How to Fix Internal Server Error in WordPress

Posted on by Martin

The Internal Server Error, also known as HTTP Error 500, is a common issue in WordPress that can be frustrating because it’s often unclear what caused it. This error typically indicates that something went wrong on the website’s server, but the server couldn’t be more specific about what the exact problem was. Here are several steps you can take to troubleshoot and fix an Internal Server Error in WordPress:

Check for Corrupt .htaccess File

The .htaccess file is a configuration file used by Apache-based servers. It can become corrupted and cause a 500 Internal Server Error. To check if this is the cause:

  • Connect to your site via FTP or File Manager in your hosting control panel.
  • Locate the .htaccess file in the root directory of your WordPress installation.
  • Rename the file to something like .htaccess_old.
  • Try to load your site again. If it works, the issue was with the .htaccess file.
  • To generate a new .htaccess file, go to the WordPress Dashboard > Settings > Permalinks and simply click ‘Save Changes’ without making any changes. This will generate a new .htaccess file.

Increase PHP Memory Limit

Insufficient memory can also cause an Internal Server Error. To increase the PHP memory limit:

  • Edit the wp-config.php file, which is also in the root directory of your WordPress installation.
  • Add this line of code under the opening <?php tag: define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M');
  • Save your changes and check if this resolves the error.

Deactivate All Plugins

A faulty plugin can be another common cause of this error. To see if a plugin is causing the problem:

  • Again, use FTP or File Manager to navigate to the wp-content folder.
  • Rename the plugins folder to something like plugins_old to deactivate all plugins at once.
  • Check your site again. If it loads without the error, one of the plugins is causing the issue.
  • To figure out which plugin is problematic, rename your plugins_old folder back to plugins. Then, reactivate each plugin one by one, checking your site after each activation, until you find the culprit.

    Check PHP Version and Configuration

    An outdated or improperly configured PHP version can also cause issues:

    • Check with your hosting provider to ensure you’re running a compatible PHP version for your WordPress version.
    • You might need to update PHP or modify PHP settings through your hosting control panel or by contacting support.

    Contact Your Hosting Provider

    If none of the above steps work, the issue might be on the server side:

    • Contact your hosting provider for assistance. They can check server logs to identify the specific error causing the Internal Server Error.

    Restore from a Backup

    If you recently backed up your website (and you should regularly do this), consider restoring from a backup before the error occurred. This can be a quick fix, but it might not address the underlying issue if it’s related to the server or ongoing actions on your site.

    Remember, troubleshooting an Internal Server Error can involve some trial and error. Always make sure to back up your site before making any changes, so you can restore it if something goes wrong.