HTTP Error 500 WordPress: Causes And Fixes

Dealing with an HTTP error 500 on your WordPress site can be stressful. Suddenly, your site is down, and neither you nor your visitors can see it.

As time goes on, it’s understandable to worry about losing visitors, dropping site rankings, or potential customers bouncing elsewhere.

Rest assured, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we will walk you through simple steps to resolve the HTTP error 500. With fixes based on common scenarios, you can minimize downtime and get back to focusing on what matters—your content and your audience.

TL;DR: The HTTP error 500 is a common server issue that can disrupt your WordPress site. To prevent future problems, monitor your site regularly and consider using tools like MalCare to perform audits and catch potential issues early.

What is the HTTP error 500 in WordPress?

HTTP error 500 is a warning that something went wrong on the server’s end while trying to load your page. This error is as descriptive as a blank page, offering no information about what actually went wrong.

When this error pops up, it affects both the front end and back end of your site. Visitors can’t see your content, and you can’t update or manage your site. It can happen for various reasons, such as after updates or changing server settings.

Because the server doesn’t tell you what is causing the issue, you’ll need to figure it out yourself. Don’t worry—we’ll guide you through the process. 

But first, you need to understand the different reasons this error could occur. This groundwork will make it easier to troubleshoot and resolve the problem effectively.

What’s triggering this error?

When your WordPress site displays an HTTP 500 error, it’s usually due to a few common culprits. Here’s a closer look:

1. Plugin conflicts: Plugins add great functionality to your site, but they can often clash with one another. Especially after updates, which can lead to errors.

2. Theme issues: If your theme isn’t compatible with certain plugins or recent WordPress updates, it can trigger this error.

3. .htaccess file: This critical file manages server configurations. Any misconfigurations can disrupt server operations and cause an error.

4. PHP version: Running your site on the wrong or an outdated PHP version can introduce compatibility issues that affect site functionality.

5. Insufficient time limit: Scripts or requests that run too long can exceed the server’s execution time limit, leading to a timeout and an error.

6. Insufficient memory limit: Without enough memory allocated to PHP, server crashes can occur, resulting in HTTP 500 errors.

7. Corrupted core files: Core files might get corrupted during installations or updates, causing the server to malfunction.

8. Database connection: Connection issues with the database frequently trigger HTTP 500 errors, disrupting site operations.

 9. File and folder permissions: Incorrect permissions can block the server from accessing necessary files, leading to errors.

10. Recent changes: Changes implemented in server settings or site configurations might unintentionally trigger these errors if they aren’t compatible with the current setup.

Most of the time, the 500 errors are caused by plugin or theme conflicts. Occasionally, they might resolve themselves, especially if it’s a temporary glitch. If the error persists, we’ll guide you through the steps to fix it.

How to fix the HTTP error 500 WordPress? 

Dealing with the HTTP error 500 on your WordPress site can be tricky, but it’s something most WordPress users experience, and there are simple ways to fix it. Here are some basic fixes to start with:

A) Initial fixes

These basic fixes are often the most effective and should be your first step because they can resolve the error in about 90% of cases. This is because many occurrences of HTTP error 500 are due to temporary issues or caching problems. Attempt these steps before getting into deeper troubleshooting:

Clear all cache: Begin by clearing all types of cache, including your browser cache, any caching plugins on your WordPress site, and your server cache if applicable. This can help resolve the error if an old version of your site is being displayed.

Refresh the page: Sometimes, just refreshing the page can fix the error if it is only a temporary problem.

Switch browsers: Open your site in another web browser. This helps to check if the issue is related to the specific browser you were using.

B) Deeper troubleshooting

Alright, so the basic fixes didn’t do the trick. It’s time to dig a little deeper because an HTTP error 500 doesn’t exactly roll out the welcome mat with details. Here’s how you can explore further:

Enable WordPress debug mode  

Add the following code to your wp-config.php file just before the line that says “That’s all, stop editing! Happy blogging.”

define('WP_DEBUG', true);

define('WP_DEBUG_LOG', true);

define('WP_DEBUG_DISPLAY', false);

This setup will enable debugging log error messages to a debug.log file found in your wp-content directory. It will also prevent the error messages from being displayed on your site. Review this log to monitor PHP errors, like plugin conflicts or deprecated code.

Once you’ve found what’s causing the issues from the debug log, here’s how you can address it:

Plugin conflicts  

If the debug log highlights a specific plugin as the problem, update it to the latest version from the WordPress repository. You can do this by connecting to your site using FTP and manually uploading the updated plugin files since you don’t have access to your dashboard.

Theme conflicts  

If the log suggests a theme conflict, switch to a default WordPress theme, like Twenty Twenty-Four. To do this, just rename your current theme folder to “themename-deact”.

If the error clears up, your current theme might be the issue. In this case, try switching to a default WordPress theme to see if it resolves the issue permanently. If it does, consider updating the theme, and reaching out to the developer for support.

.htaccess file issues   

If your .htaccess file is causing issues, create a new one using FTP with default rules. Note that the .htaccess rules are different for basic WordPress sites and multisites.

For a basic WordPress site:

# BEGIN WordPress

RewriteEngine On

RewriteRule .* - [E=HTTP_AUTHORIZATION:%{HTTP:Authorization}]

RewriteBase /

RewriteRule ^index\.php$ - [L]

RewriteCond %{REQUEST_FILENAME} !-f

RewriteCond %{REQUEST_FILENAME} !-d

RewriteRule . /index.php [L]

# END WordPress

For a WordPress multisite:

# BEGIN WordPress Multisite

# Using subfolder network type: https://wordpress.org/support/article/htaccess/#multisite

RewriteEngine On

RewriteRule .* - [E=HTTP_AUTHORIZATION:%{HTTP:Authorization}]

RewriteBase /

RewriteRule ^index\.php$ - [L]

# add a trailing slash to /wp-admin

RewriteRule ^([_0-9a-zA-Z-]+/)?wp-admin$ $1wp-admin/ [R=301,L]

RewriteCond %{REQUEST_FILENAME} -f [OR]

RewriteCond %{REQUEST_FILENAME} -d

RewriteRule ^ - [L]

RewriteRule ^([_0-9a-zA-Z-]+/)?(wp-(content|admin|includes).*) $2 [L]

RewriteRule ^([_0-9a-zA-Z-]+/)?(.*\.php)$ $2 [L]

RewriteRule . index.php [L]

# END WordPress Multisite

If you have custom rules, back up your entire site first, then add each custom rule back in, one by one, to pinpoint the one that’s causing the issue.

Memory limits  

If the debug log indicates a memory problem, edit the wp-config.php file to increase the PHP memory limit, giving your server more resources to work with. Add the following line of code just before the line that says “That’s all, stop editing! Happy blogging.”

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

This code sets the memory limit to 256MB. You can adjust these values based on your specific needs and server capabilities.

Time limits  

Similarly, if time limits are to blame, you can change the PHP time limit in the wp-config.php. Add this line of code just before the line that says “That’s all, stop editing! Happy blogging.”

set_time_limit(300);

This code sets the execution time limit to 300 seconds (5 minutes). You can adjust these values based on your specific needs and server capabilities.

Corrupted core files  

If core files show as corrupted, replace them with fresh copies of the wp-includes and wp-admin folders from the same version of WordPress that is installed on your site.

Database details  

Inspect the wp-config.php file to ensure your database credentials are correct, and if needed, repair the database using WordPress tools or phpMyAdmin.

Permissions check  

Make sure folders are set to 755 permissions and files to 644 to prevent access issues.

PHP Version Compatibility  

Check if the version you are currently using is up to par. If not, you’ll need to change your PHP version.

If you’re still stuck after trying these fixes, it might be time to reach out to your hosting provider for additional help. They can assist with any server-related issues or offer further guidance.

Preventing future HTTP 500 errors in WordPress

Nobody likes surprises, especially when they’re in the form of an error. The good news? You can take steps to avoid running into this issue again. Here’s how you can keep your WordPress site running smoothly:

1. Regular backups  

Make sure you back up your site regularly. If anything goes wrong, you can quickly restore everything.

2. Update everything  

Keep all your plugins and themes up to date. Developers often release updates to fix bugs or ensure compatibility. Ignoring these can lead to nasty errors.

3. Use necessary plugins  

Stick to plugins that you really need and that are well-supported. Too many plugins can lead to conflicts—like having too many cooks in the kitchen.

4. Monitor your resources  

Keep an eye on your server’s memory and CPU usage. This is like making sure your computer isn’t running too many programs at once, which can slow your site down.

5. Optimize your database  

Periodically clean up your database. This helps things run faster and reduces the chances of errors.

6. File permissions  

Set correct file permissions to prevent anyone from accessing things they shouldn’t.

7. Test changes in staging  

Before changing anything major on your site, test it on a staging site. This way, if something breaks, it doesn’t mess up your live site.

8. Security audits  

Run regular security checks to find any weak spots that could lead to errors. Think of it as giving your website a regular health check-up.

9. Choose a good host  

Pick a hosting provider known for strong support and reliable servers.

10. Use a CDN  

A Content Delivery Network (CDN) can speed up your site and reduce the load on your server.

Parting thoughts

Sometimes, an HTTP error 500 resolves itself, but if it lingers, it’s important to address it promptly. Fixing it quickly ensures your site remains accessible and provides a good experience for your visitors.

Regularly monitoring your WordPress site is crucial. Keeping everything updated and in order helps catch potential issues early, preventing them from becoming significant problems. 

By maintaining your site diligently, you ensure it remains efficient and welcoming to all who visit, offering a seamless experience every time.

FAQs

Why am I getting WordPress errors?  

WordPress errors often arise from conflicts between plugins or themes, outdated WordPress versions, or server configuration issues. These can disrupt site operations and trigger errors.

Is HTTP error 500 my fault? 

No, an HTTP error 500 typically indicates a problem with the server-side processing of your site’s requests. It’s not necessarily due to anything you’ve done directly.

How do I fix errors in WordPress?  

To fix errors, start by ensuring all plugins and themes are compatible and up to date. Check server configurations, such as .htaccess and PHP versions, to ensure they align with WordPress requirements. If needed, enable debugging to pinpoint specific issues. If issues persist, consult your hosting provider for additional support.

How to fix WordPress error 500?  

To fix a WordPress error 500, begin by clearing all kinds of cache. Update all plugins and themes to their latest versions to avoid compatibility issues. Check your .htaccess file for errors and restore it to default if needed. Verify that your PHP version meets WordPress requirements and increase memory and limits in the wp-config.php file if necessary.