While this article covers how to fix the internal 500 server error on a WordPress website, if you need assistance with converting your WordPress website into an app, get started here.
The internal 500 server error is one of the most frustrating issues WordPress site owners can face. Itโs a generic server error that can take your entire site offline โ and often without a clear reason.
While it might sound alarming, the good news is that the 500 internal server error is fixable. Whether youโre managing your website independently or running an online store, learning how to troubleshoot and prevent this error can save you from unnecessary downtime and lost traffic.
This guide explains what causes the internal 500 error, how to fix it safely, and how to prevent it from recurring.
What causes the internal 500 error in WordPress
According to the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), an internal 500 error occurs when a server encounters an unexpected problem that prevents it from fulfilling a request.
In simple terms, itโs the serverโs way of saying, โSomething went wrong, but Iโm not sure what.โ
Because the root cause isnโt always obvious, you may need to try multiple methods to find and fix it.
Common causes include:
- A corrupt or misconfigured .htaccess file
- PHP memory limit exhaustion
- Plugin or theme conflicts
- Incorrect file permissions
- Server misconfigurations or hosting issues
If youโre an AppMySite user, an internal 500 error can also cause your connected mobile app to stop functioning, as the app relies on the same server connection.
How to fix the internal 500 server error
Since this error can result from several causes, youโll need to diagnose it step by step. The following methods cover the most common solutions.
Before you begin, always create a full site backup โ including your database and files โ to avoid data loss during troubleshooting.
1. Clear your browser cache
Sometimes, the error is temporary and caused by cached data in your browser.
Try a hard refresh (Ctrl + F5 on Windows or Command + Shift + R on Mac) to reload your site. If it works, clear your browser cache completely to prevent recurrence.
This is the simplest step and should be done before diving into more technical fixes.
2. Rename your .htaccess file
A corrupted .htaccess file is one of the most common reasons for a 500 error.
To fix it:
- Log in to your website via FTP or cPanelโs File Manager.
- Locate the .htaccess file in your WordPress root directory.
- Rename it to
.htaccess.oldto deactivate it. - Reload your website.
If the site works again, the issue was with your .htaccess file.
Next, log in to your WordPress dashboard โ Settings > Permalinks โ click Save Changes. This will generate a new, clean .htaccess file automatically.
If your site is still down, rename the file back to .htaccess and continue to the next step.
3. Increase your PHP memory limit
Your hosting server assigns a specific amount of PHP memory to your website. As your site grows or plugins consume more resources, you may exceed this limit, triggering an internal server error.
To increase your PHP memory limit:
- Log in to your cPanel or hosting dashboard.
- Go to Select PHP Version โ Switch to PHP Options.
- Locate the memory_limit setting and increase it to at least
128Mor256M. - Save changes and reload your website.
If the error disappears, youโve found the issue. If not, revert to the previous setting and move on.
4. Deactivate all plugins and themes
Plugin or theme conflicts are another leading cause of internal 500 errors.
If you recently updated or installed a plugin before the error appeared, itโs a good place to start.
Because you canโt access your WordPress dashboard when this error occurs, youโll need to use FTP or your hosting file manager:
- Navigate to /wp-content/ and rename the plugins folder to
plugins.old. - Reload your website. If it loads successfully, one of your plugins is the culprit.
- Rename the folder back to plugins, then deactivate each plugin individually (renaming one at a time) until you find the faulty one.
- Once identified, delete or replace that plugin.
If disabling plugins doesnโt help, try switching to a default WordPress theme (like Twenty Twenty-Four) to see if your active theme is causing the issue.
5. Check file permissions
Incorrect file or folder permissions can trigger internal server errors.
WordPress recommends:
- Folders should have permissions set to 755
- Files should have permissions set to 644
Use your FTP client or hosting control panel to review permissions. If they donโt match these values, correct them and test your site again.
If youโre unsure how to modify permissions safely, contact your hosting provider for assistance.
6. Contact your hosting provider
If none of the above fixes resolve the issue, itโs time to contact your web host.
Your hosting provider can check server logs to pinpoint the exact cause โ whether itโs a PHP misconfiguration, a plugin conflict, or a hosting limitation.
If youโre using a managed hosting provider like SiteGround or Kinsta, their support team can usually resolve such issues quickly and even restore your site from recent backups.
How to prevent the internal 500 error
While itโs impossible to guarantee your website will never encounter errors, you can significantly reduce the risk with proactive management.
1. Use reliable hosting
Choose a host that offers managed WordPress services, automated backups, and security monitoring. Providers like SiteGround specialize in optimizing performance and uptime for WordPress sites.
2. Maintain regular updates
Keep your WordPress core, plugins, and themes up to date. Updates often patch vulnerabilities that can lead to server issues.
Use a staging site to test major updates before applying them to your live website.
3. Vet your plugins and themes
Only install plugins and themes from reputable developers. Always check reviews and compatibility details before installation.
4. Optimize your website
Regularly audit your site for performance issues. Use caching, CDNs, and database optimization plugins to reduce server load.
5. Back up frequently
Automated daily or weekly backups ensure you can recover quickly if something goes wrong.
Read: Common WordPress errors that can crash your WordPress website
AppMySite users: why this error matters
If youโve converted your WordPress website into a mobile app using AppMySite, an internal 500 error can also impact your appโs performance.
Since your app relies on your websiteโs connection to load content, any server-side error can cause crashes or slowdowns.
Resolving internal errors ensures your website and mobile app run smoothly โ protecting both your site traffic and mobile user experience.
Final thoughts
The internal 500 server error can be intimidating, but with a systematic approach, itโs fixable in most cases. From clearing caches and renaming your .htaccess file to increasing PHP limits and disabling plugins, the solutions above address nearly every common cause.
By maintaining regular backups, testing updates, and using reliable hosting, you can minimize the risk of encountering this issue again.
And if youโre using AppMySite, keeping your WordPress website healthy directly ensures your mobile app remains stable and high-performing.