(Fix) HTTP error 500 in WordPress
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Very few things are worse than trying to access your website and coming face to face with an HTTP 500 error instead.
The HTTP 500 WordPress error means your site is unreachable. Sometimes, pages don’t load at all. These issues can disrupt your site’s appearance and functionality. If you don’t fix it, you can lose traffic and customers.
In this article, we will help you fix the error as quickly and easily as possible.
TL;DR: The HTTP error 500 means your site is unreachable by the server. It can impact your site’s performance. We recommend that you use tools like BlogVault’s monitoring to detect downtime as soon as possible. That way, you can fix it before you lose a lot of customers.
What is the HTTP error 500 in WordPress?
Essentially, this error means that your site has crashed because of some server issues.
Imagine your website is like a busy restaurant, and the server is the kitchen. When everything is running smoothly, orders get cooked and sent out without a hitch. But sometimes, things can go wrong in the kitchen, forcing it to stop service. That’s what the HTTP error 500 is—it’s like the kitchen suddenly shutting down, leaving both diners (your visitors) and staff (you) in the dark.
The 500 HTTP error is a server-side problem. It means that something went wrong on the website’s server, but the server isn’t sure exactly what caused it. The “5” at the beginning of the 500 error code indicates that it is a server error, signaling that the problem lies on the server side of a web service request. The “00” following it is a general indicator of an internal server error with no specific details, meaning the server encountered an unexpected condition that prevented it from fulfilling the request.
This error is frustrating because it offers no clear information about what to fix. It affects every part of your site. Visitors can’t see any content, and you lose access to manage or update anything.
There are unfortunately a lot of reasons why your server is having trouble. Understanding these triggers can help narrow down what went wrong.
What triggers the HTTP 500 error?
This error often stems from common issues like plugin and theme conflicts, server misconfigurations, or broken .htaccess files. We’ll talk about diagnostics and troubleshooting in the next section.
- Plugin conflicts: Plugins are great for adding features to your WordPress site. However, they can sometimes clash with each other. This conflict often arises after updates because changes in one plugin might affect how another functions. For example, an Elementor update crashed our site and we had to roll it back. This is why we recommend that you always test updates first and ensure compatibility among the plugins you use.
- Theme issues: Themes control your site’s appearance and layout, but compatibility is key. An outdated theme, or one not tested with the latest WordPress version, could lead to errors. Additionally, incompatibility with certain plugins can also trigger issues. It’s crucial to keep your theme updated and use a staging site to test for compatibility issues.
- .htaccess file misconfigurations: The .htaccess file is like the center for server rules. It dictates how the server processes requests. If it’s incorrectly configured, either through direct edits or by a plugin or theme installation, it could stop your server from functioning properly. Ensuring this file is correctly set is essential to maintaining server stability.
- PHP version incompatibility: PHP is the scripting language for WordPress. Running your site on an outdated or unsupported PHP version can cause compatibility issues, leading to errors.
- Insufficient time limit: Each server process or script has a limited time to run. If the process takes too long, it could exceed the allotted time, causing the site to time out and trigger an error. Increasing the time limit can sometimes resolve such issues, but it might also indicate an underlying problem that needs to be fixed.
- Insufficient memory limit: Your site and its processes require memory to function. If there isn’t enough memory allocated, the server might not be able to handle requests, leading to a crash and errors. Modifying the memory limit can help, but like timeouts, it may also point to inefficiencies elsewhere that need attention.
- Corrupted core files: Core files are crucial for WordPress to operate correctly. During updates or installations, these files might get corrupted or overwritten. This can stop the server from processing requests properly, leading to errors. Reinstalling WordPress core files can often fix this issue.
- Database connection disruptions: Your WordPress site depends on a stable connection to its database. An error establishing a connection with the database can also crash your site. Network issues, incorrect login details, or a slow server response can disrupt this connection and trigger an error. Ensuring database configurations are correct and connections are stable is key to preventing these errors.
- Incorrect file and folder permissions: Every server file must have specific permissions to ensure security and functionality. Incorrect permissions can stop the server from accessing essential files, resulting in errors. It’s important to regularly check and add sufficient permissions to secure and optimize your site’s performance.
- Changes to server configurations: Sometimes, adjustments in server settings or WordPress configurations might not blend well with the existing setup. Whether it’s installing new software, changing hosting environments, or tweaking settings, these changes could unintentionally create conflicts. Reviewing recent changes can help pinpoint the source of the error.
Fixing the HTTP 500 error on your WordPress site
Understanding what might be triggering the error gives you a head start in fixing it. In this next section, we’ll guide you through a series of troubleshooting actions tailored to each possible cause. Starting from the easiest solutions, here are some ways to fix the error:
Clear all cache:
Cache can sometimes cause an HTTP 500 error because it may store outdated or corrupted versions of your site. This issue can arise if you’ve updated your site but the cache continues to serve an older version.
Start by clearing all types of cache, which includes your browser cache, any caching plugins you have on your WordPress site, and even your server cache, if it’s available. Caching is meant to store copies of your site to make loading faster, but sometimes it can cause problems. If an outdated version of your site is being shown, clearing the cache ensures you’re looking at the most current version. This simple step can often resolve the HTTP 500 error if it was related to stale cache data.

Refresh the page:
Sometimes the simplest solutions are the right ones. If the HTTP 500 error was only a temporary glitch, reloading the page might be all it takes to clear it up. This step is quick and worth trying first, especially if the error doesn’t seem to have an obvious cause.
Switch browsers:
Another straightforward step is to open your site in a different web browser. Doing this helps check if the issue you are experiencing is only happening in the browser you were using initially. Different browsers can sometimes handle the same page differently, and switching might reveal whether the problem is browser-specific. This can help you pinpoint if the error is related to browser settings or configurations.
Enabling WordPress debug mode
WordPress debug is a feature that allows you to see errors and warnings generated by your site’s PHP code. This mode is incredibly helpful because it gives you detailed insights into what’s going wrong behind the scenes, letting you identify the specific causes of issues like the HTTP 500 error.
Pro tip: This method involves modifying some code. An easier way is to install BlogVault and let its PHP error monitoring do its thing. It will give you a detailed report of the past 24 hours. This way you can diagnose the problem faster.
If you’d rather do it manually, you’ll need to add a few lines of code to your wp-config.php file.
Locate the line that says “That’s all, stop editing! Happy blogging.” and add the following code just before it:
define('WP_DEBUG', true);
define('WP_DEBUG_LOG', true);
define('WP_DEBUG_DISPLAY', false);
These lines activate WordPress debug mode so WordPress can log errors. They ensure that error messages are written to a debug log file in your wp-content directory. This log will provide clues about what’s causing the error.
Diagnosing and fixing plugin conflicts
Plugin conflicts are often a culprit behind issues like the HTTP 500 error. Here’s how to identify and resolve these conflicts:
Step 1: Backup your site
Before making any changes, ensure you back up your site. This is crucial for restoring your site easily if any issues arise during troubleshooting. Use a reliable backup plugin like BlogVault for this task.
Step 2: Deactivate all plugins
- Connect to your server using an FTP client like Cyberduck
- Navigate to the Plugins folder in your root folder
- Rename it plugins_deactivated
- Go back to your site and check if your site is fine again. If it is, your plugins are the problem. In that case, proceed to step 3. If not, try troubleshooting a theme conflict.
- Revert the name of the Plugins’s folder
Step 3: Identify the problem plugin
- Carefully deactivate each plugin one at a time.
- After each deactivation, check your site to see if the error disappears.
- If the error disappears, note the last plugin deactivated—that’s likely where the conflict lies.
Step 4: Address the conflicting plugin
If you recently updated the plugin, roll it back to the previous version. Wait for the developers to fix the conflict. If you haven’t updated it in a while, safely update the plugin to fix the issue. If necessary, find a different plugin offering similar functionality.
Fixing theme conflicts
If your site issues aren’t resolved with plugins, the theme might be the source of trouble. Here’s how to approach theme conflicts:
Step 1: Backup your site:
If you haven’t already backed up your site while dealing with plugins, do so now. Take an on-demand backup with a plugin like BlogVault.
Step 2: Test with a default theme
Switch to a default WordPress theme like Twenty Twenty-One.

See if the error persists. If switching themes resolves the error, your original theme is likely causing the issue.
Step 3: Address the theme conflict
Once you know the theme is causing the problem, take these steps:
If a recent theme update caused the conflict, revert to the older version of the theme. Then reach out to the developers to fix the conflict. Don’t update the theme until they do.
If an update didn’t cause the conflict, try to update it safely. That could solve the issue for you.
Resolving .htaccess File Issues
The .htaccess file is vital in managing how your server handles requests. If problems arise, a faulty .htaccess setup might be to blame. Here’s how to create a fresh one and resolve potential conflicts. We’ll be creating a new file, naming it correctly and modifying the .htaccess file to include custom rules.
- Access your site via FTP.
- Locate the current .htaccess file in the root directory. This is usually a hidden file.
- Rename the existing file to something like .htaccess-old to keep it as a backup.
- Create a new file and name it .htaccess.
- If you have a basic WordPress site add the following code:
# BEGIN WordPress
RewriteEngine On
RewriteRule .* - [E=HTTP_AUTHORIZATION:%{HTTP:Authorization}]
RewriteBase /
RewriteRule ^index\.php$ - [L]
RewriteCond %{REQUEST_FILENAME} !-f
RewriteCond %{REQUEST_FILENAME} !-d
RewriteRule . /index.php [L]
# END WordPress
For WordPress Multisite
If you’re running a multisite setup, use these rules instead:
# BEGIN WordPress Multisite
# Using subfolder network type: https://wordpress.org/support/article/htaccess/#multisite
RewriteEngine On
RewriteRule .* - [E=HTTP_AUTHORIZATION:%{HTTP:Authorization}]
RewriteBase /
RewriteRule ^index\.php$ - [L]
# add a trailing slash to /wp-admin
RewriteRule ^([_0-9a-zA-Z-]+/)?wp-admin$ $1wp-admin/ [R=301,L]
RewriteCond %{REQUEST_FILENAME} -f [OR]
RewriteCond %{REQUEST_FILENAME} -d
RewriteRule ^ - [L]
RewriteRule ^([_0-9a-zA-Z-]+/)?(wp-(content|admin|includes).*) $2 [L]
RewriteRule ^([_0-9a-zA-Z-]+/)?(.*\.php)$ $2 [L]
RewriteRule . index.php [L]
# END WordPress Multisite
Handling Custom Rules
If you have custom rules, be sure to gradually reintroduce each custom rule one by one. This method will help you identify which specific rule is causing the issue. Once identified, modify or remove the offending rule to restore your site’s normal operation.
Managing memory limits
If your debug log reveals a memory issue, it suggests your server needs more resources to manage its tasks effectively. Increasing the PHP memory limit can address this problem, smoothing out performance hiccups.
- Use an FTP client or your hosting control panel to locate the wp-config.php file in your WordPress site’s main directory.
- Open wp-config.php with a text editor.
- Place the following line of code just before the line “That’s all, stop editing! Happy blogging.”:
define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M');
This sets the memory limit to 256MB, providing more room for PHP operations. Depending on your site’s demands—like large plugins or extensive content—you may need to adjust this value higher or lower, but always consider your server’s overall capability.
Adjusting time limits
If your WordPress site is running into time limit issues, it could result in scripts timing out before they’ve had the chance to complete. Adjusting the PHP execution time limit can help prevent these interruptions.
- Find your wp-config file using an FTP client
- Open this file in a text editor for editing.
- Add the following line right before “That’s all, stop editing! Happy blogging.”:
set_time_limit(300);
This code extends the script execution time to 300 seconds, or five minutes. This longer timeframe allows for more complex or lengthy processes to complete without being cut off prematurely. Depending on your site’s specific requirements and your server’s capabilities, you may need to adjust this value to ensure optimal performance.
Restoring corrupted core files
If your WordPress site’s core files become corrupted, they can disrupt site functionality. To resolve this, download the latest WordPress version from the official website. Extract the wp-includes and wp-admin folders from the downloaded package. Using an FTP client, upload these folders to your server, replacing the existing ones. This replacement ensures that any corrupted files are overwritten with fresh, intact copies, restoring the site to proper operation.
Verifying database details
Accurate database credentials are crucial for seamless site operation. Open your wp-config.php file and check that the database name, username, password, and host are correct. If your site continues to experience issues, consider repairing the database. You can add a repair line to wp-config.php to use WordPress’s built-in tool, or utilize phpMyAdmin for more direct database repairs. Ensuring these details are correct and the database is healthy will improve connectivity and performance.
Checking file and folder permissions
File and folder permissions regulate access on your server. To prevent unauthorized access and ensure functionality, set folder permissions to 755 and file permissions to 644. These settings provide the right level of access for users and scripts, maintaining site security while allowing necessary operations. Regularly reviewing these permissions helps protect against access-related errors.

Ensuring PHP version compatibility
Running your WordPress site on an outdated or unsupported PHP version can lead to various issues. Check the PHP version through your hosting panel to confirm it’s compatible with WordPress and your plugins. If the version is outdated, update PHP to the latest version that is compatible with your web host. This change can improve performance and compatibility, reducing potential errors and ensuring your site runs smoothly. Always verify compatibility with your specific WordPress setup and requirements.
If you’ve tried all these troubleshooting steps and the issue persists, it might be time to contact your hosting provider for further assistance. Hosting providers have access to server configurations and logs that you might not. This enables them to identify and resolve server-related issues you can’t fix on your own.
Preventing future HTTP 500 errors in WordPress
Nobody likes surprises, especially when they come as errors on your website. The good news? You can take proactive steps to prevent running into these issues again. Here’s how you can keep your WordPress site running smoothly:
- Regular backups: Backing up your site regularly is like having an insurance policy for your website. Should anything go wrong, you can restore everything quickly, minimizing downtime and data loss. Use dependable backup solutions, like BlogVault, to schedule automatic backups. This practice ensures you always have a recent version of your site ready to go if errors occur, allowing you to recover swiftly and efficiently.
- Update everything: Keeping all your plugins and themes updated is crucial. Developers often release updates to fix bugs, improve security, and ensure compatibility with the latest version of WordPress. Ignoring these updates can leave your site vulnerable to errors and exploits.
On the flip side, an incompatible update could also crash your site. You can’t make such changes without any preparation. This is why we recommend that you use UpdateLens to identify how safe an update is. Then, safely update different aspects of your site.
- Use necessary plugins: Plugins are great for enhancing your site but stick to those that are essential and well-supported. Each plugin adds complexity and can introduce conflicts, like having too many cooks in the kitchen. Regularly review your plugins, removing any that are unnecessary or poorly maintained, to reduce potential compatibility issues and improve site performance.
- Monitor your resources: Your server’s memory and CPU usage are like a heartbeat for your site. High usage can signal trouble brewing, leading to slow performance or errors. Regularly monitor these metrics through your hosting panel or other tools to ensure your server isn’t overwhelmed. Knowing these limits empowers you to act before they become critical issues.
- Optimize your database: Over time, your database can become cluttered with unused data, slowing down operations. Periodically cleaning and optimizing your database clears out unwanted information, helping your site run faster and reducing the chance of errors. Plugins designed for database maintenance can help automate this process.
- File permissions: Setting correct file permissions is crucial to maintaining site security. Incorrect permissions can open doors to unauthorized access, potentially leading to errors or breaches. Ensure that files are generally set to 644 and directories to 755. Regular audits can help maintain the right balance between functionality and security.
- Test changes in staging: Before rolling out major changes to your live site, test them in a staging environment. This practice allows you to identify potential issues in a controlled setting, safeguarding your live site from unexpected disruptions. Staging sites are invaluable for smoothing out changes and averting potential errors before they affect your audience.
- Security audits: Running regular security audits on your site is like a health check-up. These audits identify vulnerabilities that could lead to errors if exploited. Using tools like BlogVault can help automate and simplify these checks, ensuring your site stays secure and error-free.
- Choose a good host: A reliable hosting provider can make a significant difference in your site’s performance and stability. Choose one known for robust support and dependable server uptime. A good host can also help troubleshoot issues and provide the resources your site needs to operate smoothly.
- Use a CDN: A Content Delivery Network (CDN) can significantly enhance your site’s speed by distributing content across multiple locations. This not only speeds up delivery to global users but also reduces the load on your primary server, lowering the risk of overload-related errors. Implementing a CDN is a proactive step in maintaining optimal site performance.
Final thoughts
Sometimes, an HTTP error 500 can resolve itself without intervention, but relying on this isn’t ideal. It’s essential to troubleshoot WordPress errors quickly to prevent extended downtime. Fixing the error quickly ensures that your site remains accessible to visitors, maintaining their trust and engagement. A smooth, functioning website provides a positive experience, which is crucial for retaining users and attracting new ones.
Regularly monitoring your WordPress site is a proactive way to prevent such errors. By keeping everything updated—from plugins to themes and the WordPress core itself—you can catch potential issues early on. This preventative approach stops small problems from escalating into major disruptions, allowing you to maintain site integrity and performance.
FAQs
Why am I getting WordPress errors?
WordPress errors often occur due to conflicts between plugins or themes, outdated WordPress versions, or issues with server configurations. These conflicts can interfere with site operations and lead to errors that disrupt normal functionality.
Is HTTP error 500 my fault?
No, an HTTP error 500 usually indicates a server-side issue with processing your site’s requests. It’s not necessarily caused by anything you’ve done directly, but more about how the server is handling your site’s files and scripts.
How do I fix errors in WordPress?
To resolve errors, start by making sure all plugins and themes are compatible and up to date. Check server settings, such as the .htaccess file and PHP version, to ensure they’re aligned with WordPress requirements. You can enable debugging to identify specific issues. If the errors persist, reaching out to your hosting provider for further assistance can be beneficial.
How to fix WordPress error 500?
To address a WordPress error 500, first, clear all types of cache. Then, update all plugins and themes to their latest versions to avoid compatibility issues. Examine your .htaccess file for any errors and restore it to default if necessary. You should also check that your PHP version is compatible with WordPress, and consider increasing memory limits in the wp-config.php file if needed.
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