WordPress is a top open-source content management system. This platform allows developers to create and manage websites, according to WordPress's official website, this platform powers more than 43% of the existing websites on the internet. One of the main reasons why people choose this platform is it's easy to use even for non-developers and is versatile. This can be used to build various sites including e-commerce stores.
The platform's user-friendly interface and convenient media management have made it a top choice among many developers and businesses as well. However, like all other platforms, errors may occur, and internal server error is one of the most common ones. If you encounter a 500 internal server error on WordPress and are struggling to find the cause behind it, this guide is your one-stop solution. This blog provides a list of all the possible causes for the error and quick solutions to resolve it.
Possible reasons causing internal server error 500 and their quick fixes on WordPress
1. Corrupt .htaccess File
Cause: Any incorrect modifications or plugin installations can corrupt the .htaccess File. and this corrupted .htaccess file can trigger 500 internal error on WordPress.
Quick Fix: To fix this issue, quickly delete the existing .htaccess file, WordPress will do the magic for you. WordPress will automatically generate a new file and resolve the issue.
2. Cookies and cache
Cause: Cookies and cache conflict occur if the data on the website does not match with the data on the cookies and cache. This conflict will result in an internal 500 WordPress error.
Quick Fix: To fix this problem, open your default browser, click on the 3 dots in the top right corner, and then tap on the clear browsing data button. You will be directed to a popup dialogue box, check the boxes for cached images and files and cookies and other site data and finally tap on clear data at the bottom. This will address the conflict and resolve the 500 errors.
3. Poorly coded plugins
Cause: One of the most common causes that cause the internal server error 500 on WordPress is a new plugin activation. If you encounter this 500 error right after installing the plugin, this might be the reason. Some plugins may have internal coding issues which leads to this error.
Quick Fix: Deactivate the recently installed plugin and check if the problem persists. If you are still facing an error, deactivate all the plugins and activate them one by one, identify the plugin that is causing the error, and remove it immediately. You can remove these plugins from the WordPress dashboard and head into plugins, installed plugins, and do as instructed. Also, WordPress is an open-source platform and offers thousands of plugins, leaving the problem-causing plugin behind and installing another one, suggests a WordPress developer in Toronto .
4. WordPress theme issues
Cause: Similar to the plugins, a newly installed WordPress theme can also cause an HTTP internal error. This activated theme might cause conflict with other plugins or core files and cause 500 internal server error on WordPress.
Quick Fix: To resolve this issue switch back to the default WordPress theme and check if the error persists. If the error disappears, consider updating or replacing the current theme with another one.
5. Corrupted core WordPress files
Cause: Server issues, incorrect file permissions, database errors, errors with the PHP version, or uploading large files can corrupt or damage the core files and cause internal server errors.
Quick Fix: Try re-uploading the core WordPress files from the beginning and ensure that the size is optimal, this might fix the issue and get your site running and going.
6. Database issues
Cause: Incorrect login credentials and database corruption can cause issues and result in 500 internal errors. This is also one of the most common cases in causing an error and here is the way to fix it.
Quick Fix: Make sure that your database settings are in wp-config. php and perform necessary repairs on the database if it is necessary.
7. Hosting issues
Cause: Hosting-related issues such as server problems and misconfigured server settings or any other resource limitations can cause a 500 internal error.
Quick Fix: Immediately contact your hosting provider, they will check the server logs and backend-related issues, find the issues, and fix them if there are any from their end.
8. Incompatible PHP version
Cause: If you have experienced this error all of a sudden, it can be due to an outdated or incompatible PHP version.
Quick Fix: This error can be fixed by upgrading to the latest version of PHP, usually PHP 7.4 or higher. Doing this is supposed to fix the 500 error.
9. Debug logs
Cause: This is caused by a lack of detailed error information.
Quick Fix: Enable WordPress to debug logs by adding the following code line to wp-config.php: define(‘WP_DEBUG’, true); doing this should fix the issue and make your site load without an error.
10. Reach out to the hosting provider
Cause: All of the above-mentioned errors can be fixed from your end, but if the error still persists, there might be complex server issues beyond your control.
Quick Fix: Contact your hosting provider for support, they can investigate the problem in detail and provide respective solutions.
Conclusion
The 500 internal server error on WordPress is the most common error that is faced by many website owners. As we have explored various solutions to address this issue effectively and get your website back on track. The power of WordPress is immense, and by implementing the suggested solutions, you can avoid such errors in the future.
