How To Troubleshoot Internal Server Error (500) On Your WordPress Site

WordPress is a powerful content management system, but like any platform, you may encounter issues such as the dreaded Internal Server Error (500). This error can be frustrating, but with a few troubleshooting steps, you can often resolve the issue quickly. In this guide, you will learn how to diagnose and fix the 500 error on your WordPress site.

First, start by checking your website logs. Access your server’s error logs via your hosting control panel or FTP client. The logs often contain helpful information that can pinpoint the source of the internal server error. Look for entries that coincide with the error occurrence and note any specific error messages.

Next, you should increase your PHP memory limit. Sometimes, exhausting the available memory can lead to a 500 error. You can increase the memory limit by editing the wp-config.php file. Add the following line just before the line that says “That’s all, stop editing! Happy blogging”:

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

Once you’ve made this change, save the file and check if the issue persists.

If the error continues, the next step is to deactivate plugins. A faulty or incompatible plugin may trigger a 500 error. Access your WordPress dashboard and go to the plugins section. Deactivate all plugins and refresh your site. If the error disappears, reactivate your plugins one-by-one to identify the problematic plugin. If you can’t access the dashboard, you can also deactivate plugins via FTP or your hosting file manager. Navigate to the wp-content/plugins folder and rename the plugins folder temporarily to deactivate all plugins at once.

Another common source of the issue is a corrupted .htaccess file. This file controls various server configurations for your website. You can regenerate it by first renaming the existing .htaccess file to something like .htaccess_old. Then, access your WordPress dashboard, go to Settings > Permalinks, and simply click on Save Changes. WordPress will generate a new default .htaccess file. Check your site again to see if the 500 error is resolved.

Finally, if the problem persists, consider switching to a default theme. A theme conflict can also trigger the error. From your WordPress dashboard, navigate to Appearance > Themes and activate a default theme such as Twenty Twenty-One. If this resolves the issue, your previous theme may need updating or troubleshooting.

If you have tried all the steps mentioned and are still facing the internal server error, contacting your hosting provider is a good idea. They can provide additional assistance and access server-level logs which might give insight into the problem.

By following these steps, you can effectively troubleshoot and resolve the Internal Server Error (500) on your WordPress site. This will help restore your site’s functionality and ensure a smooth experience for your visitors.