Error guide / 500 Internal Server Error

500 Internal Server Error: Something Broke on the Server

500 Internal Server Error is the server's generic way of saying something failed on the site side, without naming the exact cause. The page will not load even though the server itself is running. The real reason is almost always in the error log, so start there.

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What causes it

The cause sits on the site side: a bug in the code or a plugin, a broken .htaccess, not enough PHP memory, or a PHP version that no longer fits after an update.

How to fix it

  1. Open the server error log (in cPanel it is the Errors section or the error_log file); it names the exact file and line.
  2. Temporarily disable plugins or recent changes to see what breaks the site.
  3. Rename .htaccess to .htaccess_old and check whether the error disappears.
  4. Raise the PHP memory_limit and confirm the selected PHP version still fits your site.
  5. Make sure files are 644, folders are 755, and the main file is not corrupted.
  6. If the log is empty or unclear, contact hosting support with the time the error appeared.

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