500 Internal Server Error — Causes & Fix
HTTP 500 (Internal Server Error) means the server hit an unexpected condition that stopped it fulfilling the request — a generic "something broke on the server" error.
- Applies to
- Any website or web server (HTTP standard)
- Time to fix
- 15 minutes – 2 hours
What it means
Causes include an unhandled exception in server code, a bad server/.htaccess config, a database error, or exhausted server resources. This is a server-side (5xx) error defined in RFC 9110 (HTTP Semantics) — the request was valid, so the fix is on the server/origin side, not the visitor's.
Symptoms
- "500 Internal Server Error" page
- The site works sometimes, fails others (if intermittent)
How to fix it
- 1
As a visitor
1. Refresh, and try again shortly — it is often temporary. 2. Clear cache/cookies in case a bad request is involved.
- 2
As the operator
1. Check the server error logs — they name the actual exception. 2. Fix the code/config/database error; verify file permissions and resource limits.
Frequently asked questions
Is 500 my fault or the site's?
It's a server-side error — the fix is on the website/server, not the visitor. As a visitor, all you can do is retry or wait.
Last updated July 20, 2026
Guidance only — always consult a qualified professional or the official service manual before carrying out repairs.