How To Fix A ‘500 Internal Server Error’ on Your WordPress Site

As we have evolved into a contemporary society, technology has become a vital part of our daily lives. Laptops and computers have become indispensable in our lives since they enable us to perform a wide range of tasks and improve our job on a daily basis.

These devices occasionally have flaws and difficulties that can obstruct our job. On a WordPress site, one such problem is the 500 Internal Server Error. We’ll look at it in depth in this essay.

What is a 500 Internal Server Error?

The 500 Internal Server error is a non-specific error that indicates that there is a server error but does not specify what it is.

It can be caused by a variety of factors. This problem necessitates extensive troubleshooting, which takes time and patience on the part of the user. Let us investigate the causes.

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The Sources of This Error

The source of this mistake is due to a number of things –

• Login credentials to the database are incorrect.
• The database has been corrupted.
• In your WordPress installation, there are corrupted files.
• There are problems with your database server.
• WordPress core files have been corrupted.
• PHP memory limit and a corrupted.htaccess file.
• Third-party plugins and themes are causing problems.
• PHP timeouts or catastrophic errors Third-party plugins cause PHP problems.
• Permissions for files and folders are incorrect.
• Your server’s PHP memory limithas been reached.
• .htaccess file is corrupted or broken.

In online browsers like Safari and Mozilla Firefox, your screen may go white blank, signalling a 500 internal server error. Also, larger brands, such as YouTube and Readme, have their own unique ways of expressing this problem.

What to Do If You Get a 500 Internal Server Error

The 500 internal server problem is fairly common, but it takes a long time and a lot of patience to fix. The solutions listed below can assist you in resolving a 500 Internal Server Error on your WordPress site and are safe to use.

These approaches do not require any technical knowledge; all that is required is a basic understanding of the device, after which you may follow the instructions and resolve the issue. This error might also come from both the user and the server.

Always remember to create a backup before beginning with the solutions in such situations. We’ll start by making a backup and then proceed.

It’s time to buy a backup plugin if you don’t already have one or even know what one is. If your web server offers backups, that’s great, but it’s better to have your own solution so that you don’t have to go via the host in an emergency.

BackUpWordPress, VaultPress, and BackupBuddy are some of the backup tools available. Also, if you want to go with database backups, SQL server database is a good option.

1. Reloading the Page 

Reloading the page is the first option on the list. It is the most basic and initial step to do before trying any other way to resolve the problem.

Simply reload the page and wait for it to load again. You could, on the other hand, try a different web browser. Also, if you have any doubts regarding whether or not the site is down. You can simply use certain tools to assist you in your checking.

Toollike Down is primarily recommended for everyone or just myself. This website will verify and notify you if the site is operating, as the name implies. This problem has also been observed when the user uploads themes or works on WordPress. It can take some time for everything to calm down. Simply re-energize.

 2. Delete the Cache in Your Browser

Clearing your browser cache is the next option on the list. It is recommended that you clean your browser cache to resolve the 500 Internal Server Error on your WordPress site. The methods below will show you how to clear it in various browsers.

How to Force a Single Page to Refresh.

This is all you have to do –

Step 1: Download and install the browsers for Windows and Linux. F5 + CTRL

Step 2: Use the SHIFT + Reload toolbar button on Apple Safari.

Step 3: Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox for Mac: SHIFT + CMD + R

How to Clear Google Chrome’s Browser Cache

Clearing the cache in Google Chrome can be done in the following steps:

Step 1: Launch Google Chrome and navigate to the three dots symbol.

Step 2: Select Clearing Browser Data from the More tools menu.

Step 3: You’ll see a window pop up. Ascertain that you are only clearing cached data; otherwise, you may lose all of your passwords, cookies, browser history, and other information.

Step 4: Finally, click Clear Browsing Data to complete the process.

How to Clear Mozilla Firefox’s Browser Cache

To delete your browser cache, simply follow the steps below –

Step 1: To begin, launch Mozilla Firefox. Navigate to the hamburger menu and select it.

Step 2: Select Clear Recent History from the History menu.

Step 3: Clear All History will appear in a new window. To continue with the process, you must change the Time range to Everything.

Step 4: Then, in the details, click on Cache.

Step 5: Finally, select Clear Now.

How to Delete the Opera Browser Cache

The steps below will assist you in doing so:

Step 1: Locate and click the Opera icon.

Step 2: Select Clear Browsing Data from the More Tools menu.

Step 3: Select and obliterate the following objects as needed. Now be cautious while clicking on photos and files that have been cached.

Step 4: Finally, select Clear Browsing Data.

How to Delete the Microsoft Edge Browser Cache

Stick to the instructions. –

Steo 1: Click on the three dots symbol in the right pane.

Step 2: Select Settings from the drop-down menu. Choose what to clear from the options menu.

Step 3: Make sure you click on Cached data and files with care. After that, select

How to Delete the Internet Explorer Cache

Follow these methods to clear the cache in Internet Explorer:

Step 1: Navigate to the gear icon and select it.

Step 2: Go to Safety and select Delete browsing history from the drop-down menu.

Step 3: Select Temporary Internet files and website files from the Delete Browsing History menu, then click Delete.

3. Examine the Server Logs

Checking your server logs is the next option on the list. A server log is a file that records all of the server’s actions. In WordPress, you can simply enable Debugging mode. It may not fix the problem, but it will provide you with additional clarity. Add the following code to the wp-config.php file to enable it:

define(‘WP DEBUG’, true); define(‘WP DEBUG’, true); define(‘WP DE

define(‘WP DEBUG LOG’, true); define(‘WP DEBUG LOG’, true); define(‘WP DE

Additionally, if you utilise Kinsta, you may use the log viewer to learn more about the problems.

Analytical tools can be used by users to determine the frequency with which the 500 internal server error occurs.

4. Error Establishing a Database Connection 

Error Establishing Database Connection is the fourth method on the list. The database connection error is a typical issue that occurs when WordPress is unable to connect to the database. The page becomes blank, with the phrase “problem establishing a database connection” appearing.

Several reasons are now to blame for this issue, which are described below:

1. Incorrect login credentials: WordPress, as we all know, requires a unique login and password to continue. It’s possible that it was modified for some reason and is now causing an issue.

2. Corrupted Files: This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including corrupted files. Due to botched theme and WordPress software updates, files become corrupted.

3. Database server: Due to significant traffic spikes, the database server may go down, resulting in the Error Establishing a Database Connection.

4. Corrupted database: Databases can become corrupted for a variety of reasons, including active themes and plugins, missing data or tables, and so on.

5. Check Your Plugins and Themes 

Checking your plugins and themes is the next method on the list. Plugins are pieces of software that extend the functionality of a WordPress site.

This problem occurs after installation or during the installation of an update. As a result, all plugins and themes should be disabled. Simply follow these procedures to deactivate plugins:

Step 1: Go to WordPress and select Plugins from the left-hand menu.

Step 2: Select the bulk activities you want to deactivate, then click Deactivate.

Step 3: Once that’s done, start activating them one by one to figure out who the real bad guy is. After each activation, reload the site.

Step 4: If you get an error notice, it signifies you’ve discovered the source of the problem.

Keep your themes, plugins, and WordPress up to date at all times.

6. Reinstall WordPress Core 

WordPress core can become corrupted, resulting in a 500 Internal Server Error on the WordPress site. You may reinstall WordPress core in a variety of methods. Also, keep in mind that you should always have a backup in case of a problem.

The following methods can be used to reinstall WordPress:

Step 1: Using FTP (File Transfer Protocol), reinstall WordPress.

Step 2: Using WP-CLI, reinstall WordPress.

Step 3: From the dashboard, reinstall WordPress.

 7. Error in Permissions

Permissions Error is another way to fix this problem. WordPress users should be aware that permissions are required to organise and manage all files and folders.

WordPress is unable to do tasks such as uploading photos, themes, or creating files and directories due to a permission error. It could potentially jeopardise the security of your WordPress site.

The following recommendations would help to allow WordPress to create files and directories –

1. Use 644 (-rw-r–r–) or 640 for all files.

2. Use 755 (drwxr-xr-x) or 750 for all directories.

You may now fix the Permissions problem by following the steps below –

Step 1: Use an FTP client to connect to your site.

Step 2: Go to your site’s root folder and select all of the directories.

Step 3: Select File Permissions from the context menu by right-clicking on it.

Step 4: In the File Permissions box, type 755 in the numeric value and then click Recurse into Subdirectories.

Step 5: Next, select Only apply to folders and then OK.

File permissions to folders will now be settled by the FTP clients. After that, repeat the procedures to allow the FTP client to set file permissions for all files on the site.

Step 1: Return to the root folder and select all files and folders. Right-click it and select File Permissions from the menu.

Step 2: A dial box will appear; in the numeric value field, type 644. Then select Recurse into subdirectories from the menu.

Step 3: After that, select Only apply to files. Click the OK button.

8. PHP Memory Limit 

Increase the PHP memory limit is the next option on the list. A PHP memory limit that has been reached can result in a 500 internal server error. The instructions below will show you how to increase the PHP memory limit –

In cPanel, increase the PHP memory limit.

Step 1: Select the PHP version you want to use.

Step 2: Next, select Switch to PHP Options from the drop-down menu.

Step 3: Simply alter the value of Memory Limit by clicking on it.

Step 4: Select Save.

In wp-config.php, increase the PHP memory limit.

Step 1: Use FTP to access your WordPress site.

Step 2: Navigate to the site’s root folder and look for wp-config.php.

Step 3: In this file, paste the following code.

define(‘WP MEMORY LIMIT’,’128M’); define(‘WP MEMORY LIMIT’,’128M’); define(‘WP MEMORY

Apache’s PHP Memory Limit should be increased.

Step 1: Use FTP to access your website.

Step 2: Navigate to the site’s root folder and look for the.htaccess file.

Step 3: After you’ve downloaded the file, add the following code to it and try to raise the memory limit above 64M. php value memory limit 128M

In the php.ini file, increase the PHP memory limit.

Step 1: Use FTP to access your website.

Step 2: Navigate to the site’s root folder. Now look for the php.ini file.

Step 3: Once you’ve discovered it, check for the options and make the necessary changes.

If the php.ini file is missing, you can create one. Add the provided code and change it to your liking –

128M memory limit

For the aforementioned php.ini file settings to operate, you may need to add the suPHP directive to your.htaccess file in some circumstances. Make adjustments to your.htaccess file, which is placed in the site’s root folder, to make it operate. Add the following code to the top of the file –

IfModule mod suphp.c mod suphp.c mod suphp.c mod suphp.c mod s

suPHP ConfigPath/home/yourusername/public html

</IfModule>

9. Problems with Your.htaccess File 

The next option is to work with your.htaccess file to resolve the issue. It’s essentially a secret file that allows the user to configure the Apache webserver’s server settings. The.htaccess file can become corrupted at any time.

With the help of the instructions below, you may quickly make a new one:

Step 1: Use FTP to access your website. .htaccessold is the new name for your file. Keep track of your permalinks.

Step 2: If you can’t get it to work, try creating a new.htaccess file. Now, add the following content to your server and upload it.

# MODULE MOD REWRITE.C MODULE MODULE MODULE MODULE MODULE MODULE MODULE MODULE MODULE MODULE
On RewriteBase / RewriteRule index.php RewriteEngine
$ – [L] RewriteCond percent REQUEST FILENAME!-f RewriteCond percent REQUEST FILENAME!-d RewriteCond percent REQUEST FILENAME!-d
/index.php RewriteRule [L]
</IfModule>
# WORDPRESS FINISH

Check to see if the problem has been solved; if not, move on to the next procedure.

 10. CGI/Perl Script Coding or Syntax Errors

This issue can be caused by coding or syntax errors in your CGI/Perl script. When working with CGI scripts, simply follow these guidelines –

1. Always use a plain text editor to keep your documents in ASCII format.

2. Make sure the Perl modules you’ll need for your content are installed.

 11. A Problem with the Server (Check with Your Host)

PHP timeouts or catastrophic errors PHP problems are also a common source of 500 internal server errors. In this case, it’s a good idea to check in with your WordPress server on a regular basis. Messages like these will appear when you encounter certain issues.

This type of problem is a little more difficult to fix. It may also necessitate the assistance of a professional. If you’re a Kinsta user, you’ll always have the advantage of receiving early notice of a problem, and they’ll start repairing it right away.

PHP timeouts are caused by a shortage of PHP workers. It occurs when these staff become preoccupied with managing the site, which causes a line to form. Once it reaches the limit, it begins to push it.

Keep an eye on your website.

You can use the updown.io tool to stay informed about these problems in the future. It’s a free programme that sends an HTTP HEAD request to the URL to monitor your website on a regular basis. If the site goes down, you will be notified through email or SMS.

It’s also a good idea to choose a managed WordPress host because it comes with a lot of benefits. You will be rewarded with the following benefits:

1. You will receive superior assistance.

2. High-Performance Optimized

3. Backups that are performed automatically (Never Lose Your Data)

4. Security is a top priority.

5. It was designed to be scalable.

6. Staging Environments with a Single Click

7. Programmer-Friendly (SSH, Git, WP-CLI)

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Conclusion

The 500 internal server error is an extremely annoying and aggravating issue. To solve it, you’ll need a lot of patience and time. The solutions outlined above will assist you in resolving the error that occurred during the process.

Make sure to update your plugins, themes, and WordPress site documents on a regular basis. Also, we hope that this post will assist you in resolving the error; nevertheless, if you continue to have problems, please contact an expert.