How to Fix WordPress Error 500, 503, and Other 5xx Errors – Expert Guide

If you’re running a WordPress website and suddenly encounter a 500 Internal Server Error, 503 Service Unavailable, or any other error in the 5xx range, don’t panic! These errors can be frustrating, but they are fixable. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the causes and solutions for these errors, and why Zillah Technologies LTD is your trusted partner in resolving them.

🔴 What Are WordPress 500 Errors?

5xx errors indicate server-related issues that prevent your website from functioning properly. Here are the most common ones:

• 500 Internal Server Error – A generic error message when something goes wrong on the server.
• 503 Service Unavailable – The server is overloaded or undergoing maintenance.
• 502 Bad Gateway – A problem with the communication between servers.
• 504 Gateway Timeout – The server takes too long to respond.
• 507 Insufficient Storage – The server has run out of storage.

🛠 How to Fix WordPress 500, 503, and Other 5xx Errors

1️⃣ Check for Corrupt .htaccess File

Your .htaccess file could be corrupted, leading to an internal server error.

• Connect to your site using FTP or File Manager in cPanel.
• Locate the .htaccess file in the root directory.
• Rename it to .htaccess_old and refresh your site.
• If the issue is resolved, go to WordPress Dashboard → Settings → Permalinks, then click Save Changes to generate a new .htaccess file.

2️⃣ Increase PHP Memory Limit

A memory exhaustion issue may be causing the error.

• Edit your wp-config.php file and add:

  define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M');

• Save and refresh your site.

3️⃣ Deactivate Plugins & Themes

A faulty plugin or theme can cause 5xx errors.

• Deactivate all plugins via File Manager or phpMyAdmin.
• Rename the plugins folder in wp-content.
• If the site works, rename it back and activate plugins one by one to find the culprit.
• Switch to a default WordPress theme (e.g., Twenty Twenty-One).

4️⃣ Check Server Logs

Error logs provide details about what went wrong.

• Access error_log via cPanel → File Manager → public_html.
• Identify the issue and apply the necessary fix.

5️⃣ Clear Cache

Sometimes, cached files cause conflicts.

• Clear WordPress cache using plugins like WP Super Cache.
• Clear server cache from cPanel or your hosting dashboard.
• Clear browser cache by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Delete.

6️⃣ Contact Your Web Host

If none of the above fixes work, your hosting provider may be facing a server outage. Contact their support team for assistance.

✅ Why Choose Zillah Technologies LTD for WordPress Error Fixes?

At Zillah Technologies LTD, we specialize in professional WordPress support, fixing all kinds of errors, including 500, 503, and other 5xx issues. Our team ensures: ✔️ Fast and reliable website troubleshooting. ✔️ Expert-level debugging to prevent future errors. ✔️ Secure and optimized server configurations. ✔️ 24/7 support to keep your site running smoothly.

📞 Need Immediate Help? Contact us today at 0740 386 944 or visit www.zillahtechnologies.co.ke.

Don’t let WordPress errors slow you down—let Zillah Technologies LTD keep your website up and running! 🚀