The 500 Internal Server Error is a common WordPress issue that provides no clear details about the cause. It can occur due to:
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Errors in website code (plugins, themes)
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Server-related issues
Here’s how you can troubleshoot and fix it:
1. Enable WordPress Debugging
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Edit the
wp-config.phpfile and add:
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Reload your site. Debugging may reveal the plugin or theme causing the error. Turn off debugging after resolving the issue.
2. Deactivate Plugins / Change Theme
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Log in to WordPress Dashboard → Plugins → Deactivate all plugins.
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Reload the site; if it works, reactivate plugins one by one to find the culprit.
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If plugins are fine, switch the theme to a default WordPress theme (e.g., Twenty Twenty-One).
3. Check the .htaccess File
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Backup and edit the
.htaccessfile. -
Remove its content temporarily and reload the site.
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If the error disappears, restore rules one block at a time to identify the problematic line.
4. Increase PHP Memory Limit
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Low memory can cause 500 errors, especially in shared hosting.
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Increase the WordPress memory limit via
wp-config.phpor cPanel. -
Monitor plugins for high memory usage.
5. Reinstall WordPress
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Reinstalling WordPress can fix corrupted files or permissions.
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Backup your site before reinstalling.
6. Contact Hosting Support
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If the issue persists, it could be server-related.
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StableCluster support can help check file permissions, server logs, and other potential causes.
7. Consider Upgrading Hosting
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Frequent 500 errors may indicate insufficient resources.
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Upgrading to optimized WordPress hosting ensures better performance and fewer errors.
Summary:
The 500 Internal Server Error isn’t always server-side. By debugging plugins, themes, .htaccess, and memory settings, you can usually resolve it. Contact StableCluster support if the error persists.
