Introduction: Why Website Errors Still Matter in 2025
Even in 2025, website errors are a big deal. They can slow down your site, hurt your search engine ranking (SEO), and make people leave your page. That means fewer visitors and less money.
If your website is too slow or full of errors, users won’t stay. Google also checks for speed and errors to decide where your site shows up in search results.
Fixing errors keeps your website fast, safe, and fun to use.
Common Error Types in WordPress and Custom Websites:
500 Internal Server Error
404 Not Found
403 Forbidden
502 Bad Gateway
504 Gateway Timeout
Let’s look at the most common one first.
What Is a 500 Internal Server Error?
Meaning of the 500 Internal Server Error
A 500 Internal Server Error means something went wrong on the server, but the server doesn’t know what it is. It’s a general error message.
How it Appears
“500 Internal Server Error”
“HTTP 500 Error”
A blank page or broken page
Sometimes it even stops your whole website
This error can happen in WordPress or any custom website.
Why It’s So Common
It’s one of the most common website errors because it can be caused by many things like code problems, plugin issues, or server problems.
Causes of the 500 Internal Server Error in WordPress
Here are the main reasons it shows up:
Corrupted .htaccess file: This file controls how your site works. If it’s broken, your site can crash.
PHP memory limit exceeded: Your site is using more memory than the server allows.
Plugin or theme conflict: A bad update or poorly coded plugin can break your site.
Server misconfiguration: Hosting server settings might not match what WordPress needs.
How to Fix 500 Internal Server Error Step-by-Step (2025 Guide)
1. Backup Your Website First
Before doing anything, make a full backup. Use plugins like UpdraftPlus or your hosting panel to save your site.
2. Rename or Delete .htaccess
Go to your file manager (or use FTP)
Find the
.htaccessfile in the root folder
Rename it to
.htaccess_old
Refresh your site
If it works, go to WordPress and click Settings > Permalinks > Save Changes to create a new one.
3. Increase PHP Memory in wp-config.php
Open
wp-config.php
Add this line before “That's all, stop editing!”:
Save and upload the file again
4. Deactivate Plugins and Themes
Rename the plugins folder to
plugins_oldand check your site
If it works, change it back and rename each plugin one-by-one to find the broken one
Do the same for the themes folder if needed
5. Contact Your Hosting Provider
If none of the above steps work, the problem could be with the server. Your hosting support team can help check error logs and fix server settings.
Other Common Website Errors You Might Face
Here are other website errors you may see:
404 Not Found Error: The page doesn’t exist or the link is broken.
403 Forbidden Error: You don’t have permission to access that page.
502 Bad Gateway: Your server got a bad response from another server.
504 Gateway Timeout: Your site took too long to load because the server didn’t respond in time.
Tools to Help You Diagnose and Fix Website Errors
Fixing a 500 Internal Server Error can be tricky, but there are tools that make it easier.
1. Error Logs and Browser Tools
Most hosting services have error logs. These logs show what went wrong on your site.
Where to find them: Go to your hosting control panel > Logs or Errors.
What to look for: Warnings or messages with the time the error happened.
You can also open your site in Google Chrome, right-click, and click Inspect > Console to see browser issues.
2. Debugging Plugins for WordPress
If you're using WordPress, install these plugins:
Query Monitor – shows what plugins or queries are slowing things down.
WP Debugging – turns on error messages in WordPress safely.
These tools help you find problems with plugins or your theme.
3. Hosting Control Panel Diagnostics
Your hosting panel (like cPanel or hPanel) has built-in tools to:
Scan your files for malware
Check your disk space
Restart PHP if it crashes
Change PHP versions if needed
These tools are helpful if the 500 error comes from the server side.
How to Prevent 500 Internal Server Error in the Future
Once you fix the error, it's smart to stop it from happening again.
1. Keep WordPress Core, Themes, and Plugins Updated
Outdated plugins or themes can break your site.
Turn on auto-updates in Dashboard > Updates
Only use trusted themes and plugins
Delete things you don’t use
2. Use Reliable Hosting
Cheap hosting often crashes under too much traffic.
Choose trusted providers like SiteGround, Hostinger, or Bluehost
Pick a plan made for WordPress or media sites
3. Regular Backups and Monitoring
Mistakes happen. That’s why backups are a lifesaver.
Use UpdraftPlus or Jetpack Backup
Set up Uptime Robot or ManageWP to watch your site 24/7
That way, you can fix problems fast or roll back changes.
When to Call a Professional: Fixing Complex Website Errors
Sometimes, it's best to ask for help.
Signs You Need Expert Help
You see a blank white screen
You can’t even log into WordPress
Your site is showing strange code or hacked messages
You’ve tried everything and it’s still broken
How Web Developers Troubleshoot Faster
Professional web developers:
Use server logs and SSH access
Know how to fix database and PHP issues
Can fix your site without breaking anything else
At Creation Wave LLC, we help people fix errors fast and safely. Whether it’s a plugin conflict or server crash, we’ve got you covered.
Final Thoughts: Keep Your Website Error-Free in 2025
Let’s wrap it up.
Summary of Fixes:
Try simple things like clearing cache and disabling plugins
Use logs, debug tools, and hosting support
Keep everything updated
Always back up your site
Importance of Regular Site Maintenance
Keeping your website healthy is like brushing your teeth—do it often, and you’ll avoid big problems later.
Make a habit to:
Check your site weekly
Update plugins every month
Back up everything often
If you’re ever stuck, don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How long does it take to fix a 500 error?
A: Sometimes just 5 minutes! But if it’s a deeper issue, it could take 1–2 hours. A developer can fix it faster.
Q: Will fixing it affect my site’s SEO?
A: If your site was down for a short time, SEO won’t be hurt. But long downtime can affect rankings. That’s why speed matters!
Q: Can a 500 error happen again?
A: Yes, if you don’t fix the root cause. Keep your site updated and use good hosting to lower the chances.