The WordPress 500 internal server error is a common issue caused by factors like corrupted .htaccess files, plugin conflicts, or insufficient PHP memory. Thankfully, resolving it is often straightforward with solutions such as refreshing the page, clearing the cache, or deactivating plugins. More complex fixes include renaming .htaccess files, increasing PHP memory limits, or checking file permissions. If all else fails, contacting your web hosting provider can help diagnose server-side issues and restore your site.

The HTTP 500 internal server error is a general server-side error that indicates an unexpected condition that prevents the server from fulfilling a request. In WordPress, this often occurs due to misconfigurations, plugin conflicts, corrupted .htaccess files, or PHP memory limits.

Studies show that in 2024, WordPress.org is and has been the most popular website builder in the world, with over 68% of the market share. This means that individuals and businesses looking to create a website for themselves rarely look anywhere else. 

However, popularity comes with its challenges—one of the most common being the dreaded 500 internal server error.

Fortunately, every problem has a solution, and resolving this error is often simpler than you think. Follow our step-by-step guide to quickly diagnose and fix the 500 error so your website is back online in no time.

Fix WordPress 500 Error: 7 Steps to Follow

When it comes to fixing a WordPress 500 error, the first step is often identifying the underlying cause. This error can be triggered by a variety of factors, including:

  • Corrupt files
  • Overload of memory
  • Server issues
  • Conflicts with the plugins

Fortunately, you don’t need advanced technical knowledge to resolve it. Simply follow these steps to fix the issue and get your website back up and running:

1. Refresh the Page and Clear Your Cache

Let’s start with the quickest fix—refreshing the page. Sometimes, the error appears temporarily due to a server hiccup. Simply press F5 (Windows) or Cmd + R (Mac) to reload the page. If it was just a momentary glitch, your site should work fine.

If that doesn’t help, clear your browser cache. 

How to Clear Cache:

  • Go to Google Chrome settings, then follow these steps: 

Privacy & Security > Clear Browsing Data, then select “Cached images and files”.

  • Clean the cache from your WordPress dashboard if you’re using a caching plugin such as WP Super Cache or W3 Total Cache.
Also Read: The Non-Tech Savvy Guide to Setting Up a WordPress Website

2. Check and Rename the .htaccess File

Buried in a site’s backend, the ‘.htaccess’ file dictates redirects, security, and configurations. But the moment it gets corrupted, the result is clear—a 500 error. One misstep in this file and the entire site grinds to a halt.

How to Correct It:

  • Use the File Manager provided by your hosting company or FTP to access the files on your website.
  • In the public_html folder, find the.htaccess file.
  • Change its name to.htaccess_old to stop WordPress from using it.
  • Try reloading your webpage.

If the site loads fine now, your .htaccess file will likely be the issue. To generate a new one:

  • Log in to your WordPress dashboard
  • Go to Settings > Permalinks
  • Click Save Changes (even without making changes)

This creates a fresh .htaccess file. If this step doesn’t work, keep going.

3. Increase the PHP Memory Limit

Insufficient PHP memory is another common cause of the WordPress 500 error. Your website needs a certain amount of memory to run scripts, and if it goes above the limit, the 500 error occurs.

How to Raise the Memory Limit:

  • Locate the root folder of your WordPress installation and open the wp-config.php file.
  • Include this line: define(‘WP_MEMORY_LIMIT’, ‘256M’) immediately before the ‘That’s all, stop editing’ message.
  • After saving the file, reload your webpage.

A default memory limit of 128 MB is standard with most web hosting providers, but for many websites, it’s simply not enough. Increasing it to 256 MB can improve performance, yet some plans lock this setting.

When that happens, the solution you need isn’t a tweak. It’s an upgrade to a scalable provider, which supports higher memory allocation. If increasing the PHP memory limit doesn’t resolve the issue, proceed to the next step.

4. Deactivate All Plugins

A faulty plugin can break your website and trigger a 500 error. If the problem started after installing or updating a plugin, that’s a strong clue.

How to Deactivate Plugins Manually:

  • Access your site files through FTP or File Manager.
  • Navigate to wp-content/plugins/.
  • Rename the “plugins” folder to something like plugins_old.
  • Try reloading your site.

If your site loads correctly now, one of the plugins is causing the issue. Rename the folder back to plugins, then deactivate plugins one by one from the WordPress dashboard to identify the culprit.

Also Read: Top 5 ways to make money with WordPress

5. Switch to a Default WordPress Theme

A poorly coded or outdated theme can also lead to WordPress 500 errors, especially if it conflicts with WordPress updates or plugins.

How to Change Your Theme Manually:

  • Use File Manager or FTP to access the files on your website.
  • Visit the wp-content/themes/ page.
  • Change the folder name of your active theme to something like mytheme_old.
  • WordPress will change to a default theme (such as Twenty Twenty-Four) on its own.

If your site starts working, your theme is likely the issue. Consider updating it or switching to a well-optimised theme compatible with the latest WordPress version.

6. Check File Permissions

Incorrect file permissions can block WordPress from accessing certain files, causing server errors.

How to Fix Permissions:

  • Firstly, open your FTP client and connect to your website
  • Right-click a folder (e.g., wp-content) and select File Permissions.
  • Set permissions (755 for folders and 644 for files).
  • Apply changes and refresh your site.

And if you want to truly grasp the nuances of WordPress file permissions, there’s no better place to start than the official guide from WordPress.org.

7. Reach out to Your Web Hosting Provider

If there is no attempt that you have not tried and you still encounter the 500 error, the problem could lie within the server.

An effective web hosting provider is paramount in ensuring your site is operational because to say that your web hosting company is constantly unresponsive, experiences lengthy downtimes, or has ongoing frequent server issues is nothing but troublesome. 

Pro Tip: Before reaching out to your hosting provider, check their status page or social media channels for ongoing server issues—it could save you time troubleshooting. When contacting support, be prepared with details like error logs and the steps you’ve taken to speed up the resolution process.

To Wrap Up

Encountering a WordPress 500 error is never pleasant, but with a bit of effort and the right precautions, you can resolve it quickly. If the basic troubleshooting steps don’t work, your web host’s support team should be able to assist.

Consider hosting your site on a reliable, optimised platform to prevent future occurrences. Crazy Domains offers scalable hosting solutions with robust security features to keep your site running smoothly and minimise downtime.

Don’t let 500 errors disrupt your website—reach out to us today!