WordPress Error 500: Causes and Easy Fixes

Troubleshooting

September 7, 2025

WordPress Error 500: Causes and Easy Fixes

The 500 Internal Server Error in WordPress is one of the most common but frustrating issues because it gives no details about the cause. Instead of a specific error message, you simply see “500 Internal Server Error.” Luckily, with a step-by-step approach, you can identify and fix the root problem quickly.

Main Causes of Error 500

Corrupted .htaccess file: Broken rewrite rules often trigger server errors.
PHP memory exhaustion: Plugins, themes, or scripts use more memory than allocated.
Faulty plugin or theme: Recent installations or updates may contain errors or conflicts.
Corrupted core files: WordPress core updates may fail or files may be incomplete.
Server misconfiguration: Incorrect PHP version, permissions, or hosting issues.

Step-by-Step Fixes

1) Check the .htaccess File

Rename your .htaccess file in the root directory to something like .htaccess_old. Then reload your site:

If the site works, regenerate the file by visiting Settings → Permalinks and clicking Save Changes.
If not, keep the original as reference and continue troubleshooting.

2) Increase PHP Memory Limit

Edit wp-config.php and add:

define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M');

If you have access to php.ini or .user.ini:

memory_limit = 512M

After changes, reload your site. If it works, the error was due to memory exhaustion.

3) Deactivate All Plugins

A faulty plugin is a common cause of Error 500:

Rename the wp-content/plugins folder to plugins.off.
If the site loads, reactivate plugins one by one to find the culprit.

4) Switch to a Default Theme

If the issue persists, switch to a default WordPress theme:

Rename your active theme’s folder in wp-content/themes.
WordPress will fall back to a default theme (e.g., Twenty Twenty-Five).

If the site works, the error lies in your theme.

5) Reinstall WordPress Core Files

Sometimes WordPress files get corrupted:

Download the latest version of WordPress from wordpress.org.
Replace all files and folders except wp-content and wp-config.php.
This ensures clean, intact core files.

6) Check File Permissions

Improper permissions can cause server errors:

Folders should typically be 755.
Files should typically be 644.
Avoid using 777 as it poses security risks.

7) Review Server Error Logs

Enable debugging in wp-config.php:

define('WP_DEBUG', true);
define('WP_DEBUG_LOG', true);
define('WP_DEBUG_DISPLAY', false);

Check wp-content/debug.log or your hosting control panel’s error logs for the exact cause.

When to Contact Your Host

If none of the above resolves the issue, the problem may be server-side. Contact your hosting provider and provide the exact time and URL where the error occurs. They can check server logs and configurations beyond your WordPress installation.