HTTP Error 500 WordPress: Complete Guide to Fix the Internal Server Error

When your WordPress website suddenly shows “HTTP Error 500 WordPress,” panic is natural. This error means your website is broken internally, even though the server is running. Visitors see a blank or error page instead of your content. Thankfully, you can solve this issue quickly with the right steps and information.

What Is HTTP Error 500 in WordPress

HTTP Error 500 WordPress appears when the server cannot process a request due to internal issues. It doesn’t show a specific cause, which makes troubleshooting harder. However, the problem often comes from corrupted files, plugins, themes, or PHP configuration errors.

Common Causes of HTTP Error 500 WordPress

1. Corrupted .htaccess File

Sometimes the .htaccess file becomes damaged. As a result, the server fails to load your website properly and triggers the error.

2. Incompatible or Faulty Plugins

After installing or updating a plugin, conflicts may occur. Consequently, the website crashes and the 500 internal server error appears.

3. Theme Errors

If a theme has coding issues, it might break the site structure. Therefore, WordPress cannot process its functions and returns the HTTP 500 error.

4. Low PHP Memory Limit

When scripts exceed available memory, the server stops. Hence, WordPress generates an internal server error.

5. Server Misconfigurations

At times, server settings or updates disrupt PHP or database functions. As a result, the website becomes inaccessible.

How to Fix HTTP Error 500 WordPress Step by Step

1. Backup Your Website First

Before making any changes, create a backup. This way, you prevent data loss and can restore your site if something goes wrong.

2. Rename the .htaccess File

• Access your site using FTP or cPanel.
  
• Locate the .htaccess file in the root folder.
  
• Rename it to .htaccess_old.
  Next, reload your site. If it works, go to WordPress Dashboard → Settings → Permalinks → Save to generate a fresh file.
  

3. Disable All Plugins

• Open the wp-content folder.
  
• Rename the plugins folder to plugins_disabled.
  After this, refresh the website. If the error disappears, one of the plugins caused the issue. Then, rename the folder back and activate plugins one by one.
  

4. Switch to a Default Theme

• Go to wp-content/themes.
  
• Rename your active theme folder.
  WordPress will automatically use a default theme like Twenty Twenty-Four. If the site loads, the previous theme caused the error.
  

5. Increase PHP Memory Limit

Add this line to your wp-config.php file:

define(‘WP_MEMORY_LIMIT’, ‘256M’);

Now check your website again. If it loads, the issue was insufficient memory.

6. Reupload Core WordPress Files

• Download a fresh WordPress version from the official source.
  
• Extract it and upload the wp-admin and wp-includes folders via FTP.
  This action replaces corrupt files without affecting content.
  

7. Check File Permissions

Correct file permissions prevent access errors. Use:

• Folders: 755
  
• Files: 644
  

Adjust permissions in cPanel or an FTP client.

8. Enable Debug Mode for Detailed Errors

Add these lines to your wp-config.php file:

define(‘WP_DEBUG’, true);

define(‘WP_DEBUG_LOG’, true);

Then, refresh your site. The debug log will show the specific issue inside wp-content/debug.log.

How to Prevent HTTP Error 500 WordPress

1. Update WordPress, Themes, and Plugins Regularly

Frequent updates ensure compatibility and reduce the risk of server errors.

2. Use Trusted Plugins and Themes

Always choose plugins and themes with good reviews, regular updates, and active support.

3. Monitor Server Resources

Track disk space, memory usage, and CPU load. When resources run low, optimize or upgrade your hosting plan.

4. Keep Regular Backups

Backups help you quickly restore your site if something breaks.

5. Optimize Website Performance

Compress images, enable caching, and reduce unnecessary scripts. This improves speed and decreases server stress.

Advanced Fixes for HTTP Error 500 WordPress

1. Check PHP Version Compatibility

Ensure your WordPress version supports your current PHP version. If not, downgrade or upgrade accordingly using the hosting control panel.

2. Repair Database Tables

Add this line in wp-config.php:

define(‘WP_ALLOW_REPAIR’, true);

Then open /wp-admin/maint/repair.php to repair and optimize the database.

3. Contact Hosting Support

If nothing works, reach out to your hosting provider. They can investigate server-level issues, log errors, or restart necessary services.

Conclusion

HTTP Error 500 WordPress can feel overwhelming, yet the solution is often simple. By checking plugins, themes, memory limits, and core files, you can restore your site quickly. Act now, apply the steps, and bring your website back to life. If problems continue, contact hosting support without delay.

FAQs

1. What causes HTTP Error 500 WordPress most often?
It usually comes from corrupted .htaccess files, faulty plugins, or low PHP memory limits.

2. Can I fix the error without technical knowledge?
Yes. By following simple steps like disabling plugins or renaming .htaccess, you can often fix it.

3. Will fixing this error delete my content?
No. These methods do not affect posts, pages, or media files if done correctly.

4. How do I avoid this issue in the future?
Update WordPress regularly, use trusted plugins, and make frequent backups.

5. Should I contact my web host for help?
Definitely. If the error persists despite your efforts, hosting support can check server logs and solve deeper issues.