How to Fix the 500 Internal Server Error on a WordPress Website?

Your WordPress website may encounter a 500 Internal Server Error, which can cause a range of feelings from uncertainty to frustration. This mistake is very misleading since it leaves you to figure out the puzzle and provides no information about the true cause of the issue. Nevertheless, by ruling out every potential reason, you are able to identify a fix and guarantee that your website is operational again. 

This thorough article will teach readers how to resolve a 500 Internal Server problem and explain how this problem manifests itself.

Understanding the 500 Internal Server Error

A 500 Internal Server Error is a generic HTTP status code that indicates a problem with the web server. The server is unable to provide further details about the issue. This error in WordPress is frequently caused by a server-side problem.

Step 1: Back Up Your Website

It is recommendable to perform the repairs on your site using a backup of the site as it is at the moment. This is because, in case something gets wrong while troubleshooting, this allows you to revert your website back to the state it was before.

Step 2: Check for .htaccess Issues

A configuration file called. I have highlighted the bands of htaccess that comes with the WordPress installation and its use of serving the functionality of the server. This file may contain the causes of 500 Internal Sever Error in its execution. Check to see if this is the issue:

Find the.htaccess file in your WordPress website's root directory.
Give the file a new name, such as.htaccess_old.
Reload your website and try again.

If the 500 error does not appear when your website loads, it indicates that the.htaccess file was the problem. By selecting Save Changes under Settings > Permalinks in your WordPress dashboard, you may create a new.htaccess file.

Step 3: Increase the PHP Memory Limit

Insufficient memory allocated to PHP can cause a 500 error. To increase the PHP memory limit:

- Open or create a php.ini file in your root directory.

- Add the following line: memory_limit = 64M.

- Save the changes and refresh your website.

If you do not have access to modify the php.ini file, you can also try adding define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '64M'); to your wp-config.php file.

Step 4: Deactivate All Plugins

Sometimes, a plugin conflict can cause the error. To test this:

- Deactivate all plugins by renaming the plugins folder via FTP in the wp-content directory.

- Check your site. If it’s back up, you know a plugin is the cause.

- Reactivate each plugin one by one, refreshing the site each time until you find the culprit.

Step 5: Re-upload Core Files

Some of the causes may include a corrupted WordPress core file, inconvenient signs of finding the fatal error, and a lack of ample time to troubleshoot the problem. The matter may be solved by replacing only wp-admin and wp-includes folders with using files from fresh WordPress downloads.

Go to the official WordPress site to get a fresh copy of the CMS system for the successful installation of WordPress. Org.

Extract the full package and replace the wp-admin and wp-includes folders with these new ones by logging into your server through FTP.

Step 6: Check File Permissions

Incorrect file permissions can also trigger a 500 Internal Server Error. File permissions for WordPress should be set as follows:

- Directories: 755 or 750.

- Files: 644 or 640.

You can check and modify file permissions using an FTP client. Right-click on a file or folder, select 'File Permissions,' and adjust accordingly.

Step 7: Consult Your Hosting Provider

In case the aforementioned fixes don't work, you might have to get in touch with your hosting provider. The problem may be more clearly defined in server logs, or it may have anything to do with the server itself.

Conclusion

Fixing the 500 Internal Server Error on your WordPress website isn't always easy; often, you need to try many different fixes at once. This systematic technique will help you locate the problem, resolve it, and restore your website's functionality. In any case, you should always create a backup of your data before making any changes. You can also see an expert if you have any questions regarding a certain procedure.