How To Resolve 500 Internal Server Problem - Step-by-Step Guide

If you've ever landed on your website only to see a blank page or a message saying something went wrong, you're not alone.  One of the most common issues site owners face is the 500 internal server error. It usually means something’s broken on the server, but it doesn’t give you any clear details. That’s what makes it tricky and frustrating.  But don’t worry. In most cases, this error can be fixed with a few careful steps. And, in this guide will walk you through each one, so even if you’re not a tech expert, you’ll still be able to get your site back online.  

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Steps to Resolve 500 Internal Server Problem

Step 1: Understand What a 500 Internal Server Error Means

The 500 internal server problem is one of the most common issues website owners run into. But even though it sounds technical, it simply means that something on the server went wrong. What makes this error tough to deal with is that it doesn’t tell you exactly what caused it. There’s no clear message or clue, which can be frustrating. You might just see a white screen or a basic error message saying, “Internal Server Error.” That’s it, nothing more and no hints. But the good news is, this error is usually fixable. It could be a plugin, theme, file permission, or even a temporary glitch. So instead of panicking, it’s better to take a step-by-step approach. 

Once you understand that this is a server-side problem and not something caused by your visitors, you’ll feel more in control. Let’s start with some simple checks and fixes to bring your site back to normal.

Step 2: Backup Your Website First

Before you try anything to fix the 500 internal server problem, the first thing you should do is back up your website. This includes both your files and your database. 

Why? Because if something goes wrong while you’re troubleshooting, you’ll want a copy to restore things back to the way they were. You can use tools like UpdraftPlus or your hosting panel (like cPanel) to do this quickly. 

If those aren't an option, you can manually download your site’s files through FTP and export your database using phpMyAdmin. Even if you're in a hurry, don’t skip this step. It takes just a few minutes but can save you from hours of regret. 

Backups give you peace of mind, especially when you're making changes to core files or settings. So, before you move on to fix anything else, take a moment to create a fresh backup. It’s a safety net that’s always worth having.

Step 3: Check .htaccess File

A corrupt or misconfigured .htaccess file can often trigger the 500 internal server problem. It’s a small but powerful file that controls many things about how your website runs. If it has even one small error, your site might crash. 

To check this, you’ll need access to your website files through an FTP client or your hosting file manager. Locate the .htaccess file in your root folder and rename it to something like .htaccess_old. Then try reloading your website. If it starts working again, you’ve found the issue. 

Now, log into your WordPress dashboard, go to Settings > Permalinks, and simply click "Save Changes." This will automatically generate a new, clean .htaccess file. 

Always avoid editing this file unless you know exactly what you're doing. A missing line or extra space can cause trouble. But thankfully, this is one of the easiest fixes if your site broke due to a file issue.

Step 4: Increase PHP Memory Limit

Sometimes, your site just runs out of memory to handle tasks, which can lead to the 500 internal server problem. When the server can’t process what your site is asking for, it throws an error instead. 

Increasing the PHP memory limit often helps solve this. To do it, open your wp-config.php file and add this line:

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

You can also try editing the .htaccess file or the php.ini file with similar lines, depending on what your host allows. If you're unsure, it's a good idea to ask your hosting provider what your current limit is and whether it can be raised. 

Keep in mind that adding the code might not always work if the host restricts it. But still, it’s worth trying before moving on to other fixes. A low memory limit is a common cause of internal errors, especially if your site has a lot of plugins or heavy themes running.

Step 5: Deactivate All Plugins

Plugins are useful, but sometimes they don’t play well with each other, or with your theme. A single broken or outdated plugin can cause the 500 internal server problem. The best way to test this is by turning off all your plugins at once. 

If you can’t access the dashboard, go through FTP or your hosting file manager. Navigate to the /wp-content/ folder and rename the plugins folder to something like plugins_old. This will deactivate all plugins at once. 

Now, check if your site loads. If it does, one of your plugins is the culprit. To find out which one, rename the folder back to plugins and start activating each plugin one at a time. 

After turning each one on, refresh your site to see if the error returns. Once you find the problem plugin, remove or replace it. Avoid keeping outdated or poorly rated plugins on your site long-term.

Step 6: Switch to a Default Theme

Sometimes, your WordPress theme could be the reason behind the 500 internal server problem. This often happens when the theme has outdated code or doesn’t work well with a recent update. 

To check if your theme is the issue, try switching to a default theme like Twenty Twenty-Four. If you can still access your dashboard, go to Appearance > Themes and activate a default one.  

But if your dashboard isn’t working, you’ll need to do it manually. Connect through FTP or your hosting panel, then open the wp-content/themes folder. Rename your current theme’s folder to something else. WordPress will automatically switch to a default theme if one is installed. 

Once you’ve made the switch, reload your site. If it starts working again, you’ll know the theme was causing the problem. You can then either update or replace it with a more reliable one that won’t crash your site again.

Step 7: Check for File Permission Issues

Incorrect file or folder permissions can also trigger a 500 internal server problem, especially if they prevent WordPress from accessing the files it needs. Every file and folder on your server has a permission setting. 

If those settings are too open or too restrictive, your site might break. The typical permission setup is 644 for files and 755 for folders. To check this, log into your site using an FTP client or your hosting file manager. Right-click on a file or folder, then select "File Permissions" or "Change Permissions." 

Make sure that everything follows the recommended values. Never set those permissions to 777, even though it might fix the error temporarily, as it opens your site up to serious security risks. 

After fixing the permissions, refresh your site to see if the error is gone. This step may seem technical, but it’s one of the most common hidden causes of server-side errors.

Step 8: Review Error Logs

If you’ve tried everything so far and still see the 500 internal server problem, it’s time to look at your error logs. These logs record what’s been happening behind the scenes on your server. They’re especially helpful when you’re not sure what’s wrong. 

You can usually access your error logs through your hosting control panel. In cPanel, for example, there's often a section called “Errors” or “Logs.” Open it and look for entries that match the time your site crashed. You might see plugin names, file paths, or memory issues mentioned there. 

These clues can help you zero in on the actual cause. If reading logs feels overwhelming, you can install a plugin like “Error Log Monitor” once your site is back up. It’s okay if you don’t understand every line; just having some info can help if you decide to contact support or hire a developer to fix it.

Step 9: Contact Your Hosting Provider

If you've tried all the basic steps and the 500 internal server problem still isn’t fixed, don’t hesitate to reach out to your hosting provider. 

Sometimes, the issue is deeper in the server settings, something only your host can access and solve. Hosts have access to advanced logs, background scripts, and server activity that you can’t see from your end.       

When you contact them, share the steps you’ve already taken and any error log information you’ve found. This helps them understand the problem faster. Many hosting companies deal with these types of issues every day, so they’ll likely know where to look. 

Also, if the problem is due to a recent server change or update on their end, they can quickly reverse it or apply a fix. Don’t feel like you need to handle everything yourself; reaching out for help is often the smartest and quickest way to resolve it.

Step 10: Restore a Recent Backup (If All Else Fails)

Sometimes, despite all your efforts, the 500 internal server problem refuses to go away. When that happens, restoring a recent backup is often the cleanest way to get things running again. 

If you made a backup earlier, as suggested, this part should be easy. Most backup plugins like UpdraftPlus or BlogVault let you restore your site with a few clicks. If you're doing it manually, upload your saved files via FTP and import the database using phpMyAdmin. 

After the restore, check if your site is working again. It’s okay to feel a little disappointed at having to roll back, but remember, it’s better to lose a few hours of changes than to lose access to your entire website. 

Once your site is stable again, take some time to review what went wrong, so you can avoid it in the future. Every error is a chance to learn and improve your setup. 

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Conclusion 

Dealing with the 500 internal server problem can feel overwhelming at first, especially when the screen just shows an error without any details. But the good news is, it’s usually fixable.  The key is to stay calm and go through each step one at a time. Whether it’s a plugin conflict, a theme issue, or a simple file permission mistake, there’s almost always a solution. Just remember to back up your site regularly and keep your plugins and themes updated to avoid similar issues in the future.  And if you’ve tried everything but still can’t figure it out, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional. Sometimes, getting expert help is the quickest way to fix the problem and get your site back on track without more stress.