I know it is so irritating to see an error message on your website! When your screen turns blank with just a message, ‘500 internal server error’, you get frustrated and say, ‘AGAINNNN!’
Well, it’s the world of tech and you never know what bug or error you will encounter. However, what you can do is understand how this HTTP status error occurs and what are the steps to solve it. Why is it important? Well, it can affect the website functionality and your overall business performance.
And that’s what I am here for. Help you survive the maze of 500 server errors and solve it, on time, without affecting your site performance.
What is a 500 Internal Server Error Code?
When something goes wrong with your web server, an error message of ‘500 server code error’ is commonly displayed. It can also appear as a ‘500 HTTP Error Code.’ What happens at this time? Well, your web server cannot process the user request and is unable to load your site resources.
Now, this error does not provide any specifications as to what went wrong. This is where the major frustration kicks in. You do not have any direction to go or a hint to solve anything. These server-side errors or status code 500 can be because of multiple factors like misconfigurations or coding issues.
Challenges Faced with 500 internal server error
- You lose your well-built website traffic
- It results in a loss of trust in your business
- Creates a negative impact on your website
- Loss in revenue due to issues in order requests and order fulfillment
For website owners, repeated instances of the HTTP status 500 meaning can indicate deeper problems within the server environment, application code, or website configuration. This makes it imperative to identify and resolve the root cause promptly.
Understanding the 500 HTTP Status Code
Let us understand what 500 Server Error indicates
Technically speaking, when your server responds with a 500 HTTP code instead of fulfilling the user request, it has encountered some unexpected conditions and doesn’t know how to run further.
Other HTTP status codes like 404 page not found and 403 forbidden access issue, this error 500 does not specify what’s wrong with your server. So, it’s going to be a little trial and error to pinpoint it and fix it.
Importance of the 500 HTTP Status Code in Diagnosing Server Issues
There’s one bright side to this error. You check the health and issues of your server and work to fix it, for the long run. With this, you will examine server logs, various configurations, and your site code. If you do not act enthusiastically. Your site will face a huge downtime resulting in a remarkable loss.
Common Causes of HTTP 500 Internal Server Errors
Let us look at some of the common reasons that provide you with HTTP 500 responses on your site.
- PHP Errors: If you have made any specific syntax error or a coding mistake in your PHP files, the server will not be able to read and execute your code. Thus, resulting in Error 500.
- Server Configuration: If you are using an outdated server configuration or have not configured it properly in the first place, you will encounter a 500 internal server error.
- Corrupt .htaccess File: Apache Web Servers use the .htaccess file for configuration. You must check this file for the correct code. If the file is corrupt or has faulty code, the web server will not be able to run the file.
- Exhausted Resources: If your web server storage is full and running low on memory, this error will occur. CPU or other resources too should be checked for storage limitations. If it is low, simply purchase more storage to solve your HTTP 500 response.
- Database Issues: If your database is corrupt, you are bound to experience the 500 Internal Server Error.
- Plugins or Theme Conflicts: A WordPress website heavily relies on third-party themes and plugins. If there’s some issue with them or if they are outdated, you will encounter server-side error 500.
Learning to Fix a 500 Internal Server Error
With these easy steps, it is not at all daunting to fix the error code 500. Let us look at them one by one.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide
1. Check the Server Logs for Errors
Check the error logs of the server–side. You can do this by using the control panel of your hosting provider or via SSH. This is your initial step while pinpointing the server-side error. Check the logs of the time when the error occurred. If you find anything here, you will have your problem to solve.
2. Verify the .htaccess File
Now here’s a little trick if you think there’s an issue with your .htaccess file. Rename your file to .htaccess_old for the time-being. Check if your site works without showing the error 500 now. If this renaming solves the issue, the problem lies within your .htaccess file and you must check it thoroughly for errors.
3. Review Permissions and Ownership of Files and Folders
Keep a check on the permissions and ownership settings of your web files and web directories. Make sure they are correctly configured. Verify the standard settings of them here.
- Directories: 755
- Files: 644
4. Increase PHP Memory Limit
You can check whether your memory is exhausted or not. If yes, you must extend your PHP memory limit. It is pretty easy to do that by editing the php.ini file. Or else you can add the below-given line to your .htaccess file.
php_value memory_limit 256M
If you have some other requirements, you can edit accordingly.
5. Deactivate Plugins/Themes to Identify Conflicts
If all the previous steps are checked and sorted, it’s time to check your WordPress Plugins and Themes. One by one deactivate the Plugins and go back to the default WordPress default theme. Check whether it is solving the issue. Deactivate one by one so you can pinpoint exactly which Plugin was causing the issue.
Further, contact the Plugin’s support team to get the issue resolved ASAP.
Tools and Plugins that Help Solve 500 Request Error
Don’t worry. You do not have to do it all on your own. The WordPress CMS’s Plugin repository comes with tools that can aid you in diagnosing internal server errors and fixing them.
- WordPress Health Check: To identify any specific theme or plugin conflicts, the WordPress Health Check tool is the best.
- Error Log Monitor: If you want to easily access server error logs, Error Log Monitor tracks each of them and displays them for you.
- Server Monitoring Tools: Multiple tools can help you keep track of your server performance. Tools like New Relic or Uptime Robot help you keep a check on your site’s uptime.
Tips to Prevent 500 Error Code in the Future
- Keep a check on your server’s health regularly. Keep tracking its performance and issues at regular intervals so an error can be solved before it occurs and affects your site.
- Always test all your changes and updates in a local or a staging environment. This allows you to test your work before it goes live.
- As a business owner, you must understand the technicalities of server management. Understand what are basic configurations, best practices, and steps to keep the basic technical site health up to date.
Wrapping Up the 500 Response Code Error and its Solution
Once you understand everything about the error and its potential causes, it does not seem that tough or critical. It is pretty basic and even you as a non-techie business person can identify and solve it. It’s no rocket science darling, honestly. The best advice is to regularly keep a check of your entire site so that the error occurrences are quite less. Even if you do encounter it, it would be quick to understand where the issue lies.
FAQs
What does a 500 response code mean?
This error signifies the issue at the end of the server that is unexpected. Thus, it cannot return the user request and load any specific page of your site.
Is the HTTP 500 internal error serious?
This error can hurt your website’s goodwill and SEO. This eventually affects your business reputation. Thus, it is quite serious and you must look into it pretty quickly.
How to prevent a 500 request error in the future?
If you keep your core WordPress and Plugins/Themes updated, you will encounter fewer issues. You must also keep a check on your site and server’s health regularly to prevent future harm.
What should I do if I encounter a 500 error fix repeatedly?
Well, then it’s time for you to ask the technical experts. Spend some money on hiring professionals to look at your site and help you solve all the errors. They can also guide you in the future health check of your business website.
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