How to fix 500 Internal Server Error {Troubleshoot}

This error, often a thorn in the side of website owners and developers, signifies a generic issue on the server side that prevents your website from loading correctly.

As daunting as it may seem, fear not. Diagnosing and fixing a 500 Internal Server Error can be straightforward with the right approach.

500 Internal Server error

Understanding and Fixing the 500 Internal Server Error

A 500 Internal Server Error is one of the most frustrating issues website owners encounter. It’s a general server-side error indicating that something is wrong on the web server, but it doesn’t specify the exact problem. At AquaHost, we understand how crucial website uptime is, so let’s break down the possible causes and solutions in a structured, easy-to-follow manner.

Common Causes of a 500 Internal Server Error

Before diving into troubleshooting, let’s understand what typically triggers this error:

  • Server Misconfiguration – Issues in the .htaccess file, incorrect permissions, or PHP configuration errors.
  • Exhausted Server Resources – Overloaded servers or exceeding hosting limits.
  • Faulty Plugins or Themes – Incompatible or poorly coded scripts in CMS-based sites.
  • Corrupted Files – Damaged core files or incomplete uploads.
  • Incorrect File Permissions – Wrong permissions on files and directories.

Quick Fixes: Basic Troubleshooting Steps

If you encounter this error, start with these simple checks:

1. Refresh the Page

Sometimes, the error occurs due to a temporary server glitch. Press F5 or Ctrl + R to reload the page and check if it resolves the issue.

2. Clear Your Browser Cache

Cached data can cause conflicts. Here’s how to clear it:

For Google Chrome:

  1. Open Chrome and click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner.
  2. Select More tools → Clear browsing data…
  3. Choose All time as the time range.
  4. Check Cached images and files and click Clear data.

For Mozilla Firefox:

  1. Open Firefox and click the menu (three horizontal lines).
  2. Select Settings → Privacy & Security.
  3. Under Cookies and Site Data, click Clear Data….
  4. Check Cached Web Content, then click Clear.

Advanced Troubleshooting for a 500 Internal Server Error

If the basic fixes don’t work, try these advanced solutions:

1. Check Your .htaccess File

A misconfigured .htaccess file is a common culprit. Follow these steps:

  • Access your AquaHost cPanel and go to File Manager.
  • Locate the .htaccess file in the public_html directory.
  • Rename it to .htaccess_backup and refresh your website.
  • If the site works, generate a new .htaccess file by navigating to Settings → Permalinks in WordPress and clicking Save Changes.

2. Verify File Permissions

Incorrect file permissions can trigger a 500 error. Ensure your files and directories have the correct permissions:

  • Files should be set to 644.
  • Folders should be set to 755.

3. Enable Debugging Mode (For WordPress Users)

To check for faulty plugins or themes, enable debugging mode:

  • Open wp-config.php via cPanel File Manager.
  • Add the following line before "That's all, stop editing!": 
    define('WP_DEBUG', true);
  • Save the file and reload your site. Any errors will be displayed.
  • If a plugin or theme is causing the issue, deactivate them one by one to find the culprit.

4. Check Server Logs

Your AquaHost control panel provides access to server logs where you can check error messages:

  • Go to cPanel → Error Logs.
  • Look for recent errors that match your website's downtime.

5. Increase PHP Memory Limit

If your website is exceeding memory limits, increase the PHP memory by editing the php.ini or .htaccess file:

php_value memory_limit 256M

6. Contact AquaHost Support

If none of the above steps work, AquaHost's expert support team is available 24/7 to assist you. Simply open a ticket or start a live chat with our team.

Preventing Future 500 Internal Server Errors

To ensure smooth website performance, follow these best practices:

  • Keep WordPress, plugins, and themes updated.
  • Use a reliable web hosting provider like AquaHost with optimized server configurations.
  • Regularly monitor error logs to detect issues early.
  • Optimize website resources to prevent excessive server load.

By following this guide, you can quickly diagnose and fix a 500 Internal Server Error on your website. At AquaHost, we provide fast, secure, and reliable hosting to keep your site running smoothly. Need further assistance? Our team is always here to help!