How to Fix ‘HTTP Error 500 – Internal Server Error’

Over 90% of WordPress hosted websites experience the “HTTP Error 500” at some point. It occurs when the server encounters an unexpected condition. An internal server error can be frustrating for users and hurt your business. 

Don’t worry, though. 

A number of reasons could be there why this happens. And with a few simple tips, we can get this fixed in no time. By diagnosing the root causes, in this blog we’ll explore the various fixes for when you see an HTTP 500 Error. Besides, we’ll also explore the various ways you can keep your site working perfectly.

What is HTTP Error 500 – Internal Server Error?

An HTTP 500 error message signals to standard server-side technical issues. Basically, it says that something wrong has happened with the website server. It failed to process your request because of certain unspecified technical issues. The error, although, doesn’t outline the actual problem and is therefore quite hard to diagnose. From misconfigured servers to malformed scripts, there can be many possible reasons for the 500 Error.

Best SSD hosting and scalable web hosting usually help prevent 5xx errors. There are also other names displayed for this error, including 

• “500 Internal Server Error,” 
• “HTTP 500,” “500 Error,” 
• “HTTP Error 500,” or 
• “Temporary Error (500).” 

Some servers also display a custom error page with their own wording. Remember, though, that it occurs only from the server side, not your computer.

Common Causes of HTTP Error 500

Knowing what causes HTTP Error 500 can help you fix the problem quickly. Let’s look at each issue in depth:

1. Corrupted .htaccess File 

Your .htaccess file controls server behavior for your website. If it’s corrupted, it can trigger a 500 error. The file is key for WordPress sites and composer based hosting. Check and reset your .htaccess file to resolve the issue.

2. PHP Memory Limit Exceeded 

Your website might be using more memory than allowed. It often happens with resource-intensive plugins or themes. WP composer projects can sometimes face this issue. Increase your PHP memory limit to fix this problem.

3. Faulty Plugin or Theme 

A plugin or theme conflict can cause HTTP Error 500. Deactivate all plugins and shift to the default theme. Then, reactivate them individually to identify which ones are malfunctioning.

Note: Stuck with the HTTP Error 500 on your WordPress website? At WeWP, we provide complete managed hosting services to help prevent such issues.

4. Server Configuration Issues 

Incorrect server settings can lead to 500 errors. It is common with novice, inexperienced website hosting providers. Check your php.ini file for misconfigurations. Ensure all settings are correct for your server environment.

5. Syntax Errors in Code 

Even small coding errors can cause major problems. A misplaced comma or semicolon can trigger a 500 error. Review your recent code changes, especially in functions.php. Cloud hosting providers, including us, often offer tools to help debug these issues.

How to Troubleshoot HTTP Error 500?

No one can provide a sure-shot guide to fix 5xx errors. Regardless, follow these 6 steps if you want to fix HTTP Error 500 asap:

1. Clear Browser Cache and Cookies 

Flush your browser’s cache and cookies. To do this: 

• On Chrome, type Ctrl+Shift+Delete. 
• On Mac, type Command+Shift+Delete. 

Once the window opens, select ‘Cached images and files’ and then ‘Cookies and other site data’. Then click ‘Clear data’ and wait a bit. Then save and reload the page again to check if the error still shows.

2. Enable WordPress Debug Mode 

Activate WordPress debug mode to get more detailed error information. Open your wp-config.php file. Find the line that says “define(‘WP_DEBUG’, false);”. Change it to “define(‘WP_DEBUG’, true);”. Save the file and refresh your site. Look for specific error messages to guide your next steps.

3. Increase PHP Memory Limit 

If you have memory issues, increase your PHP limit. Open “wp-config.php”. There, add “define(‘WP_MEMORY_LIMIT’, ‘256M’)” to set your memory limit to 256MB. You can adjust the value as needed. Once done, save and refresh your site.

4. Check and Fix File Permissions 

Wrong file permissions can also cause 500 errors. Launch an FTP client and log into your server. Go to your WordPress root folder and search for ‘File Permissions’. Directories must be set to 755, and files have to be set to 644. Ensure that it is recursively applied throughout every subdirectory/file. At WeWP, we ensure proper file permissions maintenance for the best security and performance.

5. Reinstall Core WordPress Files 

Corrupted core files can trigger 500 errors. Download a fresh copy of WordPress. Using FTP, replace the wp-admin and wp-includes folders on your server. Don’t overwrite wp-content or wp-config.php. It preserves your content while refreshing core files.

6. Analyze Server Logs (Bonus tip)

Server logs provide valuable insights for composer based hosting and cloud hosting providers. Go through your server’s error logs, available via your hosting dashboard. Look for entries around the time of the 500 error. These logs often reveal specific PHP errors or server configuration issues.

Fixing the Issue in WordPress Hosting

1. Disable PHP OPcache: PHP OPcache can sometimes cause 500 errors in WordPress hosting environments. Access your php.ini file through and web host panel or file manager. Change the “opcache.enable” value from 1 to 0 and save the file. Restart your web server to apply the change.

2. Increase FastCGI Buffer Size: Insufficient FastCGI buffer can trigger 500 errors. Open your Nginx configuration file. Add these lines: 

• “fastcgi_buffers 16 16k;” and 
• “fastcgi_buffer_size 32k;”. 

Restart Nginx to implement the changes. It often resolves issues with WP composer setups.

3. Implement PHP-FPM Process Manager: PHP-FPM can improve server stability for scalable web hosting. Install PHP-FPM through your hosting control panel. Configure it in your php.ini file. Set “pm = dynamic” and adjust “pm.max_children” based on your server resources.

Note: At WeWP, we have 10+ years of experience as a reputed managed WordPress hosting provider, optimizing PHP-FPM settings for peak performance.

4. Utilize Redis Object Caching: Implement Redis to reduce database load and prevent 500 errors. Install the Redis Object Cache plugin. Add these lines to your wp-config.php file to use Redis:

• define(‘WP_CACHE’, true);
• define(‘WP_REDIS_HOST’, ‘localhost’). 

It enhances performance for busy WordPress sites.

5. Implement Fail2Ban for Security: Prevent 500 errors caused by malicious attacks using Fail2Ban. Install Fail2Ban on your server. Create a jail for WordPress in jail.local file. Set appropriate ban times and max retry attempts. It protects your site hosted on cloud hosting providers.

6. Bonus: If all else fails, reach out to your hosting provider. They can access server logs and identify underlying issues. Explain the steps you’ve already taken to troubleshoot. Ask for a thorough server health check.

Note: At WeWP, we provide 24/7 support through different channels to resolve HTTP 500 and likewise, to improve your site’s performance.

Conclusion

HTTP Error 500 can be frustrating, but it’s often fixable. Start with simple steps like clearing your cache and checking plugins. If needed, dive deeper into server configurations and file permissions. Remember, prevention is key. Regular maintenance and using reliable WordPress hosting can reduce these errors. Stay calm and methodical when troubleshooting. With patience and the right approach, you can resolve most 500 errors. Keep your site optimized to prevent future occurrences.

For expert WordPress hosting and 24/7 support, choose WeWP – your partner in smooth website operations.