---
title: How to Fix the 500 Internal Server Error (WordPress and Any Site)
description: "**In short:** A **500 Internal Server Error** in WordPress is usually caused by a broken **.htaccess** file, the **PHP memory limit**, or a faulty **plugin or theme**. Work through the fixes in order: rename .htaccess, raise the memory limit in…"
url: "https://www.hyyat.com/en/knowledgebase/fix-500-internal-server-error-wordpress/"
updated: "2026-10-21"
category: WordPress explanations
---

# How to Fix the 500 Internal Server Error (WordPress and Any Site)

**In short:** A **500 Internal Server Error** in WordPress is usually caused by a broken **.htaccess** file, the **PHP memory limit**, or a faulty **plugin or theme**. Work through the fixes in order: rename .htaccess, raise the memory limit in wp-config.php, disable plugins, switch the theme, then re-upload WordPress core files.

![Step-by-step checklist to fix the WordPress 500 Internal Server Error](https://www.hyyat.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/hyyat-wordpress-500-error-checklist-en-1024x940.png)

## What does a 500 Internal Server Error mean on any website?

A **500** error is a generic server message meaning "something went wrong internally and I couldn't show the page". The problem is on the **server or website**, not the visitor's device or connection, so refreshing or changing browser won't fix it. It can appear as **HTTP 500**, **Error 500**, **HTTP ERROR 500** or "This page isn't working".

### Common causes on any website

- A bad rule in the **.htaccess** file.
- A PHP code error or a conflict after an update.
- Exceeding the site's memory or resource limits.
- Wrong file or folder permissions (normally 644 for files and 755 for folders).
- A PHP version that is incompatible with the site.

### What to do first

1. Open **cPanel → Metrics → Errors** or the **error_log** file in your site folder; it usually names the file and line.
2. Think of the last change you made (update, plugin, code edit) and undo it.
3. If your site runs WordPress, follow the fixes below in order.
4. If you can't find the cause, open a support ticket and we will check the logs with you.

## Fixing the 500 error in WordPress

## What is the 500 Internal Server Error?

You may see **Internal Server Error**, **HTTP 500 Internal Server Error** or just **Error 500** in your browser. They all mean the same thing: the server hit a problem and could not load the page. It can appear on the front of the site, in the WordPress dashboard, on both, or only when you do certain actions.

![حل مشكلة خطأ Internal Server Error 500 فى وورد بريس](https://www.hyyat.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/500-internal-server-error-فى-ووردبريس.png)

## Fix 1: Reset the .htaccess file

WordPress, permalinks and caching plugins write rules to **.htaccess**. A bad rule there causes a 500 error.

1. Log in to cPanel and open **File Manager** (or connect with FTP).
2. Open the folder where WordPress is installed; for your main site this is **public_html**.
3. In File Manager, click **Settings** (top right) and enable **Show Hidden Files**.
4. Rename **.htaccess** to **.htaccess-old**.
5. Reload your site. If it works, log in to WordPress and go to **Settings → Permalinks** and click **Save Changes** to create a clean .htaccess file.

## Fix 2: Increase the PHP memory limit

If WordPress runs out of the memory PHP allows it, you get a 500 error.

1. In File Manager, open **wp-config.php** in the WordPress folder.
2. Add this line right after `<?php`:
   `define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M');`
3. Save and reload your site.

## Fix 3: Disable all plugins

A faulty or incompatible plugin is a common cause. If you can't reach the dashboard, rename the **wp-content/plugins** folder to **plugins-off** in File Manager. If the site loads, rename it back and re-enable plugins one by one to find the culprit.

## Fix 4: Switch to a default theme

Rename your active theme folder in **wp-content/themes**; WordPress falls back to a default theme such as Twenty Twenty-Four if one is installed. If the error disappears, the theme is the cause.

## Fix 5: Re-upload WordPress core files

Core files can be damaged by a bad edit, a deleted file or a hack. Download the same WordPress version from wordpress.org and re-upload the **wp-admin** and **wp-includes** folders. Do not overwrite **wp-config.php** or the **wp-content** folder.

## Still not fixed? Check the error log

In cPanel open **Metrics → Errors** to see the latest error, or check the **error_log** file in your site folder. It usually names the exact file and line causing the problem. You can also open a ticket and our support team will check it for you.

Related service: [fast WordPress hosting](https://www.hyyat.com/en/wordpress-hosting/) from Hyyat Host, with support that replies within 24 hours.

 **Related guides**

- [How to Enable HTTPS on Your Website](https://www.hyyat.com/knowledgebase/%d8%b7%d8%b1%d9%8a%d9%82%d8%a9-%d8%aa%d9%81%d8%b9%d9%8a%d9%84-%d8%a7%d9%84%d8%a5%d8%aa%d8%b5%d8%a7%d9%84-%d8%a7%d9%84%d8%a2%d9%85%d9%86-https-%d9%81%d9%8a-%d9%85%d9%88%d9%82%d8%b9%d9%83-%d8%a7%d9%84/)

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