A 500 Internal Server Error means the server encountered an unexpected problem while processing your website request. The error is usually caused by website configuration, .htaccess, file permissions, PHP settings, or application errors.
Steps to Troubleshoot
1. Check the Error Logs
Log in to cPanel → Metrics → Errors.
Look for the latest errors recorded when the 500 error occurs. The error details can help identify the cause.
2. Check the .htaccess File
A syntax error or unsupported directive in the .htaccess file can cause a 500 error.
If the error started after making changes to .htaccess, temporarily rename the file, for example:
.htaccess → .htaccess-backup
Then reload your website.
If the website starts working, the issue is likely related to the .htaccess configuration.
3. Check File and Folder Permissions
Incorrect permissions can prevent the server from accessing website files.
Common permissions are:
-
Files:
644 -
Folders:
755
Avoid using 777 unless specifically required by your application.
4. Check PHP Settings
A 500 error can sometimes occur when a website exceeds available PHP resources or uses an incompatible PHP configuration.
Check:
cPanel → Software → MultiPHP Manager
Make sure the website is using a PHP version supported by your application.
If available, also check MultiPHP INI Editor for PHP resource settings such as:
-
memory_limit -
max_execution_time -
max_input_vars
5. Check Your Website/Application
For WordPress, Laravel, or other PHP applications, check the application's own error logs if available.
If the error started immediately after installing a plugin, updating the application, changing PHP versions, or modifying configuration files, revert the recent change and test again.
6. Contact Support
If the 500 error continues after these checks, contact support with:
-
Your domain name
-
The URL showing the error
-
Approximate time the error occurred
-
Recent changes made to the website
-
Screenshot of the error
-
Relevant error message from cPanel → Metrics → Errors
This information will help identify the cause of the server error more quickly.
