We all know the frustration of trying to visit a website and then seeing some sort of 500 status Error. These are generic warnings for several computer errors. Basically, the server that hosts the website you are trying to reach cannot complete your request.

The issue causing the 500 error message could be a permissions or security issue with the server, the website reaching its memory limit, bad files on the site or a bad cache on your device, among other issues. 

A 500 Internal Server Error is also referred to as a server error, HTTP error and 500 error.

What 500 Internal Server Error looks like

If you’re browsing the web and hit a 500 Internal Server Error, here’s what it might say:

• 500 Internal Server Error
• 500 Error
• HTTP 500 – Internal Server Error
• HTTP Error 500
• 500. That’s an error
• Temporary Error (500)
• Internal Server Error
• 500
• HTTP 500 Internal Error
• The website cannot display the page
• WU_E_PT_HTTP_STATUS_SERVER_ERROR

What causes 500 Internal Server Error

The 500 Internal Server Error is simply a general indication that something’s wrong on the server side. Several things could cause this, but it’s always on the website server and not an issue with your computer or internet connection.

In most cases, this means the server is down. A server could go down for many reasons, mostly boiling down to one of the following:

• It’s “full” and can’t handle more data (for example, too many people are trying to access the site at one time)
• There’s a mistake with the code

How to fix a 500 Internal Server Error

If you’re not the site owner

• Refreshing after clearing cache and browser history: You can do this on most computers with a keyboard shortcut; F5 should work, as well as CTRL + R on Windows and CMD + R on Mac. You can also find the refresh button in your browser and click that. This might solve the issue if the 500 Error is temporary. Remember to delete your browser’s cookies and restart the browser before you try again. Or, open and browse in a new incognito window.
• Simply coming back later: Sometimes, the 500 status error will be cleared up in time automatically or by the site’s maintenance. Take a break and just come back later to see if the issue is resolved.
• Check the site status page: If you need more immediate assistance, see if the site has a status page. Many SaaS (software-as-a-service) companies have a dedicated webpage that gives users status updates on any technical errors or site outages. Here’s an example of an outage status page from Asana.
• Contact site owner: If the contact information isn’t readily available, and live chat isn’t an option, check social media or do an old-school Google search for the company’s contact information.

If you own the site

If the website is yours and you’re dealing with 500 Internal Server Errors, the steps to resolve the error are more involved. Because it could be many causes, your first task is to diagnose the issue and find out what’s signaling the error message.

To do this, check your server’s log files to pinpoint the issue. Some common scenarios include:

• .htaccess file code error: “A file, containing one or more configuration directives, is placed in a particular document directory, and the directives apply to that directory and all subdirectories thereof,” explains the Apache Tutorial.
• Permissions error: These are incorrect permissions on server files and folders.
• Missing software installation: An error occurred while new software was installed and may require reinstallation.
• Software updates needed: New software may be required or a new version of the current program may need to be updated.
• PHP timeouts when connecting to external resources: This can happen when a “PHP request takes longer than five minutes to produce output, terminates, and produces an HTTP 500 error,” according to Acquia.

To find out how to check your server’s log files, check your website builder’s resource library. Here are a few to get you started:

• WordPress
• Shopify
• Squarespace
• Joomla

If you can’t diagnose and fix it yourself, you also have the option of hiring a professional consultant or company to address the 500 Internal Server Error for you. Do your due diligence to find a company you can trust; ask for referrals from within your network, check the company’s website and look up customer reviews on Google.

More tips for handling 500 Internal Server Errors

As a website user, you don’t have to worry too much about handling 500 Internal Server Errors on your own. But there are a few handy tips to know:

Don’t refresh transactional pages. If you’re entering your credit card or other payment information and receive a 500 Internal Server Error, skip the advice on refreshing your browser and instead contact the site owner directly. If you did refresh the page, be sure to check your statement that you didn’t get duplicative charges.

Look up older versions of the website. A tool like Wayback Machine will allow you to visit historically cached versions of the website and its pages. Note that the content may be different than what’s currently live on the site, and that the design and layout may also be distorted.

Ways to track data usage

• Your router: Some routers do track the amount of data you are using. Use the router’s app or log-in page, and look for a data usage section.
• Your ISP: Some ISPs provide an app to check on your data and/or a mid-month, opt-in email alert to let you know how much you’ve used to date.
• Apps: Third-party apps like Glasswire and Data Monitor are available on Google Play and the App Store to monitor data use.

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