Troubleshoot Error 500 In WordPress Admin

This article explains how to identify and resolve the Error 500 (Internal Server Error) when accessing the WordPress admin dashboard. It describes the symptoms, possible causes, and steps to isolate and fix the issue. 

 

Symptom or issue 

The following issues may occur when accessing the WordPress admin dashboard: 

• A blank page or white screen is displayed.  
• A message indicating 500 Internal Server Error appears.  
• The admin URL does not load while the frontend may or may not be accessible.  

 

Cause 

The issue may be caused by one or more of the following: 

• A corrupted .htaccess file.  
• A faulty or incompatible plugin.  
• A broken or unsupported theme.  
• Insufficient PHP memory limit.  
• Incorrect file or folder permissions.   

 

Solution 

Follow the steps below to isolate and resolve the issue without accessing the WordPress admin dashboard. 
 

Check the .htaccess file 

A corrupted .htaccess file can cause a server error. 

Follow these steps to reset the file: 

1. Access your website files using File Manager or FTP.  
2. Locate the .htaccess file.  
3. Rename the file to .htaccess_old.  
4. Try accessing the WordPress admin page again.  

 

Disable all plugins 

A plugin conflict can trigger an Error 500. 

Follow these steps to disable all plugins: 

1. Access your website files.  
2. Open the wp-content folder.  
3. Rename the plugins folder to plugins_old.  
4. Try accessing the WordPress admin page again.  

If the issue is resolved, follow these steps to identify the faulty plugin: 

1. Rename the folder back to plugins.  
2. Rename each plugin folder one at a time.  
3. Check the admin page after each change.  

 

Switch to a default theme 

A theme issue can prevent access to the admin dashboard. 

Follow these steps to switch the theme: 

1. Access your website files. 
2. Go to the wp-content/themes directory.  
3. Rename the active theme folder.  
4. Try accessing the admin page again.  

WordPress will attempt to load a default theme if available. 

 

Increase PHP memory limit 

Insufficient PHP memory can cause a server error. 

Follow these steps to increase the memory limit: 

1. Open the wp-config.php file.  
2. Add or update the following line: define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M'); 
3. Save the file.  
4. Try accessing the admin page again.  

 

Check file permissions (for Linux-Based hosting) 

Incorrect permissions can block WordPress from running properly. 

Use the following recommended permissions: 

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

Update permissions using File Manager or FTP, then test access again.