How to Fix the WordPress 500 Internal Server Error

You open your site, expecting it to load like it always does and suddenly, there it is. A plain white screen with “Internal 500 Server Error” stamped across the top. No warning. No explanation. Just silence. It feels like your site’s crashed into a brick wall. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. The 500 error http is one of the most common WordPress issues, and it happens more often than you’d think. 

But here’s the good news: it’s fixable. You just need the right steps, in the right order, and a little patience. That’s exactly what this guide gives you. We’ll go through the causes, how to fix server error, and what to do if none of the usual methods work. 

If you’re frustrated you can also opt for website development services in USA, who can solve it in half the time so your business can get online quickly.

So let’s begin.

What is a 500 error?

The 500 server error is your server’s way of saying, “I can’t do what you asked.” It’s not your browser’s fault. It’s not something the visitor did wrong. It’s a server-side issue, which means something inside your WordPress site or server configuration is broken, but the error doesn’t tell you what. That’s what makes it tricky. It’s vague, and that’s why following a step by step fix is important.

Common Causes of the Internal Server Error 

Some of the common causes of the http 500 Error are: A corrupted .htaccess file, plugin or theme conflicts (especially after updates). Or when your site runs out of memory because of a low PHP memory limit. Wrong file permissions can throw things off too. And sometimes, something in the WordPress core files gets corrupted. These are the usual suspects, and in this guide we’ll deal with them one by one.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Process

Backup Your Site

Before you start fixing anything, make a full backup. That way, if something goes sideways, you can always restore your site. Use a backup plugin like UpdraftPlus, or if your host offers it, use their backup tool. Download the backup and keep it somewhere safe.

Clear Browser and WordPress Cache

Sometimes the reason the http error 500 occurs isn’t your site, it’s what your browser or WordPress is storing. Start by clearing your browser’s cookies and cache. 

If you’re using Chrome browser, use the shortcut keys: Ctrl+Shift+Delete, to clear the cookies and cached images.

Then log into your WordPress dashboard, go to your caching plugin (if you have one) and clear your site cache too. This removes any stored error pages that might be showing up instead of the real issue.

Check and Regenerate the .htaccess File

This file controls how your server talks to WordPress. If it’s corrupted, you’ll often see a 500 error message. Here’s what to do:

1. Log in to your site using FTP or your hosting file manager. 
2. Go to the root folder where you see wp-content and wp-config.php. 
3. Find the .htaccess file and rename it to something like .htaccess_old. 
4. Then go to your WordPress dashboard, click on Settings, then Permalinks, and hit save.

This creates a new, clean .htaccess file automatically.

Increase Your PHP Memory Limit

WordPress needs memory to run plugins, themes, and scripts. If it runs out, it can throw a server error 500. You can give it more memory by altering the code in any of the following files: 

1. Adjust the Functions.php File (Advanced)
   1. Open up your FTP client.
   2. Go to your root directory, and find the functions.php file
   3. Right-click the file and click Download.
   4. Open the functions.php file in your favorite text editor.
   5. Add the following code at the opening PHP tag:

@ini_set(‘upload_max_size’ , ’64M’);

@ini_set(‘post_max_size’, ’64M’);

@ini_set(‘max_execution_time’, ‘300’);

2. Edit the .htaccess File (Advanced)
   1. Open your FTP client.
   2. Find the .htaccess file in your root directory.
   3. Right-click on the “.htaccess” file and select Download.
   4. Now open the .htaccess file in your preferred text editor and add the following code at the tag below PHP:

php_value upload_max_filesize 64M

php_value post_max_size 64M

3. Tweak the WP-Config.php File (Advanced
   1. Open and login to your FTP client.
   2. Go to your root directory.
   3. Find the wp-config.php file, right-click on it, and select Download.
   4. Open the wp-config.php file in your text editor and add the following code at the opening PHP tag:

define(‘WP_MEMORY_LIMIT’, ’64M’);

ini_set(‘post_max_size’, ’64M’);

ini_set(‘upload_max_filesize’, ’64M’);

4. Customize the PHP.ini File for Advanced Settings
   1. Create a php.ini file in the wp-admin/ directory.
   2. Then paste the following code.

• memory_limit = 64M
• upload_max_filesize = 64M
• post_max_size = 64M
• file_uploads = On

Disable Plugins and Switch Themes

Plugins are often the cause of WordPress 500 error especially after updates. If you can access your dashboard, go to Plugins and deactivate all of them. Then check your site. If it works, reactivate each plugin one by one until the error returns. That’s your culprit. 

If you can’t log in follow these steps to deactivate all plugins:

1. Connect to your site via FTP
2. Open the wp-content folder
3. And rename the “plugins” folder to something like “plugins_disabled.” 

This will deactivate all plugins. Now, reload the site. If it works, the issue is one of your plugins. Rename the folder back and reactivate plugins one by one. 

Also, try switching to a default WordPress theme like Twenty Twenty-Four. If your theme is causing the 500 error page, this will tell you.

Enable Debug Logs and Check Server Files

WordPress has a debug mode that logs issues behind the scenes. Open your wp-config.php file and add these lines: define(‘WP_DEBUG’, true); define(‘WP_DEBUG_LOG’, true); define(‘WP_DEBUG_DISPLAY’, false); Now when you reload your site, WordPress will write any errors to a file in wp-content called debug.log. Open it and look at the messages—it might tell you exactly which plugin or file is breaking things.

When to Contact Your Hosting Provider

If you’ve tried everything above and the server error (500) won’t go away, it’s time to call your host. Sometimes the issue is with the server, not your site. Contact support, explain what you’ve done, and give them a copy of your error log. Ask them to check server error logs, permissions, or configuration issues. They’ll usually know what to look for.

Practical Tips

Keep these in mind to stay ahead of future error 500 internal server error. Always keep your plugins and themes updated. Only install well-reviewed tools from trusted developers. Don’t edit WordPress core files directly. And most importantly, schedule regular backups and store them somewhere safe.

Conclusion

Fixing the WordPress html error 500 doesn’t have to feel like a nightmare. It might take a few steps, but if you follow this process one piece at a time, you’ll get your site back up. Start with the simple stuff: clear the cache, check the .htaccess file, and boost your memory. If that doesn’t work, go deeper with plugin and theme troubleshooting or enable debug logs. And if all else fails, your hosting provider is your backup. If you want professionals to handle it for you so your business can get back online fast, we have an expert team at Homage USA who can help you solve your problems so you can focus more on what matters more for your business.