How to Resolve WordPress 500 Admin Error | http error 500 wordpress wp-admin Content Not Showing

Encountering a WordPress 500 admin error (HTTP Error 500) can be frustrating, as it typically indicates a server-side issue. This error can prevent you from accessing the WordPress admin dashboard. Here are steps to help you diagnose and resolve the issue:

Please note: Before proceeding with these steps, it’s essential to create a backup of your WordPress site and database. You can do this through your hosting provider’s control panel or with a WordPress backup plugin.

1. Check for Plugin or Theme Conflicts:

   Often, faulty plugins or themes can cause HTTP Error 500. To determine if this is the issue, follow these steps:

   • Connect to your website using an FTP client or your hosting’s file manager.
   • Navigate to the “wp-content” directory.
   • Rename the “plugins” folder to something like “plugins_old.”
   • Try accessing your WordPress admin dashboard (wp-admin). If the error is gone, a plugin is causing the problem.

   To find the problematic plugin:

   • Rename the “plugins_old” folder back to “plugins.”
   • Access your WordPress admin dashboard.
   • Deactivate each plugin one by one and check the admin dashboard after each deactivation.
   • When you encounter the HTTP Error 500 again, you’ve found the faulty plugin. Consider finding an alternative or contacting the plugin developer for support.

   If the issue persists after deactivating all plugins, try switching to a default WordPress theme (e.g., Twenty Twenty-One) to see if a theme conflict is the cause.

2. Increase PHP Memory Limit:

   Sometimes, a low PHP memory limit can trigger the HTTP Error 500. To increase it:

   • Access your website’s files via FTP or your hosting’s file manager.
   • Locate the wp-config.php file and open it for editing.
   • Add the following code just before the line that says “That’s all, stop editing! Happy blogging.”
     phpCopy code

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


     This code sets the PHP memory limit to 256 megabytes, but you can adjust it as needed.

   • Save the file and check if the error is resolved.
3. Check for Corrupted .htaccess File:

   WordPress uses an .htaccess file for configuring server settings. A corrupted .htaccess file can lead to HTTP Error 500. To fix this:

   • Access your website’s root directory via FTP or your hosting’s file manager.
   • Locate the .htaccess file and rename it to something like .htaccess_old.
   • Try accessing your WordPress admin dashboard again. If the error is gone, go to “Settings” > “Permalinks” in your WordPress dashboard and click “Save Changes” to generate a new .htaccess file.
4. Check Server Error Logs:

   Access your hosting account’s error logs to get more information about the HTTP Error 500. These logs can provide details about the specific error causing the problem. Contact your hosting provider’s support if you need assistance locating or interpreting the logs.

5. Reupload WordPress Core Files:

   If none of the above steps resolve the issue, consider reuploading a fresh copy of the WordPress core files. This ensures that any corrupted or missing core files are replaced.

   • Download the latest version of WordPress from the official website (https://wordpress.org/download/).
   • Extract the downloaded zip file.
   • Access your website’s files via FTP or your hosting’s file manager.
   • Upload all the extracted WordPress files and folders, overwriting the existing ones.
6. Contact Your Hosting Provider:

   If none of the above steps work, the issue might be related to server configuration problems. In this case, it’s best to contact your hosting provider’s support for further assistance. Provide them with as much information as possible, including the steps you’ve taken to troubleshoot the error.

By following these steps, you can often diagnose and resolve the WordPress 500 admin error and regain access to your WordPress admin dashboard.