Troubleshooting WordPress 500 Error: Common Causes and Solutions

April 26, 2022 Comments Off on Troubleshooting WordPress 500 Error: Common Causes and Solutions

Introduction

Welcome to my blog, where I will be sharing my expertise as a professional website designer specializing in WordPress solutions for small businesses. In today’s post, we are going to dive deep into the troubleshooting of the WordPress 500 Error. This frustrating error can cause a lot of stress, but fear not, as I will guide you through the common causes and provide you with effective solutions to resolve it.

WordPress is a powerful content management system (CMS) that is widely used by businesses of all sizes. However, like any other technology, it is not immune to errors. The WordPress 500 Error is one such error that can occur due to various reasons, leading to a blank page with the message "Internal Server Error" or "500 Internal Server Error". The good news is that this error can be resolved with a few troubleshooting steps, and I’m here to help you with that.

So, let’s get started and uncover the common causes of the WordPress 500 Error and the solutions to fix it!

Causes and Solutions for the WordPress 500 Error

1. Plugin or Theme Conflict

Plugins and themes are essential components of a WordPress website, but they can sometimes clash with each other, resulting in the 500 Error. Here’s how you can troubleshoot this issue:

Solution 1: Deactivate All Plugins

  • Access your website’s files via FTP or cPanel.
  • Locate the "wp-content" folder and rename it to "wp-content-plugins".
  • This action will deactivate all your plugins.
  • Now, check if the error is resolved. If it is, then one of the plugins was causing the conflict.

Solution 2: Switch to a Default Theme

  • While still in the renamed "wp-content" folder, navigate to "themes".
  • Rename your currently active theme folder to something else.
  • WordPress will automatically switch to a default theme.
  • Check if the error is resolved. If it is, then the theme was causing the conflict.

2. Corrupted .htaccess File

The .htaccess file is a configuration file for the Apache web server, and any corruption in this file can trigger the 500 Error. Follow the steps below to fix this issue:

Solution: Generate a New .htaccess File

  • Access your website’s files via FTP or cPanel.
  • Locate the root directory where WordPress is installed.
  • Rename the existing .htaccess file to something like .htaccess_old.
  • Now, go to your WordPress admin dashboard and navigate to "Settings" > "Permalinks".
  • Without making any changes, simply click on the "Save Changes" button.
  • WordPress will automatically generate a new .htaccess file.
  • Check if the error is resolved. If it is, then the previous .htaccess file was corrupted.

3. PHP Memory Limit Exhaustion

If your WordPress website uses more memory than allocated, it can result in the 500 Error. Here’s how you can increase the PHP memory limit:

Solution: Edit the wp-config.php File

  • Access your website’s files via FTP or cPanel.
  • Locate the wp-config.php file in the root directory.
  • Download a copy of this file as a backup.
  • Open the wp-config.php file in a text editor.
  • Look for the line that says "That’s all, stop editing! Happy blogging."
  • Just above that line, add the following code: 
    define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M');
  • Save the changes and upload the modified wp-config.php file back to your server.
  • Check if the error is resolved. If it is, then the PHP memory limit was the cause.

4. Server Issues

Sometimes, the WordPress 500 Error can occur due to server-related issues. While you may not have direct control over these issues, there are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot:

Solution 1: Contact Your Web Hosting Provider

  • Reach out to your web hosting provider’s support team and inform them about the 500 Error.
  • Provide them with all the relevant details, including the steps you have already taken to troubleshoot.
  • They will be able to investigate the server logs and identify any issues on their end.

Solution 2: Check Server Logs Yourself

  • Access your website’s files via FTP or cPanel.
  • Locate the server logs, usually in a folder named "logs" or similar.
  • Look for any error logs that correspond to the time when the 500 Error occurred.
  • Examine the logs for any clues about the cause of the error.
  • If you find any relevant information, share it with your web hosting provider for further assistance.

FAQs: WordPress 500 Error

Q1. Is the WordPress 500 Error the same as the White Screen of Death?

No, the WordPress 500 Error and the White Screen of Death (WSOD) are not the same, although they can have similar causes. The 500 Error is an internal server error that displays as a blank page with the message "Internal Server Error" or "500 Internal Server Error". On the other hand, the WSOD occurs when something goes wrong and your website shows a completely white screen with no error message. Both issues can be resolved using similar troubleshooting steps.

Q2. Can I fix the WordPress 500 Error without technical knowledge?

Yes, you can definitely fix the WordPress 500 Error without extensive technical knowledge. The solutions provided in this blog post are user-friendly and can be implemented by anyone following the step-by-step instructions. However, if you feel uncomfortable making changes to your website’s files or need further assistance, it is always a good idea to reach out to a professional web developer or your web hosting provider for support.

Q3. How can I prevent the WordPress 500 Error in the future?

To prevent the WordPress 500 Error in the future, here are a few best practices you can follow:

  • Regularly update your WordPress core, plugins, and themes to the latest versions.
  • Install a reliable security plugin to protect your website from malicious attacks.
  • Take regular backups of your website’s files and database.
  • Avoid installing too many plugins or using resource-intensive themes.
  • Choose a reputable web hosting provider that offers good server performance and support.

Conclusion

The WordPress 500 Error can be frustrating, but with the troubleshooting steps and solutions provided in this blog post, you are now equipped to tackle this issue head-on. Remember, identifying the cause of the error is the key to resolving it effectively. Whether it’s a plugin or theme conflict, a corrupted .htaccess file, PHP memory limit exhaustion, or server issues, you now have the knowledge to troubleshoot and fix the problem.

If you’re still facing difficulties or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional web developer or your web hosting provider. They have the expertise to guide you in resolving complex issues and ensuring the smooth functioning of your WordPress website.

So, go ahead and tackle that 500 Error like a pro! Your website will be up and running smoothly again in no time. Happy troubleshooting!

I'm David — a 🇧🇪 Belgian-born, 🇧🇷 Brazil-based freelance web designer with 15+ years of experience. Specializing in WordPress, I help small and mid-sized businesses create clean, functional, and professional websites. I've built a solid reputation on platforms like Upwork and Freelancer.com 🌍 by delivering tailored digital solutions that are both visually appealing and performance-driven ⚡.

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