500 Internal Server Error: Common Causes and Quick Solutions

Encountering a “500 Internal Server Error” can be frustrating, especially on your own site. 

This blog explains what it means, why it happens, and how to fix it, offering clear, actionable tips for website owners and curious readers alike.

What Does a 500 Internal Server Error Actually Mean?

A 500 internal server error is a general message that shows up when something has gone wrong on the server, but the server can’t be more specific about what the exact problem is.

Unlike a “404 Not Found” which tells you the page doesn’t exist, a 500 internal server error simply means something is broken, but it’s unclear what that something is. It’s like your website saying, “Oops, something went wrong, but I can’t tell you what.”

The 500 internal server error meaning can vary depending on your hosting provider, server setup, or website platform. But overall, it signals a failure in the communication between the website and the server.

This error could come from a coding mistake, a broken plugin, permission settings, or even an overloaded server. Since it’s so broad, it’s essential to investigate a few common causes.

Common Causes of the 500 Internal Server Error

Now that you know the 500 internal server error meaning, let’s look at what typically causes it:

1. Corrupted .htaccess File

One of the most common reasons is a corrupted or improperly configured .htaccess file. This file controls many server settings, and a small mistake can throw everything off.

2. Plugin or Theme Conflicts

If you’re using WordPress or a similar CMS, a faulty plugin or theme update can cause a 500 internal server error. Conflicts between plugins are common, especially if they haven’t been updated.

3. Exceeding PHP Memory Limit

Web servers have memory limits. If your scripts consume too much memory, you might hit that limit and trigger the error.

4. Incorrect File Permissions

Every file and folder on your server has permission settings. If these are wrong, your site may be blocked from working correctly, leading to a 500 internal server error.

5. Server Overload

High traffic or a surge in activity can overwhelm your server, especially if you’re on shared hosting. When the server can’t keep up, it may respond with a 500 error.

Error 500 Internal Server Error: How It Appears?

The 500 internal server errors can show up in different forms depending on your browser or host. You might see messages like “HTTP Error 500,” “Internal Server Error 500,” or “The website encountered an unexpected error.” 

Regardless of the wording, they all point to the same issue: your web server encountered a problem it couldn’t handle, preventing the site from loading properly until the root cause is addressed.

How to Fix 500 Internal Server Error: Quick Solutions

If you’re facing this error, don’t worry. Here’s how to fix 500 internal server error quickly and effectively.

1. Refresh the Page

Sometimes the error is temporary. A quick refresh might resolve the issue.

2. Clear Browser Cache

Browser caching can store outdated error messages. Clearing your cache might load the updated, working version of the site.

3. Check the .htaccess File

If you suspect the .htaccess file is the issue, access your site’s root directory via FTP and temporarily rename it. Reload your site. If it works, the file was likely the problem.

4. Deactivate Plugins and Themes

If you’re using WordPress, disable all plugins and activate a default theme. Then, reactivate them one by one to find the culprit.

5. Increase PHP Memory Limit

Add this line to your wp-config.php file:
define(‘WP_MEMORY_LIMIT’, ‘256M’);
This helps your site handle more processes without crashing.

6. Check File Permissions

Use your FTP client to ensure folders are set to 755 and files to 644. These are standard permission settings that work in most cases.

7. Contact Your Hosting Provider

If nothing works, your hosting provider can check server logs and pinpoint the issue faster.

500 Internal Server Error in WordPress

WordPress users often face 500 internal server errors after installing a plugin or updating a theme. This flexible platform is also prone to code conflicts. To fix it, access your site via FTP, go to /wp-content/plugins, and rename the plugins folder to deactivate all plugins. 

Then, reactivate them one by one from the dashboard. If your site loads after renaming a specific plugin, you’ve likely found the cause and can delete or replace it.

Preventing Future 500 Errors

You can’t prevent every 500 errors, but you can reduce the risk. Keep your CMS, plugins, and themes updated, limit plugin use, avoid editing core files, and back up regularly. Monitoring uptime also helps catch issues early. 

These proactive steps make your site more stable and minimize chances of future internal server errors.

Common Mistakes That Can Trigger a 500 Internal Server Error

Many users worsen a 500 Internal Server Error by accident. Avoid editing system files without backups, installing incompatible plugins or themes, ignoring file permission issues, or overlooking server limits. 

Understanding what the error means helps you steer clear of these common mistakes and manage your site more confidently and safely.

When You Should Call an Expert for a 500 Internal Server Error?

Sometimes, resolving a 500 internal server error goes beyond basic troubleshooting. You should call for expert help if you can’t access your site at all, if the error keeps returning, or if you’re unsure which file or setting is causing the issue. 

It’s also time to seek support when you’ve tried multiple fixes without success. Hosting providers have access to detailed server logs and tools that can quickly identify and resolve the root problem.

Conclusion 

A 500 internal server error might seem alarming, but it’s often fixable. By checking files, plugins, and permissions, you can restore your site. Need expert help? Actlocal ensures stability, security, and ongoing support, so your business stays online, protected, and worry-free.  Reach out today for reliable website maintenance solutions. Have questions or need support? Contact us at support@actlocal.ae or call 04 458 0890 / +971 58 899 5545. We’re here to help!