Internal Server Error 500: What It Is & How To Fix It

Nick Leason

-Nov 18, 2025

Internal Server Error 500: What It Is & How To Fix It

The "Internal Server Error 500" is a common HTTP status code indicating a general server-side problem. This error means the server encountered an unexpected condition that prevented it from fulfilling the request. This article breaks down the causes, troubleshooting steps, and prevention methods for this frustrating error.

Key Takeaways

The 500 Internal Server Error signifies a general server-side issue preventing the server from fulfilling the request.
Common causes include server misconfiguration, corrupted files, database connection problems, and third-party plugins or themes.
Troubleshooting steps involve refreshing the page, clearing browser cache, checking server logs, debugging code, and contacting hosting provider support.
Preventative measures include regular backups, careful plugin/theme updates, monitoring server health, and proper error handling in code.
User-side fixes are limited but include clearing browser data and revisiting the site later.

Introduction

Encountering a 500 Internal Server Error can be frustrating for both website users and administrators. Unlike client-side errors (like a 404 Not Found), a 500 error points to a problem on the web server itself. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding, diagnosing, and resolving 500 Internal Server Errors.

What is a 500 Internal Server Error?

A 500 Internal Server Error is a generic HTTP status code that indicates the server encountered an unexpected condition that prevented it from fulfilling the client's request. It's a catch-all error, meaning the server knows something went wrong, but it can't be more specific about the problem. Think of it as a server-side equivalent of saying, "Something went wrong," without providing further details. This lack of specificity can make troubleshooting challenging, but understanding the common causes is the first step to resolution.

Common Causes

Several issues can trigger a 500 Internal Server Error. Here are some of the most frequent culprits:

Server Misconfiguration: Incorrect settings in the server's configuration files (like .htaccess for Apache servers) can lead to 500 errors. These files control how the server handles requests, and syntax errors or incorrect directives can cause problems.
Corrupted Files: Damaged or incomplete files, whether core system files or website-specific assets, can trigger this error. This might occur during file transfers, updates, or due to disk errors.
Database Connection Issues: If the website relies on a database, problems with the database server, connection credentials, or database queries can result in a 500 error.
Scripting Errors: Bugs or errors in server-side scripts (like PHP, Python, or Node.js) can cause the server to crash and display a 500 error. This includes syntax errors, logical errors, or resource exhaustion.
Third-Party Plugins or Themes: In Content Management Systems (CMS) like WordPress, malfunctioning plugins or themes are a common source of 500 errors. These extensions can introduce conflicts or bugs into the system.
Resource Limits: Servers have limits on resources like memory and processing power. If a website exceeds these limits, it may trigger a 500 error. This is especially common on shared hosting environments.

Why is it Important to Fix 500 Errors?

Addressing 500 Internal Server Errors is crucial for several reasons: — When Does The Time Change?

User Experience: Encountering a 500 error creates a negative user experience, potentially driving visitors away from the website. Repeated errors can erode trust and damage the website's reputation.
SEO Impact: Search engines like Google consider server errors when ranking websites. Frequent 500 errors can negatively impact a site's search engine rankings, leading to decreased visibility.
Lost Conversions: If a 500 error occurs during a critical process like checkout, it can lead to lost sales and conversions.
Missed Opportunities: A website that frequently displays errors is unlikely to attract new customers or retain existing ones.

How to Troubleshoot a 500 Internal Server Error

Troubleshooting a 500 Internal Server Error requires a systematic approach. Here's a step-by-step guide to help diagnose and resolve the issue:

Check the Error Message (If Any): Sometimes, the server provides a more specific error message along with the 500 status code. This message can offer valuable clues about the root cause of the problem. Look for details in the server's error logs.
Refresh the Page: The error might be temporary. Try refreshing the page or revisiting the URL. A simple refresh can sometimes resolve transient issues.
Clear Browser Cache and Cookies: Cached data or cookies can sometimes interfere with website functionality. Clearing the browser's cache and cookies can eliminate this possibility. Try this as a user-side step before delving into server-side troubleshooting.
Check Server Logs: Server logs are a valuable resource for diagnosing server errors. They record detailed information about server activity, including error messages, warnings, and other events. Accessing and analyzing the server logs is often the most direct path to identifying the cause of a 500 error.
- How to Access Server Logs: The method for accessing server logs varies depending on the hosting provider and server setup. Common methods include:
  - cPanel: Many hosting providers use cPanel, which offers a "Errors" section where you can view the error logs.
  - Direct File Access: You can access the log files directly via FTP or a file manager. Common locations include /var/log/apache2/error.log (for Apache) or /var/log/nginx/error.log (for Nginx).
  - Hosting Provider's Dashboard: Some hosting providers offer a dashboard with access to server logs.
- What to Look For in Server Logs: When examining the logs, look for recent errors or warnings that coincide with the time the 500 error occurred. Pay attention to specific error messages, file paths, and other details that can help pinpoint the problem. Common log entries associated with 500 errors include PHP errors, database connection failures, and .htaccess misconfigurations.
Debug Server-Side Code: If the website uses server-side scripting languages like PHP, Python, or Node.js, carefully review the code for errors. Use debugging tools and techniques to identify the source of the problem. Look for syntax errors, logical errors, and potential resource leaks.
Check .htaccess File (for Apache Servers): If the server uses Apache, the .htaccess file can be a source of 500 errors. Incorrect directives or syntax errors in this file can cause the server to malfunction. Use an .htaccess validator tool or comment out the file temporarily to see if the error resolves. If the site works with the .htaccess file disabled, restore the original and incrementally re-add the directives, testing after each addition to isolate the problematic line.
Disable Plugins and Themes (for CMS): If the website uses a CMS like WordPress, try disabling plugins and themes one by one to see if any of them are causing the error. Start by deactivating recently installed or updated plugins/themes, as these are more likely to be the source of the problem. If disabling a specific plugin or theme resolves the issue, consider finding an alternative or contacting the developer for support.
Increase PHP Memory Limit: If the website is running PHP scripts, exceeding the PHP memory limit can trigger a 500 error. Try increasing the memory limit in the php.ini file or via the .htaccess file (if allowed by your hosting provider). If memory limits are consistently being reached, it may point to inefficient code or the need for more powerful hosting.
Check Database Connection: Ensure that the database server is running and that the website can connect to it. Verify the database connection credentials (hostname, username, password, database name) in the website's configuration file. Use database administration tools to check the database's health and identify any errors or issues.
Contact Your Hosting Provider: If you've tried all the above steps and are still unable to resolve the 500 error, contact your hosting provider for assistance. They have access to server-level logs and diagnostic tools that can help identify the problem. Be prepared to provide them with details about the error, the steps you've taken, and any relevant information from your server logs.

Examples & Use Cases

To illustrate how these troubleshooting steps can be applied, let's consider a few examples:

Example 1: WordPress Website with a 500 Error After Plugin Update
- Issue: A WordPress website starts displaying a 500 Internal Server Error after updating a plugin.
- Troubleshooting:
  1. Check the server logs for PHP errors related to the plugin.
  2. Disable the recently updated plugin via the WordPress admin panel or by renaming the plugin's folder via FTP.
  3. If disabling the plugin resolves the error, contact the plugin developer for support or find an alternative plugin.
Example 2: Website with a 500 Error After Code Deployment
- Issue: A website starts displaying a 500 error after deploying new code changes.
- Troubleshooting:
  1. Check the server logs for error messages related to the deployed code.
  2. Review the code changes for syntax errors, logical errors, or potential bugs.
  3. Roll back the code deployment to the previous version to see if the error resolves. If the rollback fixes the issue, incrementally reintroduce the changes, testing after each step to isolate the problematic code.
Example 3: Website with a 500 Error Due to Resource Limits
- Issue: A website occasionally displays a 500 error, especially during peak traffic times.
- Troubleshooting:
  1. Monitor server resource usage (CPU, memory, disk I/O) to see if the website is exceeding its limits.
  2. Optimize website code and database queries to reduce resource consumption.
  3. Upgrade to a hosting plan with more resources or consider using a Content Delivery Network (CDN) to offload static content.

Best Practices & Common Mistakes

To minimize the occurrence of 500 Internal Server Errors, follow these best practices: — New Braunfels, TX Zip Code Guide

Best Practices

Regular Backups: Regularly back up website files and databases. Backups provide a safety net in case of errors, allowing you to restore the website to a previous working state.
Careful Plugin and Theme Updates: Before updating plugins or themes, especially in CMS environments, create a backup of the website and test the updates in a staging environment. This allows you to identify and resolve potential issues before they affect the live site.
Monitor Server Health: Use server monitoring tools to track resource usage, error rates, and other metrics. This proactive approach allows you to identify potential issues before they escalate into 500 errors.
Implement Proper Error Handling in Code: Use try-catch blocks and other error-handling mechanisms in your code to gracefully handle exceptions and prevent unhandled errors from triggering 500 errors. Log errors to a file or error tracking service for later analysis.
Use a Staging Environment: Before deploying code changes or updates to the live website, test them in a staging environment that mirrors the production environment. This helps identify and resolve issues in a controlled setting.
Keep Software Up-to-Date: Regularly update server software, programming languages, and CMS platforms to the latest versions. These updates often include bug fixes and security patches that can prevent errors.

Common Mistakes

Ignoring Server Logs: Server logs are a goldmine of information for diagnosing 500 errors. Ignoring them makes troubleshooting significantly more difficult.
Making Changes Without Backups: Making changes to the website without creating backups can be risky. If something goes wrong, you may not be able to easily revert to a previous state.
Blindly Updating Plugins and Themes: Updating plugins and themes without testing them in a staging environment can lead to unexpected errors on the live site.
Overlooking Resource Limits: Ignoring server resource limits can lead to frequent 500 errors, especially during peak traffic times.
Neglecting Code Quality: Poorly written code with errors and bugs is a major source of 500 errors. Invest in code quality and proper error handling.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about 500 Internal Server Errors:

Q: What does a 500 Internal Server Error mean? A: It means the server encountered an unexpected condition that prevented it from fulfilling the request.

Q: Is a 500 error a client-side or server-side issue? A: It's a server-side issue, indicating a problem on the web server itself. — Virginia Governor Election: Key Candidates & Issues

Q: Can I fix a 500 error as a website visitor? A: User-side fixes are limited but include clearing browser data and revisiting the site later. The core issue requires server-side attention.

Q: What are some common causes of a 500 error? A: Server misconfiguration, corrupted files, database connection problems, scripting errors, and third-party plugins or themes.

Q: How can I troubleshoot a 500 error? A: Check server logs, debug code, check the .htaccess file (if using Apache), disable plugins and themes (for CMS), and contact your hosting provider.

Q: How can I prevent 500 errors? A: Regular backups, careful plugin/theme updates, monitoring server health, and proper error handling in code.

Conclusion with CTA

Encountering a 500 Internal Server Error can be frustrating, but with a systematic approach, it can be diagnosed and resolved. Remember to check your server logs, debug your code, and consider common causes like plugin conflicts or resource limits. If you're still struggling, don't hesitate to contact your hosting provider for assistance. Implement the best practices outlined in this guide to minimize the occurrence of 500 errors and ensure a smooth experience for your website visitors. Is your website experiencing frequent errors? Consider auditing your server configuration and code for potential issues. Contact us today for a comprehensive website health check!

Last updated: October 26, 2023, 14:42 UTC