How to Fix the Dreaded WordPress Internal Server Error (500 Internal Server Error)

The WordPress Internal Server Error, also known as the 500 Internal Server Error, is one of the most frustrating issues that can occur on your website. This error is particularly vexing because it provides no specific information about the underlying problem, leaving website owners and developers in the dark. Typically, this error indicates a server-side issue, which could be caused by anything from a corrupted .htaccess file, exhausted PHP memory limit, problematic plugins or themes, or even incorrect file permissions. The broad nature of this error necessitates a systematic approach to troubleshooting to pinpoint and resolve the root cause.

At ZEROPHOID, the owner of WordPressUpdates.eu, we understand the challenges that come with maintaining a WordPress site. Understanding and resolving the WordPress Internal Server Error is crucial for maintaining a seamless user experience and ensuring the smooth operation of your site. Fortunately, with the right steps, this daunting error can be effectively addressed. By methodically checking and adjusting various aspects of your WordPress installation—from your .htaccess file to your PHP settings and plugins—you can identify the culprit and restore your site to full functionality. This guide provides a comprehensive list of quick fixes for the most common WordPress errors, starting with the 500 Internal Server Error, to help you get your site back on track with minimal downtime.

A 500 Internal Server Error, often seen as a WordPress Internal Server Error, indicates that something went wrong on the server side, but the server could not be more specific about the error. Here are some common steps to diagnose and fix this issue in WordPress:

Diagnose and fix this issue in WordPress:

1. Check .htaccess File

The ‘.htaccess‘ file is a configuration file used by Apache web servers. Corrupt or incorrect rules in this file can cause a 500 error.

• Rename your ‘.htaccess‘ file to ‘.htaccess_backup‘ and see if the issue is resolved. If it is, the problem was with your ‘.htaccess‘ file.
• You can regenerate the ‘.htaccess‘ file by going to Settings > Permalinks in your WordPress dashboard and saving the settings (you don’t need to change anything, just click save).

2. Increase PHP Memory Limit

Sometimes the error is due to exhausting the PHP memory limit.

Edit your ‘wp-config.php‘ file and add the following line:

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

3. Deactivate All Plugins

A faulty plugin can cause a 500 error.

• Access your site via FTP or cPanel and navigate to the wp-content directory.
• Rename the plugins folder to something like plugins_backup. This will deactivate all plugins.
• If this resolves the issue, rename the folder back to plugins and then reactivate your plugins one by one from the WordPress dashboard to identify the culprit.

4. Switch to a Default Theme

A theme-related issue can also cause a 500 error.

• Temporarily switch to a default theme like Twenty Twenty-One or Twenty Twenty-Two.
• If you can’t access the dashboard, you can do this via FTP or cPanel by renaming your current theme’s folder in ‘wp-content/themes‘.

5. Enable Debugging

Enabling WordPress debugging mode can provide more details about the error.

Edit your ‘wp-config.php‘ file and add the following lines:

define('WP_DEBUG', true);
define('WP_DEBUG_LOG', true);
define('WP_DEBUG_DISPLAY', false);

Check the ‘wp-content/debug.log‘ file for error messages.

6. Check File Permissions

Incorrect file permissions can cause server errors.

• All directories should be 755 and all files should be 644. You can set these permissions using an FTP client or through your hosting control panel.

7. Re-upload Core Files

Corrupted core files can lead to a 500 error.

• Download a fresh copy of WordPress from wordpress.org.
• Extract the files and upload the ‘wp-admin‘ and ‘wp-includes‘ directories to your site, overwriting the existing files.

8. Contact Your Hosting Provider

If you’ve tried all of the above steps and the error persists, it might be a server-related issue. Contact your hosting provider for assistance as they can check server logs and configurations.

Example of Editing wp-config.php for Debugging

// Add the following lines to the wp-config.php file
define('WP_DEBUG', true);
define('WP_DEBUG_LOG', true);
define('WP_DEBUG_DISPLAY', false);

// After saving the changes, check the debug.log file in wp-content directory for detailed error messages

By following these steps, you should be able to diagnose and resolve any issues causing the WordPress Internal Server Error or 500 Internal Server Error. But if you’re stuck or just want to make sure the problem doesn’t come back, we’re here to help! With our WordPress Quick Fix Service, for just €35/hour, you can sit back and relax while we handle the technical stuff. Whether it’s a one-time fix or ongoing support, we’ll make sure your site stays secure and runs smoothly. Get in touch with us today—we’re always happy to help!