For many website owners, the main constant issue they face is not getting how to fix 500 internal server errors in WordPress. Generally, such issues are not very specific to WordPress but it happens mostly here as compared to the other HTTP error codes.
But yes, it is something you should be able to do yourself instead of getting dependent on your developer. Thus, we are here sharing the methods on how to fix 500 internal server errors in WordPress without needing any expertise. So if you’re going through the same pain, read it here.
1. Turn on Debugging
If you’re facing a server error, you must turn on your debugging as it will help you to have a better understanding of the issue your WordPress is facing. For doing that, you have to edit your website’s wp-config.php file. After getting the file, search for WP_DEBUG and simply set it to true. Just in case if this isn’t available, you’re required to create it on your own. If it is done successfully, it will show-
define( “WP_DEBUG”, true);
Save the changes and refresh your website to figure out if there are any changes made. Your server error will get replaced with the actual error which you can get to know. If you find it, you need to know where the error is actually located. If it is in the plugin folder, you need to disable it and the error should go instantly. But if this doesn’t work, then keep it turned on till the time it is resolved.
2. Double check your .htaccess file
This file is known and used for rewriting the URLs. You can use the FTP editor to know if you have the .htaccess file in your WordPress root folder or not. If the file is there, then go for making a backup after which you’ve to delete all the contents or simply delete the whole file at once. It might remove some rules but if in case the server error happened due to a mistake from the file, it will notify you.
If you find that the issue has finally resolved, then it is clear that the issue is actually with the .htaccess file. You can restore the file and delete the blocks of it. Simply narrow down the block to a straight single line or else, you can ask your host for helping you out with this.
3. Deactivate the plugins along with the switch themes
If you’re using the dashboard, you need to first deactivate the plugins to understand which plugin the defective one. If your website is loading well without showing any server error, then the error is with one of the plugins. You can turn on the plugins one by one to know which is causing the issue.
Other than this, you also should switch the theme and set it to default. If your site is loading and not showing the error, then it is with the theme.
4. Go for your host help
If you’ve tried all the methods given above and you’re still unable to fix the 500 internal server error in WordPress, then it is recommended that you take help from your host. It might be an issue with the host so that you can check the sources and help you with the same.
And if you’re still not getting the issue, then go to an easy host where servers are optimized fully in order to run the WordPress websites. If you are thinking that it might cost you a lot, then no, it is not going to be an expensive affair. You can easily switch to the server for $0.8 per month which could be even less than what you’re currently paying to the host.
5. Simply reinstall your WordPress
We don’t recommend this method every time but if nothing works for you, you can always give a try to reinstalling your WordPress that might fix the issue. Since the permission issues will not be there, it may start working again. Try doing that once.
Wrapping up,
Facing an internal server error is very common but usually, the server faults are not the reason behind the issue. In such cases, people start looking for some better options from where they actually can solve the issue. You can try all these methods we have listed there and if in case you’re still not able to get the help, please let us know in the comment section.
But yes, before jumping on any method, simply use the switching debugging on method first as most of the time, this solves the entire issue.
