How To Fix the 500 Internal Server Error in WordPress (Step-by-Step Guide for 2025)

Introduction

What Is the 500 Internal Server Error?

The 500 Internal Server Error is one of the most common and frustrating issues that WordPress website owners face. This error indicates that the server encountered an unexpected condition that prevented it from fulfilling the request. Unlike other errors, it doesn’t provide specific information about the exact problem, making it a bit tricky to diagnose at first glance.

When this error occurs, visitors to your website typically see a blank white screen or a simple message saying “500 Internal Server Error,” “HTTP Error 500,” or “Internal Server Error.” Because it’s a server-side error, the problem usually lies with your hosting environment, website files, or configuration rather than your browser or internet connection.

Why It Happens in WordPress

WordPress is a dynamic content management system built on PHP and MySQL, running on a web server like Apache or Nginx. Since WordPress relies on multiple components working together—such as themes, plugins, PHP scripts, and server configurations—there are many points where errors can occur.

Commonly, the 500 error in WordPress happens due to server misconfigurations, exhausted PHP resources, or faulty code within themes or plugins. It can also be triggered by permission issues, corrupted files, or even temporary server glitches. This error often appears after updating WordPress core, themes, or plugins, or when changing hosting environments.

How This Guide Will Help You Fix It Quickly

This guide aims to provide a comprehensive and easy-to-follow troubleshooting process to identify and fix the root causes of the 500 Internal Server Error in WordPress. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced website manager, these practical steps will help you regain control of your website with minimal downtime. Additionally, you’ll learn how to prevent similar issues in the future by adopting best practices for WordPress maintenance and hosting.

Common Causes of the 500 Internal Server Error

Corrupted .htaccess File

The .htaccess file is a hidden configuration file used by the Apache web server to control important functions such as URL rewriting, redirects, caching rules, and security settings. It plays a vital role in how WordPress URLs (permalinks) are processed.

If this file becomes corrupted—often due to improper edits, plugin installations, or server changes—the server can no longer correctly interpret requests, leading to a 500 Internal Server Error. Symptoms include your site being completely down or links not working properly.

To fix this, the .htaccess file may need to be reset or regenerated. This can be done by temporarily renaming or deleting the .htaccess file, then allowing WordPress to create a new one by saving your permalink settings in the WordPress admin dashboard.

PHP Memory Limit Exhaustion

PHP is the scripting language that WordPress runs on, and it requires a set amount of memory to execute its processes. The PHP memory limit is the maximum amount of memory a PHP script can consume on your server.

If your website exceeds this limit—often due to heavy or poorly optimized plugins, themes, or high traffic—WordPress cannot complete certain operations, resulting in the 500 Internal Server Error. This is sometimes accompanied by additional error messages in your server logs or displayed on the screen if debugging is enabled.

Increasing the PHP memory limit involves editing server files such as php.ini or .htaccess or contacting your hosting provider for support. Monitoring memory usage and optimizing plugins can also help prevent this issue.

Plugin or Theme Conflicts

Plugins and themes extend the functionality and design of your WordPress site, but they can sometimes introduce conflicts or errors—especially if they are outdated, poorly coded, or incompatible with your WordPress version.

A faulty plugin or theme can cause fatal PHP errors or infinite loops, which crash the server process and trigger the 500 Internal Server Error. This often happens after installing new plugins, updating existing ones, or switching themes.

To diagnose this, you can deactivate all plugins and switch to a default WordPress theme. Then reactivate plugins one by one to identify the culprit. Keeping plugins and themes updated, using trusted sources, and performing compatibility checks before updates helps minimize risks.

Server Permissions Issues

Files and directories on your server must have correct file permissions to be accessible and executable by the server software. Permissions that are too restrictive prevent WordPress from reading or writing essential files, while permissions that are too loose pose security risks.

Incorrect permissions on WordPress core files, plugins, or uploads folders can cause the 500 error because the server is unable to load required scripts or assets. Typical permission settings for WordPress files are 644 and for directories 755.

Fixing this involves connecting to your server via FTP or SSH and adjusting file and folder permissions to recommended levels. Always back up before making permission changes.

Server Software (Apache, Nginx) Problems

WordPress runs on web servers such as Apache or Nginx, which process HTTP requests and serve your website content. Configuration errors in these servers—for example, misconfigured .htaccess for Apache or incorrect nginx.conf settings—can cause internal server errors.

Additionally, outdated or corrupted server modules, missing dependencies, or server overload can trigger the 500 error. Checking server logs and working with your hosting provider can help diagnose and resolve these problems.

Faulty PHP Version or Modules

WordPress requires a supported version of PHP and certain PHP modules (extensions) to function correctly. Running your website on an outdated PHP version or lacking essential modules like mbstring, curl, or gd can cause compatibility issues, crashes, or the 500 error.

Upgrading to the latest recommended PHP version (currently PHP 8.x) and ensuring all necessary PHP extensions are installed and enabled is critical. Hosting providers typically provide tools or support for PHP version management.

How to Troubleshoot the 500 Internal Server Error

When faced with a 500 Internal Server Error on your WordPress site, it can be difficult to pinpoint the exact cause without a systematic approach. The following steps will help you methodically identify and fix the problem.

Enable WordPress Debug Mode

The first step in troubleshooting is to enable WordPress’s built-in debugging feature. By default, WordPress hides error messages to avoid exposing sensitive information to visitors, but turning on debugging allows you to see detailed PHP errors and warnings directly on your site or in log files.

To enable debugging, access your website’s root directory via FTP or your hosting file manager and open the wp-config.php file. Locate the line that says define('WP_DEBUG', false); and change it to:

This configuration logs errors to a debug.log file in the wp-content directory without displaying them publicly. Reviewing this log will give you clues about what caused the error.

After fixing the issue, remember to disable debug mode by setting WP_DEBUG back to false to maintain security.

Check Server Error Logs

If enabling WordPress debug mode doesn’t reveal enough information, the next step is to examine your server’s error logs. These logs record detailed technical information about errors and warnings generated by the web server, PHP, or other system components.

Most hosting control panels (like cPanel, Plesk, or custom dashboards) offer access to error logs. Alternatively, you can locate log files via FTP or SSH — commonly found in directories like /var/log/apache2/error.log for Apache or /var/log/nginx/error.log for Nginx.

Analyzing these logs can help identify if the error is related to server configuration, file permissions, memory exhaustion, or specific plugins/themes.

If you’re unsure how to access these logs, your hosting provider’s support team can assist.

Disable All Plugins

A common cause of the 500 error is a conflict or error caused by a plugin. To test if this is the issue, temporarily disable all plugins to see if the error resolves.

Since you may not be able to access the WordPress admin dashboard due to the error, you can disable plugins manually:

1. Connect to your server via FTP or file manager.

2. Navigate to the wp-content directory.

3. Rename the plugins folder to something like plugins_backup.

This effectively deactivates all plugins. Reload your website—if the error disappears, you’ve confirmed a plugin is the cause.

To find the culprit, rename the folder back to plugins, then deactivate plugins one by one via the WordPress dashboard or by renaming individual plugin folders until the error reappears.

Once identified, consider updating, replacing, or removing the problematic plugin.

Switch to a Default WordPress Theme

If plugins are not causing the issue, your theme could be the culprit, especially if it has custom code or is outdated.

To check this:

1. Access your website files via FTP.

2. Navigate to the wp-content/themes directory.

3. Rename your active theme’s folder (e.g., from mytheme to mytheme_backup).

WordPress will automatically revert to a default theme like Twenty Twenty-Three if available. Alternatively, you can activate a default theme directly via the WordPress admin if accessible.

If your site loads without errors, your theme likely contains problematic code that needs updating or replacing.

Increase PHP Memory Limit

Sometimes, the 500 error is caused by PHP running out of memory while executing scripts, especially on resource-intensive sites.

You can increase the PHP memory limit by adding or modifying this line in your wp-config.php file:

This sets the limit to 256 megabytes, which is typically enough for most WordPress sites. If this doesn’t help, you may need to contact your hosting provider to increase the memory limit at the server level.

Monitoring your site after this change can indicate whether memory exhaustion was the root cause.

Check and Reset .htaccess File

Since the .htaccess file controls critical server settings for WordPress, a corrupted or misconfigured .htaccess file can lead to a 500 error.

To test this:

1. Access your site files via FTP.

2. Find the .htaccess file in the root WordPress directory.

3. Rename it to .htaccess_backup.

Then try loading your website. If it works, the .htaccess file was causing the issue.

To regenerate a fresh .htaccess:

1. Log in to your WordPress admin.

2. Navigate to Settings > Permalinks.

3. Click Save Changes without altering anything. This will create a new .htaccess with default WordPress rewrite rules.

If you can’t access the admin, you can manually create a new .htaccess file with the following default content:

Verify File and Folder Permissions

Incorrect file permissions can prevent WordPress from reading or executing essential files, triggering a 500 error.

Standard recommended permissions are:

• Files: 644

• Folders: 755

To check and fix permissions:

1. Connect via FTP or SSH.

2. For files, set permissions to 644.

3. For directories, set permissions to 755.

Avoid setting permissions to 777, as this can expose your site to security risks.

Many FTP clients allow you to change permissions in bulk. Alternatively, your hosting control panel may offer a file manager with permission controls.

Step-by-Step Fixes

How to Regenerate the .htaccess File

If your .htaccess file is corrupted, regenerating it often solves the 500 error.

1. Access Your Website Files: Use an FTP client like FileZilla or your hosting control panel’s file manager.

2. Locate the .htaccess File: It’s in the root folder of your WordPress installation.

3. Rename the .htaccess File: Rename it to something like .htaccess_backup to disable it without deleting.

4. Try Loading Your Site: Visit your website to see if the error is gone.

5. Regenerate .htaccess:

   • If you have access to the WordPress admin dashboard, go to Settings > Permalinks and click Save Changes without modifying anything. This creates a fresh .htaccess file.

   • If no dashboard access, manually create a new .htaccess file with this content and upload it:

   # BEGIN WordPress <IfModule mod_rewrite.c> RewriteEngine On RewriteBase / RewriteRule ^index.php$ - [L] RewriteCond %{REQUEST_FILENAME} !-f RewriteCond %{REQUEST_FILENAME} !-d RewriteRule . /index.php [L] </IfModule> # END WordPress

How to Deactivate Plugins via FTP or Hosting Panel

If a plugin is causing the error and you can’t access your dashboard, deactivate plugins manually:

1. Connect via FTP or File Manager: Log into your website files.

2. Navigate to wp-content/plugins: This folder contains all your plugins.

3. Rename the plugins Folder: Change the folder name to plugins_disabled or similar. This deactivates all plugins.

4. Check Your Website: Reload your site to see if the error disappears.

5. Isolate the Problem Plugin:

   • Rename the folder back to plugins.

   • Rename individual plugin folders one by one to deactivate them selectively until you find the problematic plugin.

How to Change the Theme via Database or FTP

If the active theme causes the error, switch to a default theme manually:

Via FTP:

1. Access wp-content/themes Folder: Locate your active theme’s folder.

2. Rename Active Theme Folder: Rename it to something like theme_backup.

3. WordPress Defaults to a Default Theme: If a default theme like Twenty Twenty-Three is installed, WordPress will switch automatically.

4. Check Your Site: Reload to see if the issue resolves.

Via Database (phpMyAdmin):

1. Log in to Your Hosting Control Panel and open phpMyAdmin.

2. Select Your WordPress Database.

3. Open the wp_options Table.

4. Find template and stylesheet Rows: Usually in the first few rows.

5. Edit Values to a Default Theme: For example, change both to twentytwentythree.

6. Save Changes and reload your site.

How to Increase PHP Memory Limit in wp-config.php

Increasing memory can fix errors caused by insufficient resources:

1. Access Your Website Files via FTP or File Manager.

2. Open the wp-config.php File in the root directory.

3. Add or Modify This Line above the line that says /* That's all, stop editing! */:

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

4. Save the File and upload it back if needed.

5. Reload Your Website to check if the error is fixed.

If the error persists, your host may have a hard limit on memory, so contact them to increase it.

How to Correct File Permissions via FTP

Incorrect permissions can cause server errors. Set correct permissions as follows:

1. Connect to Your Server via FTP (e.g., FileZilla) or use your hosting control panel’s file manager.

2. Navigate to Your WordPress Root Directory.

3. Set File Permissions:

   • For files: Right-click > File Permissions > set to 644.

   • For folders/directories: set to 755.

4. Apply Changes Recursively if your FTP client allows, so all files/folders inherit the correct permissions.

5. Check Your Site: Visit your website to see if the issue is resolved.

Avoid 777 permissions, as they are insecure and can cause issues.

When to Contact Your Hosting Provider

Sometimes, fixing a 500 Internal Server Error goes beyond what you can handle on your own. If you have tried common troubleshooting steps such as disabling plugins, regenerating the .htaccess file, increasing PHP memory, and checking file permissions, but the error persists, it’s time to reach out to your hosting provider. Additionally, if you suspect the issue is related to server-side configurations, hardware problems, or restrictions set by your hosting environment, their assistance is crucial.

Many server-related problems, such as misconfigured Apache or Nginx settings, PHP module failures, or resource limitations (CPU, RAM), require hosting support intervention. Prompt communication with them can save time and prevent prolonged downtime.

What Information to Provide to Your Hosting Provider

To get effective support, be ready to provide clear and detailed information about the problem, including:

• Exact Error Message: Tell them you’re encountering a “500 Internal Server Error” on your WordPress website.

• Recent Changes: Inform if you recently installed or updated plugins, themes, or made server configuration changes.

• Troubleshooting Steps Taken: Let them know what you’ve already tried (disabling plugins, renaming .htaccess, increasing memory, etc.).

• Access Details: Your hosting account details or website URL so they can quickly locate your environment.

• Timeframe: When the error started occurring and if it’s intermittent or constant.

• Error Logs: If you have access to any error logs (e.g., via cPanel or FTP), share relevant log entries or ask them to check the logs.

• Server Environment: The type of server you’re using (shared, VPS, dedicated), PHP version, and other environment details if known.

Providing this information upfront helps the support team diagnose the issue faster.

Hosting Support’s Role in Fixing Server Errors

Your hosting provider’s support team can assist in many ways, such as:

• Reviewing Server Error Logs: They can check detailed server logs that are not always accessible to you, helping identify the root cause.

• Fixing Server Configuration Issues: If the problem is caused by misconfigured Apache/Nginx rules, PHP settings, or firewall restrictions, they can adjust these safely.

• Increasing Server Resources: They may increase PHP memory limits, execution times, or CPU/RAM allocations if your current limits are insufficient.

• Restarting Services: Sometimes restarting Apache, PHP-FPM, or other backend services resolves transient server issues.

• Identifying Hosting Account Issues: If there are account-specific problems such as corrupted files, malware, or quota limits, they can alert you and offer solutions.

• Providing Recommendations: They can advise on optimal hosting environments or upgrades if your current plan isn’t suitable for your website needs.

Preventing the 500 Internal Server Error in the Future

Preventing a 500 Internal Server Error on your WordPress website involves ongoing maintenance, careful choices in plugins and themes, and monitoring your server environment. Here are some best practices to keep your site healthy and avoid this frustrating error:

Keep WordPress, Plugins & Themes Updated

One of the most important steps is to keep your WordPress core, plugins, and themes up to date. Updates often include security patches, bug fixes, and compatibility improvements that reduce the chance of conflicts or errors. Running outdated software can cause incompatibilities, especially after PHP or server updates, which may trigger server errors like the 500 Internal Server Error.

Regularly check for updates in your WordPress dashboard and apply them promptly. If possible, test updates in a staging environment before applying them on your live site to avoid surprises.

Use Reliable Plugins and Themes

Only install plugins and themes from reputable developers and trusted sources. Poorly coded or abandoned plugins/themes are common causes of server errors. Before adding new functionality, research reviews, support responsiveness, and compatibility with your WordPress version.

Avoid installing too many plugins, as they increase the risk of conflicts and performance issues. Remove any plugins or themes you no longer use to keep your site clean and efficient.

Regular Backups and Monitoring

Create regular backups of your entire website — including files and the database — so you can quickly restore a working version if something goes wrong. Automated backup solutions can simplify this process and provide peace of mind.

Additionally, use monitoring tools or services that alert you to downtime or errors immediately. Early detection lets you act before small problems escalate into major errors like the 500 Internal Server Error.

Optimize Server Resources

Ensure your hosting environment provides sufficient resources such as PHP memory limits, CPU, and disk space for your site’s needs. Websites with heavy traffic, complex plugins, or large databases require more server power to run smoothly.

If you notice slow performance or frequent errors, consider upgrading your hosting plan or optimizing your website to reduce resource usage. Techniques like caching, CDN usage, and image optimization can also lighten server load.

Conclusion

Recap of Common Fixes

The 500 Internal Server Error can be caused by a variety of issues, but many common fixes often resolve it quickly. These include regenerating a clean .htaccess file, disabling problematic plugins, switching to a default theme to rule out conflicts, increasing the PHP memory limit, and verifying correct file and folder permissions. Checking server error logs and enabling WordPress debug mode are also key steps to pinpoint the cause. If you’re unsure or the problem persists, contacting your hosting provider with relevant details can help get the issue resolved promptly.

How to Avoid This Error Going Forward

To prevent the 500 Internal Server Error from occurring again, consistent website maintenance is essential. Always keep WordPress core, plugins, and themes updated to ensure compatibility and security. Use trusted and well-coded plugins/themes and avoid unnecessary ones that may cause conflicts. Regular backups and active monitoring allow you to catch issues early and recover quickly if needed. Lastly, optimize your hosting environment and ensure it meets your website’s resource needs, scaling up when necessary. By following these best practices, you can maintain a healthy, stable WordPress site with minimal downtime or errors.

FAQs

Can a corrupted plugin cause a 500 error?
Yes, a corrupted or poorly coded plugin is one of the most common causes of the 500 Internal Server Error. Deactivating all plugins and reactivating them one by one can help identify if a plugin is the culprit.

How long does it take to fix this error?
The time to fix a 500 error varies depending on the cause and your technical skill level. For some, it can be resolved in minutes by regenerating the .htaccess file or disabling a plugin. More complex issues may take a few hours or require help from a hosting provider or developer.

Will my site data be lost?
Generally, a 500 Internal Server Error does not cause data loss. It is usually related to server configuration or code conflicts. However, it’s always important to have recent backups before troubleshooting, just in case.

Can I fix this error without technical knowledge?
Basic fixes like deactivating plugins or resetting the .htaccess file can be done without advanced technical skills, especially with step-by-step guides. But if you’re uncomfortable working with files or databases, it’s safer to seek professional help.

Should I hire a professional to fix it?
If you’re unable to diagnose or resolve the error after basic troubleshooting, hiring a professional developer or contacting your hosting support is recommended. They can quickly identify complex server or code issues and ensure your site runs smoothly again.