HTTP status code 500 (Internal Server Error) means: The server hit an unexpected error and could not complete the request. Yes, a server error: the website failed to handle the request. Usually only the site owner or host can fix it.
Is it an error?
Yes, a server error: the website failed to handle the request. Usually only the site owner or host can fix it.
Common causes
- Error in the website's code, a plugin or a recent update
- Server misconfiguration (.htaccess, server or proxy rules)
- Server overloaded, out of resources or under maintenance
If you are visiting the site
- Reload the page
- Clear the browser's cache and cookies for this site
- Wait a few minutes before trying again
- Contact the website if the problem continues
If you run the website
- Check the server error logs at the time of the error
- Fix the code error: roll back the last change or disable plugins one by one
- Review recent configuration changes (.htaccess, nginx/Apache rules)
- Add server resources or caching and check for traffic spikes
Frequently asked questions
What does HTTP 500 mean?
HTTP status code 500 (Internal Server Error) means: The server hit an unexpected error and could not complete the request.
Is HTTP 500 an error?
Yes, a server error: the website failed to handle the request. Usually only the site owner or host can fix it.
How do I fix a 500 error?
If you are visiting the site: Reload the page; Clear the browser's cache and cookies for this site; Wait a few minutes before trying again; Contact the website if the problem continues. If you run the website: Check the server error logs at the time of the error; Fix the code error: roll back the last change or disable plugins one by one; Review recent configuration changes (.htaccess, nginx/Apache rules); Add server resources or caching and check for traffic spikes.