How to Fix HTTP Error 500 in WordPress: Causes & Solutions

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 The HTTP Error 500, also known as the Internal Server Error, is one of the most frustrating issues in WordPress. It prevents access to both the website and the admin dashboard, making troubleshooting difficult. This error can be caused by various factors, including plugin conflicts, corrupted files, or server issues.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to identify the cause and fix the error.



Common Causes of HTTP Error 500 in WordPress

  1. Corrupt .htaccess File – A misconfigured .htaccess file can break your site.

  2. Plugin or Theme Conflicts – A faulty plugin or theme update may cause the error.

  3. Exhausted PHP Memory Limit – Insufficient server resources can lead to this issue.

  4. Corrupt WordPress Core Files – Damaged or missing files may cause internal server errors.

  5. Incorrect File Permissions – Server restrictions may prevent WordPress from functioning properly.

  6. Server Issues – Hosting-related problems, like misconfigurations or downtime, can trigger this error.

How to Fix HTTP Error 500 in WordPress

1. Check and Rename the .htaccess File

  • Access your website files via FTP or cPanel File Manager.

  • Locate the .htaccess file in the public_html directory.

  • Rename it to .htaccess_old and refresh your website.

  • If the error is gone, regenerate the file by navigating to Settings > Permalinks in WordPress and clicking "Save Changes."

2. Deactivate All Plugins

  • Access your website via FTP or cPanel.

  • Navigate to wp-content/plugins and rename the plugins folder to plugins_old.

  • If the site loads, rename the folder back and activate plugins one by one to find the culprit.

3. Switch to a Default Theme

  • Access wp-content/themes via FTP.

  • Rename your active theme folder to something like theme_old.

  • WordPress will automatically switch to a default theme (e.g., Twenty Twenty-Four).

  • Check if the issue is resolved.

4. Increase PHP Memory Limit

  • Edit the wp-config.php file in your root directory.

  • Add the following line before the "That's all, stop editing!" comment:

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

  • Save and refresh your website.

5. Reinstall WordPress Core Files

  • Download a fresh copy of WordPress from wordpress.org.

  • Extract the files and upload them via FTP, excluding the wp-content folder, to avoid losing themes and plugins.

6. Check Server Logs and Contact Hosting Support

  • Check the error_log file in your hosting control panel for more details.

  • If none of the above steps work, contact your hosting provider for server-side issues.

Final Thoughts

HTTP Error 500 in WordPress can be frustrating, but following these troubleshooting steps should help restore your website. If the problem persists, consider switching to a reliable hosting provider or seeking professional WordPress support.

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