How to Fix WordPress 500 Internal Server Error?

WordPress is a popular content management system used by millions of websites around the world. However, like any other platform, it can also face issues and errors that can be frustrating for users. One such error is the “500 Internal Server Error” that can occur when you try to access your WordPress site. In this article, we will discuss the causes of this error and provide you with solutions to fix it.

What is a 500 Internal Server Error in WordPress?

A 500 Internal Server Error is an HTTP status code that indicates that the server encountered an unexpected error and couldn’t fulfill the request made by the client. In the case of WordPress, this error can occur due to a variety of reasons, such as:

• Plugin or theme conflict
• Corrupted WordPress core files
• Insufficient memory limit
• Corrupted .htaccess file
• Server-side issues

How to Fix WordPress 500 Internal Server Error?

Here are some solutions to fix the 500 Internal Server Error in WordPress:

Solution 1: Deactivate All Plugins

One of the most common reasons for this error is a plugin conflict. To check if a plugin is causing the issue, you need to deactivate all plugins and then reactivate them one by one. To deactivate all plugins at once, follow these steps:

1. Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
2. Go to the “Plugins” section.
3. Select all plugins and choose “Deactivate” from the “Bulk Actions” dropdown.
4. Try to access your website. If the error is gone, then a plugin was causing the issue.

Now, reactivate your plugins one by one until you find the plugin causing the issue. Once you find the plugin, either update it or remove it from your website.

Solution 2: Increase the Memory Limit

If your website has insufficient memory, it can lead to the 500 Internal Server Error. To increase the memory limit, follow these steps:

1. Open the “wp-config.php” file located in the root directory of your WordPress site.
2. Add the following code at the end of the file:

3. Save the file and try accessing your website again.

Solution 3: Check the .htaccess File

The .htaccess file controls how your website interacts with the server. A corrupted .htaccess file can lead to the 500 Internal Server Error. To check if the .htaccess file is causing the issue, follow these steps:

1. Log in to your website via FTP or cPanel.
2. Rename the .htaccess file to .htaccess_old.
3. Try accessing your website again. If the error is gone, then the .htaccess file was causing the issue.
4. Generate a new .htaccess file by going to “Settings” > “Permalinks” and clicking the “Save Changes” button.

Solution 4: Reinstall WordPress Core Files

If your WordPress core files are corrupted, it can lead to the 500 Internal Server Error. To reinstall the WordPress core files, follow these steps:

1. Log in to your website via FTP or cPanel.
2. Download a fresh copy of WordPress from wordpress.org.
3. Unzip the file and delete the “wp-content” folder.
4. Upload the remaining files to your website’s root directory.
5. Overwrite the existing files when prompted.

Solution 5: Contact Your Web Host

If none of the above solutions work, then the issue might be with your web host. Contact your web host’s support team and provide them with details about the error, including when it occurred and what you were doing