How to Solve Error 500 (Internal Server Error)

What is Error 500?

Error 500 (Internal Server Error) means something on the server failed while processing your request, but the server cannot identify exactly what. It's one of the most common errors in WordPress and PHP sites.

Most Frequent Causes

• Syntax error in .htaccess
• Corrupt or incompatible WordPress plugin
• Theme with PHP errors
• PHP memory limit exceeded
• Incorrect file permissions

Solution 1 — Check the Error Log

1. Go to cPanel → Metrics → Errors
2. Or open File Manager and look for the error_log file in public_html
3. Review the last lines — it will tell you exactly which file and line caused the error

Solution 2 — Verify .htaccess

Temporarily rename your .htaccess to .htaccess_bak. If the site comes back online, the problem was in that file. In WordPress, go to Settings → Permalinks → Save Changes to regenerate it.

Solution 3 — Deactivate All Plugins (WordPress)

Rename the folder public_html/wp-content/plugins to plugins_bak. If the site works, reactivate the plugins one by one until you find the culprit.

Solution 4 — Restore Correct Permissions

Correct permissions are: folders = 755, files = 644. You can verify them in File Manager → right-click → Change Permissions.