How to Fix Internal Server Error (HTTP 500) in WordPress - Digital Way
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How to Fix Internal Server Error (HTTP 500) in WordPress

Feb 29, 2024

How to Fix Internal Server Error (HTTP 500) in WordPress: A Comprehensive Guide

Internal Server Error (HTTP 500) is one of the most frustrating issues WordPress users encounter. This error can render your website inaccessible and leave both site owners and visitors perplexed. However, with the right approach and troubleshooting techniques, you can resolve this issue and restore your website’s functionality. In this guide, we’ll delve into the causes of Internal Server Error in WordPress and provide step-by-step solutions to fix it.

Understanding Internal Server Error: Internal Server Error (HTTP 500) is a generic error message indicating that something has gone wrong on the server, but the server cannot specify what the exact problem is. This error can occur due to various reasons, including faulty plugins, theme conflicts, corrupted core files, or server misconfigurations.

  1. Check .htaccess File:
    • Access your website’s root directory via FTP or cPanel File Manager.
    • Rename the .htaccess file to something like .htaccess_old.
    • Refresh your website to see if the error persists. If it’s resolved, generate a new .htaccess file by going to Settings > Permalinks and clicking “Save Changes.”
  2. Deactivate Plugins:
    • Access your website’s files via FTP or cPanel File Manager.
    • Navigate to the /wp-content/plugins/ directory.
    • Rename the plugins folder to something like plugins_old.
    • Refresh your website to see if the error is resolved. If it is, reactivate each plugin one by one to identify the problematic plugin.
  3. Switch to a Default Theme:
    • Access your website’s files via FTP or cPanel File Manager.
    • Navigate to the /wp-content/themes/ directory.
    • Rename your current theme’s folder to something like theme_old.
    • Refresh your website to see if the error is resolved. If it is, contact the theme developer for assistance in resolving the theme issue.
  4. Increase PHP Memory Limit:
    • Access your website’s root directory via FTP or cPanel File Manager.
    • Edit the wp-config.php file and add the following line before the line that says “/* That’s all, stop editing! Happy blogging. */”:
      define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M');
    • Save the changes and refresh your website to see if the error is resolved.
  1. Contact Your Hosting Provider:
    • If none of the above solutions work, contact your hosting provider for assistance. They can check server logs and identify any server-side issues causing the HTTP 500 error.

By implementing these troubleshooting steps, you can effectively diagnose and resolve the Internal Server Error (HTTP 500) on your WordPress website, ensuring smooth functionality and optimal performance.

Conclusion:

Encountering Internal Server Error (HTTP 500) in WordPress can be daunting, but with the troubleshooting techniques outlined in this guide, you can effectively diagnose and resolve the issue. By systematically addressing the potential causes of the error, you can restore your website’s functionality and provide a seamless experience for your visitors. Remember to implement these solutions cautiously and always keep backups of your website to mitigate any risks during the troubleshooting process.

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