Solutions and Prevention: How to Effectively Handle Error 500 in WordPress

The dreaded WordPress error 500 is like a nightmare for website administrators. This error, also known as “Internal Server Error”, can be especially frustrating because it completely stops the operation of your site, affecting the user experience and potentially your revenue. But what exactly is error 500 and why is it crucial to address it immediately?

What is error 500?

Error 500, technically known as “Internal Server Error”, is a generic error message that indicates something has gone wrong on the web server, but the server cannot specify exactly what the problem is. In the context of a website running on WordPress (or any other platform), this error can be particularly frustrating because it does not provide a clear indication of the root of the problem.
Although error 500 is a server-side message, in many cases, it is related to something on the website itself that is causing unexpected behavior on the server.

Common Causes of Error 500 in WordPress

There are several reasons why your WordPress might be displaying a 500 error. The most common include:

1. Errors in the .htaccess file: An error in the syntax or incorrect configuration in the .htaccess file can cause a 500 error. This file is used for custom configurations of the Apache web server.
2. PHP memory limits exceeded: If a WordPress script or plugin tries to use more memory than is allowed by the PHP configuration, it can result in a 500 error.
3. Incorrect file and directory permissions: WordPress files and directories need specific permissions to operate correctly. If these permissions are set incorrectly, it can cause errors, including error 500.
4. Conflicting plugins or themes: Sometimes, a plugin or a theme can cause conflicts on the site, especially if they are poorly coded or incompatible with the current version of WordPress.
5. Corrupt WordPress files: If the main WordPress files are damaged, either due to a problem during file transfer or a malware attack, this can result in a 500 error.
6. Hosting server problems: Incorrect configurations on the server, problems with the hosting server, or insufficient resources (such as CPU or RAM) can also be the cause of a 500 error.

Step-by-Step Solutions

To fix error 500 in WordPress, it is essential to address the common causes one by one. Below, I detail how you can fix each of them:

1. Errors in the .htaccess file:
   • Access the .htaccess file via FTP or your hosting service’s file manager.
   • Make a backup of the file and then delete it from the server.
   • Try accessing your site. If it works, the problem was in the .htaccess.
   • To create a new .htaccess file, simply go to the permalink section in the WordPress admin and save the changes, this will generate a new .htaccess file with the default configuration.
2. PHP memory limits exceeded:
   • Increase the PHP memory limit by editing the wp-config.php file. Add the line define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M'); before the line that says “That’s all, stop editing! Happy publishing”.
   • You can also try increasing the memory limit by editing the php.ini file or the .htaccess file. In php.ini, look for memory_limit and increase the value. In .htaccess, add php_value memory_limit 256M.
3. Incorrect file and directory permissions:
   • File and directory permissions can be corrected using an FTP client or through the cPanel file manager.
   • Directories should have a permission of 755 or 750.
   • Files should have a permission of 644 or 640, except the wp-config.php file, which should be 440 or 400.
4. Conflicting plugins or themes:
   • Deactivate all plugins by accessing the plugin folder via FTP and changing the name of the plugin folder.
   • If this solves the problem, reactivate each plugin one by one until you find the one causing the problem.
   • If you suspect it is the theme, switch to a default WordPress theme. If this resolves the problem, look for updates for your theme or contact the theme developer.
5. Corrupt WordPress files:
   • Download a fresh copy of WordPress from WordPress.org.
   • Unzip the files and re-upload the wp-includes and wp-admin folders to the server, replacing the old ones.
6. Hosting server problems:
   • Check the server error logs to identify any messages related to the 500 error.
   • Contact your hosting provider’s technical support so they can help you identify and solve the problem.

Tools and Resources for Error Resolution

You’re not alone in the fight against error 500. There are tools and resources that can help you:

• Diagnostic Plugins: Some plugins are specifically designed to identify and resolve issues in WordPress.
  • WP Debugging
    • Description: Automatically configures WordPress debugging constants to identify problems.
    • Link: WP Debugging on WordPress.org
  • Query Monitor
    • Description: A developer plugin that displays database queries, hooks, HTTP request information, and much more.
    • Link: Query Monitor on WordPress.org
  • WP Reset
    • • Description: Allows you to reset your site to its default state, removing any customizations or content that may be causing the error.
      • Link: WP Reset on WordPress.org
• Technical Support Services: If you prefer to leave it in the hands of professionals, there are technical support services that can solve the problem for you.

Preventing Future 500 Errors

1. Regular Updates:
   • Keep WordPress, plugins, and themes updated to their latest versions. Updates not only bring new features, but also fix bugs and security vulnerabilities.
2. Use Trusted Themes and Plugins:
   • Download themes and plugins from reliable and official sources. Plugins and themes from unknown developers or unofficial sites may contain malicious code or simply be poorly coded, which can lead to 500 errors.
3. Resource Optimization:
   • Make sure your hosting plan has enough resources (CPU, RAM) to handle your WordPress site, especially if your site has a lot of traffic or if you use many plugins.
   • Monitor resource usage and consider upgrading your hosting plan if necessary.
4. File and Directory Permission Management:
   • Ensure that file and directory permissions are correctly configured. As a general rule, directories should have permissions of 755 or 750 and files should have permissions of 644 or 640.
5. Regular Backups:
   • Perform regular backups of your site. Backups do not prevent error 500, but they allow you to quickly restore your site in case of a problem.
6. Monitoring and Diagnosis:
   • Use monitoring tools to stay aware of the status of your website. This can include uptime monitoring, performance, and security.
   • Regularly check error logs to detect and address potential problems before they become critical errors.
7. Database Optimization:
   • Optimize your database regularly to ensure it runs efficiently. You can do this manually or by using database optimization plugins.
8. Professional Consulting:
   • If you’re not sure how to handle certain technical aspects of your site, consider working with a WordPress developer or professional. Investing in technical expertise can save you time and prevent long-term problems.

Conclusion

In conclusion, facing a 500 error on your WordPress site can be a daunting experience, but with the right approach, it’s a solvable problem. It is essential to adopt a methodical and patient approach, addressing common causes one by one and using the right tools to diagnose and correct the issue. Keeping your site updated, using themes and plugins from reliable sources, and performing regular backups are key practices that not only help prevent the 500 error but also maintain the overall health of your website.

Furthermore, it’s important to be prepared to act proactively if the error arises, using the mentioned resolution and prevention strategies. And remember, you’re not alone in this. The WordPress community is vast and offers an abundance of resources, and you can always count on professional support if the problem exceeds your technical capabilities.

Ultimately, by understanding, solving, and preventing the 500 error, you not only ensure the operability and accessibility of your website but also provide an optimal experience for your users, which is essential in today’s dynamic and connected digital world.

To learn more about errors, you can visit our article on the 429 error, another error that can spoil your day.

FAQs

What should I do first when facing a 500 error in WordPress?

First, try deactivating all plugins to see if it resolves the problem. If not, try switching to a default WordPress theme.

How can I increase the PHP memory limit to solve the 500 error?

You can try increasing the PHP memory limit by editing the wp-config.php file or the .htaccess file.

What should I do if a plugin or theme is causing the 500 error?

If a plugin or theme is the culprit, deactivate it and look for an update or a replacement. If it’s a theme, consider switching to one that is well-coded and compatible.

Is it necessary to contact my hosting provider when a 500 error occurs?

If the problem persists after following the above steps, it might be useful to contact your hosting provider to investigate server-side issues.

How can I prevent future 500 errors?

Keeping your site updated, performing regular backups, and using plugins and themes from reliable sources are the best practices to prevent such errors.