steps. These steps protect your website in case something goes wrong. Think of them like wearing a helmet before riding a bike.

Backup Your Website

Make a full backup of your website. This backup should include:

  • All WordPress files

  • Your theme and plugins

  • Your uploads folder

  • Your database

You can use:

  • Your hosting control panel

  • A backup plugin

  • A manual backup using FTP

A backup keeps your site safe. If anything breaks, you can restore your website in minutes.

Use Hosting File Manager or FTP

To fix this error, you must access your WordPress files. You can do this in two ways:

  • Hosting File Manager:
    Open your hosting dashboard (like cPanel, Plesk, or CyberPanel). Use the built-in File Manager to open your website files.

  • FTP (File Transfer Protocol):
    Use tools like FileZilla or WinSCP. Connect using your FTP username, password, and server address.

Using these tools helps you edit, rename, or replace files easily.

Method 1: Fix the .htaccess File

Many times, the .htaccess file becomes corrupt. When this happens, WordPress stops working and shows the 500 error. You can fix it by resetting this file.

Rename the File

Go to your website’s main folder (public_html or root).
Find the .htaccess file and rename it to something like:

  • .htaccess-old

  • .htaccess-backup

Renaming the file turns it off. If your site loads after renaming, the old file was the problem.

Create a Fresh .htaccess

After renaming, log in to your WordPress dashboard.
Go to:

  • Settings → Permalinks

  • Click Save Changes (you don’t need to change anything)

WordPress will create a brand-new .htaccess file automatically.
This fresh file usually fixes the error.

Method 2: Increase the PHP Memory Limit

The 500 error can also appear when your server runs out of memory. This means WordPress needs more "power" to work smoothly.

Edit wp-config.php

Go to your website root folder and open the file wp-config.php.
Add this line right before the comment "That's all, stop editing!":

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

This gives WordPress more memory and can fix the error instantly.

Update php.ini (If Allowed)

Some hosting providers allow you to edit php.ini.
If your host allows it, open the file and add:

memory_limit = 256M

Then save the file and try loading your website again.

If php.ini editing is not allowed, you can ask your hosting support to increase memory for you.

Method 3: Disable All Plugins (Then Reactivate One by One)

Sometimes a single plugin can break your whole website and cause the 500 Internal Server Error. This happens when a plugin has a bug, becomes outdated, or conflicts with another plugin.

When you can’t access your WordPress dashboard, you must disable plugins from your hosting file manager or FTP.

Disable All Plugins

Go to your website files and open the folder:

  • wp-content

Inside it, you will see a folder named:

  • plugins

Rename the folder to something like:

  • plugins-disabled

  • plugins-off

Renaming the folder turns off all plugins at once.

If your website loads after doing this, it means the error was caused by a bad plugin.

Reactivate Plugins One by One

After the site starts working:

  • Rename the folder back to plugins

  • Open your WordPress dashboard

  • Reactivate plugins one at a time

After each activation, refresh your website.

If the site breaks again when you activate a plugin, you have found the faulty plugin.
You can delete it or replace it with a better one.

Method 4: Switch to a Default WordPress Theme

A broken or poorly coded theme can also cause the 500 error. To test this, switch your site to a simple default theme like:

  • Twenty Twenty-Four

  • Twenty Twenty-Three

  • Twenty Twenty-Two

If you cannot access your dashboard, you can switch the theme from your files.

How to Switch Using File Manager or FTP

Go to:

  • wp-content/themes

Rename your active theme’s folder to something like:

  • theme-old

WordPress will automatically switch to a default theme if it is available in the themes folder.

If your website loads after switching, your old theme was the problem.
You can reinstall or replace the theme with a stable one.

Method 5: Reupload WordPress Core Files

Sometimes WordPress core files get corrupted. This can happen during updates, malware infections, server crashes, or incomplete uploads. When this happens, replacing the core files can fix the 500 error.

You will not lose your content by doing this. Your posts, pages, plugins, and theme remain safe.

Replace wp-admin

Download a fresh copy of WordPress from the official website.

Open the downloaded ZIP file and find the folder named:

  • wp-admin

Upload this folder to your website using File Manager or FTP.
When asked to replace files, choose Yes.

This will restore all clean admin files.

Replace wp-includes

From the same WordPress ZIP, find the folder:

  • wp-includes

Upload this folder to your server too.
Replace all old files with the new ones.

This gives WordPress a clean set of core files, which often fixes the 500 error instantly.

Method 6: Check File Permissions

Incorrect file permissions can make WordPress unable to read or write important files. This can cause the 500 Internal Server Error. Each file and folder on your website should have the right permissions.

Correct Permissions

  • Folders: 755

  • Files: 644

  • wp-config.php: 440 or 400

How to Check and Fix Permissions

  • Open your website files using FTP or File Manager

  • Right-click a file or folder and choose Permissions or Change Permissions

  • Update the permissions to the numbers above

After fixing permissions, reload your website.
If the site works, wrong permissions were the cause.

Method 7: Check Server Error Logs

Server error logs help you find exactly what caused the 500 error. They show messages about broken plugins, themes, or PHP errors.

Where to Find Error Logs

  • cPanel: Look for Errors or Error Log

  • Plesk or Other Hosts: Check Logs or Statistics → Logs

  • Custom Error Log: Some hosts create a file called error_log in your root folder

What to Look For

  • Lines with PHP Fatal Error

  • Plugin or theme names mentioned

  • File paths causing issues

Once you find the exact problem, you can fix it by disabling the plugin, updating the theme, or increasing memory.

Method 8: Contact Your Hosting Provider

If nothing works, your hosting provider can help. They have access to server settings and logs that you cannot see. Many times, the 500 error is caused by server-side issues like:

  • Low PHP memory limits

  • Server misconfiguration

  • Temporary server failures

copyright Hosting Support

  • Open your hosting account

  • Look for Support → Live Chat, Ticket, or Call

  • Explain that your website is showing a 500 Internal Server Error

  • Provide any error log information if available

Hosting support can often fix the issue quickly or guide you step by step.

How to Prevent 500 Errors in the Future

Fixing a 500 Internal Server Error is important, but preventing it is even better. Here are some ways to keep your WordPress website healthy:

  • Keep WordPress Updated
    Always update your WordPress core, themes, and plugins to the latest versions. Updates fix bugs and security issues.

  • Use Reliable Plugins and Themes
    Only use plugins and themes from trusted sources. Poorly coded plugins often break your site.

  • Take Regular Backups
    Backup your site frequently. Use a plugin or your hosting’s backup system. If something goes wrong, you can restore it quickly.

  • Monitor Your Website
    Check your website regularly for errors. Tools like uptime monitors or error log viewers can help detect problems early.

  • Optimize Server Resources
    Increase PHP memory if needed, avoid too many heavy plugins, and choose a hosting plan that matches your website size and traffic.

  • Use a Staging Environment
    Test new plugins, themes, and updates in a staging site before applying them to your live website. This prevents accidental site crashes.

FAQs About the 500 Internal Server Error

What is a 500 Internal Server Error?
It is a server error that stops your website from loading. It usually happens because of corrupted files, plugin conflicts, or server issues.

Will I lose my content?
No. Posts, pages, themes, and plugins are safe if you follow proper troubleshooting steps.

Can a plugin cause a 500 error?
Yes. A faulty plugin is one of the most common causes. Disabling plugins one by one helps find the problem.

Do I need a developer to fix it?
Not always. Many fixes can be done using File Manager or FTP. But if you’re unsure, your hosting provider or a professional developer can help.

How can I avoid this error in the future?
Keep WordPress updated, use trusted plugins/themes, take backups, and monitor your site regularly.

Conclusion

The 500 Internal Server Error can be scary, but it is usually fixable. By following these methods, you can:

  • Restore your website quickly

  • Identify what caused the error

  • Prevent future issues

Remember to always backup your website first before making changes. Keep WordPress, plugins, and themes updated. Monitor your site, and use reliable hosting.

By following these steps, your WordPress website will stay healthy and load smoothly for your visitors.

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