How to Fix HTTP 500 Internal Server Error (July 2025 Guide)

27th June, 2025

I've dealt with countless HTTP 500 errors over my years working with websites, and I know how frustrating they can be. Whether you're a website visitor unable to access content or a site owner panicking about lost traffic, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the HTTP 500 Internal Server Error and how to fix it.

Table of Contents

What is HTTP 500 Internal Server Error?

The HTTP 500 Internal Server Error is a generic server-side error response that indicates something has gone wrong on the web server, but the server cannot specify the exact problem. Think of it as the server's way of saying "Something's broken, but I'm not sure what." This error is part of the 5XX family of HTTP status codes, which all indicate server-side issues.

Unlike more specific errors like 404 (Not Found) or 403 (Forbidden), the 500 error is intentionally vague because it serves as a catch-all for any server problem that doesn't fit into other categories. When your server encounters an unexpected condition that prevents it from fulfilling a request, it throws this error.

Common Variations of HTTP 500 Error

The HTTP 500 error can appear in various forms depending on the server configuration and website design:

500 Internal Server Error
HTTP Error 500
HTTP Status 500 – Internal Server Error
HTTP/1.1 500 Internal Server Error
The server encountered an error and could not complete your request
This page isn't working. [site] is unable to receive your request
We're sorry, but something went wrong (500)

While the messages may differ, they all point to the same underlying issue - a server-side problem preventing the website from functioning properly.

Common Causes of HTTP 500 Errors

Understanding what triggers these errors is the first step toward fixing them. Here are the most common culprits I've encountered:

1. Corrupted .htaccess File

The .htaccess file contains crucial server instructions. Even a small syntax error, misplaced character, or incorrect directive can trigger a 500 error.

2. PHP Memory Limits

When your website exceeds allocated PHP memory limits, the server responds with a 500 error. This often happens with resource-intensive plugins or scripts.

3. File and Folder Permission Issues

Incorrect permissions on critical files and folders can prevent the server from accessing necessary resources. Standard permissions should be 644 for files and 755 for folders.

4. Plugin or Theme Conflicts

In content management systems like WordPress, incompatible or corrupted plugins and themes frequently cause 500 errors.

5. Database Connection Problems

A corrupted database or incorrect database credentials can trigger server errors when the website fails to retrieve necessary data.

6. Server Resource Exhaustion

When servers run out of CPU, memory, disk space, or hit process limits, they often respond with 500 errors.

7. PHP Version Incompatibility

Running outdated PHP versions or using versions incompatible with your website's code can cause fatal errors.

8. Coding Errors

Syntax errors, infinite loops, or unhandled exceptions in server-side scripts frequently trigger these errors.

How to Fix HTTP 500 Error as a Website Visitor

If you're encountering a 500 error while browsing, try these quick fixes first:

1. Refresh the Page

Sometimes the error is temporary. Press F5 (Windows) or Command+R (Mac) to reload the page. This simple action often resolves momentary server hiccups.

2. Clear Browser Cache and Cookies

Corrupted cache files can cause persistent errors. Clear your browser's cache and cookies, then try accessing the site again.

3. Try a Different Browser or Device

Switch to another browser or device to determine if the issue is specific to your current setup.

4. Check Your Internet Connection

Network issues can sometimes manifest as server errors. Try switching networks (e.g., from Wi-Fi to mobile data) to rule out connectivity problems.

5. Wait and Try Again Later

If the website's server is experiencing high traffic or undergoing maintenance, waiting a few minutes before trying again might resolve the issue.

6. Contact the Website Owner

If the error persists, notify the website administrator so they can investigate the server-side issue.

How to Fix HTTP 500 Error as a Website Owner

As a site owner, you have more control over resolving these errors. Here's my systematic approach:

Step 1: Check Server Error Logs

Your first stop should always be the error logs. They contain detailed information about what went wrong.

Common log locations:

Apache: /var/log/apache2/error.log or /var/log/httpd/error_log
Nginx: /var/log/nginx/error.log

Look for specific error messages, timestamps, and file paths that can point you to the root cause.

Step 2: Rename or Restore .htaccess File

If you recently modified your .htaccess file:

Access your server via FTP or file manager
Rename .htaccess to .htaccess_backup
Create a new, basic .htaccess file
Test your website

If this fixes the error, carefully review your .htaccess rules for syntax errors.

Step 3: Increase PHP Memory Limit

For WordPress sites, add this line to wp-config.php:

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

For other platforms, modify php.ini:

memory_limit = 256M

Step 4: Fix File and Folder Permissions

Reset permissions to standard values:

Files: 644
Folders: 755

You can do this via FTP, SSH, or your hosting control panel's file manager.

Step 5: Deactivate All Plugins and Themes

For WordPress and similar CMSs:

Rename the plugins folder to plugins_backup
Create a new empty plugins folder
Test your site
If it works, reactivate plugins one by one to identify the culprit

Step 6: Check Database Connection

Verify your database credentials in your configuration file (wp-config.php for WordPress). Ensure:

Database name is correct
Username and password are valid
Database server hostname is accurate
Database user has proper permissions

Step 7: Update or Change PHP Version

Switch to a compatible PHP version through your hosting control panel. Generally, using the latest stable version compatible with your website software is recommended.

Step 8: Monitor Server Resources

Check if your server is hitting resource limits:

CPU usage
Memory consumption
Disk space
Process limits

Consider upgrading your hosting plan if resources are consistently maxed out.

Advanced Troubleshooting Techniques

When basic fixes don't work, try these advanced methods:

Enable Debug Mode

For WordPress, add to wp-config.php:

define('WP_DEBUG', true);
define('WP_DEBUG_LOG', true);
define('WP_DEBUG_DISPLAY', false);

This logs errors without displaying them publicly.

Check for Infinite Loops

Review recent code changes for:

Recursive function calls without exit conditions
While loops without proper termination
Redirect chains that circle back

Verify Cron Jobs

Problematic scheduled tasks can cause server overload. Review and temporarily disable suspicious cron jobs.

Test with Default Configuration

Create a minimal test environment with default settings to isolate whether the issue is configuration-related or code-related.

Preventing Future HTTP 500 Errors

Prevention is always better than cure. Here's how I keep 500 errors at bay:

1. Regular Backups

Always maintain recent backups before making changes. This allows quick rollbacks if something goes wrong.

2. Use Staging Environments

Test all updates, new plugins, and code changes in a staging environment before deploying to production.

3. Monitor Server Resources

Use monitoring tools to track:

Server uptime
Resource usage trends
Error frequency
Performance metrics

4. Keep Software Updated

Regularly update:

CMS core files
Plugins and themes
PHP version
Server software

5. Implement Proper Error Handling

Add try-catch blocks and error handling to custom code to prevent unhandled exceptions.

6. Choose Quality Hosting

Invest in reliable hosting with:

Adequate resources
Good support
Regular maintenance
Automatic backups

Platform-Specific Solutions

WordPress

Use the Site Health tool to identify issues
Install debugging plugins like Query Monitor
Check for theme conflicts by switching to a default theme
Review recently installed plugins

Joomla

Enable error reporting in Global Configuration
Check configuration.php for database settings
Clear cache from System > Clear Cache
Review extension compatibility

Drupal

Enable error reporting in settings.php
Check watchdog logs for detailed errors
Clear all caches via admin interface
Verify file permissions on sites/default/files

When to Contact Your Hosting Provider

Sometimes the issue is beyond your control. Contact your host when:

Error logs show server configuration issues
Multiple sites on the same server are affected
The error started after no changes on your end
Resource limits need adjustment
You need root access for fixes

Impact of HTTP 500 Errors

These errors can significantly affect your website:

SEO Impact

Search engines may temporarily lower rankings
Crawl errors can prevent indexing new content
Extended downtime can result in de-indexing

User Experience

High bounce rates from frustrated visitors
Lost conversions and sales
Damaged brand reputation
Reduced user trust

Business Impact

Lost revenue during downtime
Increased support requests
Time spent troubleshooting
Potential data loss

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a 500 and 503 error?

A 500 error is a generic server error, while a 503 specifically indicates the server is temporarily unavailable, usually due to maintenance or overload.

Can a 500 error fix itself?

Sometimes, yes. Temporary issues like server overload or brief connectivity problems can resolve automatically. However, most 500 errors require intervention.

How long should I wait before taking action on a 500 error?

As a visitor, wait 1-2 minutes and refresh. As a site owner, investigate immediately as every minute of downtime costs you visitors and potentially revenue.

Will clearing cookies fix a 500 error?

While clearing cookies and cache can help in some cases, 500 errors are server-side issues. This fix mainly helps when corrupted local data interferes with server communication.

Can too much traffic cause a 500 error?

Yes, overwhelming traffic can exhaust server resources, leading to 500 errors. This is common during viral content situations or DDoS attacks.

Should I be worried about security if I see a 500 error?

Not necessarily. While some 500 errors can result from security issues like compromised files, most are due to configuration problems or resource limits.

How can I tell if the problem is on my end or the server's?

Try accessing the site from different devices and networks. If everyone experiences the error, it's server-side. If only you see it, check your local setup.

Does a 500 error mean my site was hacked?

Not usually. While malicious code can cause 500 errors, they're more commonly caused by configuration issues, resource limits, or coding errors.

Conclusion

HTTP 500 Internal Server Errors are frustrating but fixable. I've learned that systematic troubleshooting - starting with error logs and working through common causes - resolves most issues. Remember, these errors are the server's way of asking for help when something unexpected happens.

For visitors, patience and basic troubleshooting often work. For site owners, maintaining good practices like regular backups, staging environments, and monitoring can prevent most 500 errors before they occur.

The key is not to panic. Take it step by step, check your error logs, and work through the solutions methodically. With the right approach, you'll have your site back up and running in no time.

Remember to bookmark this guide for future reference - you never know when you might need it again!