WordPress Error 500: Causes and Quick Fixes

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A 500 Internal Server Error in WordPress is a common but frustrating issue. It indicates a problem on the server, not with your browser. Here’s what causes it and how you can fix it.

Common Causes of WordPress Error 500

  1. Corrupted .htaccess File
    A broken or misconfigured .htaccess file is a leading cause.
  2. Plugin or Theme Conflict
    Incompatible or outdated plugins/themes can break your site.
  3. PHP Memory Limit Exhausted
    If your site hits the hosting memory limit, it can trigger error 500.
  4. Server Configuration Issues
    Server misconfigurations or temporary downtime can be the culprit.
  5. Core File Corruption
    Damaged WordPress core files due to failed updates or malware.

How to Fix 500 Internal Server Error in WordPress

  • Rename .htaccess file
    Access your site via FTP and rename .htaccess to .htaccess_old, then refresh your site.
  • Deactivate Plugins
    Disable all plugins via FTP (/wp-content/plugins/) and activate them one by one.
  • Switch to a Default Theme
    Temporarily change the theme to Twenty Twenty-Four to rule out theme issues.
  • Increase PHP Memory Limit
    Add this to your wp-config.php: phpCopyEditdefine('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M');
  • Re-upload Core Files
    Replace the wp-admin and wp-includes folders with fresh ones from a clean WordPress download.

Final Thoughts

A 500 error doesn’t have to be a nightmare. With the right steps, you can quickly restore your WordPress site. For best results, keep plugins and themes updated, monitor server resources, and regularly back up your site.

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