What does ‘500 internal server error’ mean? + 9 solutions

When you work with websites, you occasionally come across an error code. For example, the 500 internal server error. Do you encounter this error code on your website and want to know more about it? In this article, you can read what the HTTP error 500 is and how it occurs and find nine possible solutions to the problem.

500 internal server error meaning

An HTTP error 500 is a generic error code indicating something has gone wrong with the server (computer) on which your website files reside. The server cannot execute a specific request.

An HTTP error 500 is also known by other terms such as:

• HTTP 500
• HTTP 500 – internal server error
• 500 error
• The page cannot be displayed – HTTP 500

More error codes

Besides error 500, more error messages exist, each with its own cause. For example, a:

• 403-error;
• 404-error;
• 502-error.

What causes 500 errors?

An HTTP error 500 can occur due to several reasons. Below are some possible causes:

• PHP memory limit
• Browser cache
• Overloaded server
• Damaged files
• Wrong file and folder permissions
• Incorrectly named .htaccess files
• Conflict with a WordPress plugin or theme
• Conflict with different server settings
• Obsolete code
• Programming error

What is the impact of an HTTP 500 error?

An HTTP 500 error impacts your business. To give you some examples, if your website shows a 500-error for a long time:

• It affects your SEO and position in Google;
• It leads to frustration among visitors as they cannot reach your website;
• You miss out on customers because they go to the competition;
• People can write a negative review about you online.

How to fix a 500 internal server error?

The above scenarios are not something you like to see. So it is essential to solve a 500 error as soon as possible. Below you will find 9 possible solutions to solve the problem. Does the problem still occur after you tried the solutions? You can often find information about the relevant error message on the Internet. Or ask a web developer to look into it with you.

Note: Before making any changes to your website, creating a backup is essential.

1. Reload the page

The first and simplest solution is to reload the page. The server may be temporarily overloaded. Wait a moment and refresh the page in the following way:

• Windows: Ctrl + F5
• Mac: Apple/Cmd + R
• Linux: F5
• Android or iOS phone: Swipe from top to bottom

Tip: Check downforeveryoneorjustme.com and enter the URL of your website.

2. Clear the browser cache

Browser cache, a form of cache, allows a website to load faster in your web browser by storing website files (temporarily). However, it can also cause you to still see a 500 server error because the cache has not been emptied. So clear the browser cache by using the following guides:

• How do I clear my browser cache on a Mac?
• How do I clear the browser cache on a Windows computer?
• Clear cache and cookies on Android
• Clear your cache on iPhone

3. Check PHP error messages

It could also be a 500 error caused by a PHP error. Have you enabled the ‘PHP error messages’ function at one.com? The error message appears in the browser as a file name, line number and a message describing the error. With this function, you can track down and solve the problem.

4. Check the .htaccess file

You give the server instructions with a .htaccess file, such as setting up a 301 redirect. You must use the lines in the file correctly. After all, a typo is made quickly, causing your website to malfunction. So check all the lines in the .htaccess file.

Does your website run at one.com? This guide tells you how to edit a .htaccess file.

5. Upgrade to a larger hosting plan

If your website is too big for the hosting you are using, you will run into the limit. This can also cause an HTTP 500 error because your website demands more from the server than it can handle. In this case, you must upgrade to a larger hosting plan with more resources.

In this guide, you will read how to upgrade to a larger plan at one.com.

An HTTP error 500 in WordPress

Are you using WordPress for your website? Below are some possible solutions to fix the error 500.

6. Enable debugging in WordPress

Through debugging, errors become visible on the page where they occur. This helps you find error messages. You enable debug mode in WordPress by adding the following code to the

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

The exact steps to enable debug mode at one.com can be found in this guide.

7. Disable WordPress plugins

With WordPress plugins, you add extra features to your website. Unfortunately, an HTTP 500 error can occur due to such a plugin. To find out which plugin is the culprit, disable all plugins via the Admin environment of your WordPress installation. Here’s how it works:

1. Login to your WordPress website.
2. In the Dashboard menu on the left, go to ‘Plugins’.
3. Click on ‘Installed plugins’.
4. Select all plugins.
5. From the dropdown menu, select ‘Deactivate’.
6. Click on ‘Apply’.

All WordPress plugins are now disabled. Don’t worry; data will be preserved. Is the HTTP error 500 gone? Turn on the plugins individually and check with each activation that your website works correctly. Have you found the culprit? Contact a web developer to fix the problem or look for an alternative plugin.

Disabling plugins via the database

Can’t you log into the Admin environment of your WordPress website anymore? It is possible to disable the plugins via the database application phpMyAdmin. To do so, follow the steps in this guide. Please note you need technical knowledge to work with phpMyAdmin.

8. Switch WordPress themes

A WordPress theme can also cause a 500 error. You check this by temporarily switching to a default theme. Is your website working again? You know your current theme is causing the error. This is how you switch to another WordPress theme:

1. Login to your WordPress website.
2. In the Dashboard menu on the left, go to ‘Appearance’.
3. Click on ‘Themes’.
4. Click ‘Add New’ at the top left.
5. Search for a default WordPress theme, for example, ‘Twenty Twenty-Three’.
6. Click on ‘Install’.
7. Click on ‘Activate’.

Is the theme causing the 500 error? If so, contact the theme developer to look for a solution.

Changing a theme via the database

Can’t you get to the Admin environment of WordPress anymore? It is possible to switch themes via phpMyAdmin. To do so, follow this guide. Note: you need technical knowledge.

9. Contact your hosting provider

Are all the above solutions not helping? Contact your hosting provider. Your provider can help track down the problem. Our customer service team is ready to help you.

A conclusion

A 500 internal server error indicates that the server hosting your website cannot execute a request. It is essential to fix this error because a prolonged 500 error affects your business. This article has given you nine possible solutions to fix the problem. Hopefully, this will help you resolve the error message. Good luck!

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