How to Fix Elementor Server Error 500? (7 Easy Methods)

I know you're running into an Elementor 500 Internal Server Error & yeah man, that’s really frustrating, I know, I know.

But don’t worry—Kuldeep (Your Elementor Guy) this side & I’m here to help you fix it quickly so you can get back to building your site.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through simple steps & 5-6 methods to troubleshoot and resolve the Elementor Server Error 500 in the next 5 mins.

What is the 500 Internal Server Error?

The 500 Internal Server Error is a general error message that indicates something went wrong on the server, but the server can’t be more specific about the exact problem.

In Elementor, this usually happens due to
– overloaded databases,
– plugin conflicts,
– or server resource limits.

Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing the 500 Internal Server Error

1. Optimize Your Database

A cluttered or overloaded database is often the culprit behind the 500 error. Optimizing your database can free up resources and solve the problem.

• Use WP-Optimize Plugin:
  Install and activate WP-Optimize from the WordPress plugin repository.
  Go to WP-Optimize > Database and click Run all selected optimizations.

• Automate Optimization with FlyingPress:
  • If you’re not yet using FlyingPress or a similar caching plugin, that can automate database optimizations, you’re making extra efforts.

I strongly recommend FlyingPress as the #1 Speed Optimization Plugin for WordPress & Elementor Sites. Click here to get it at a 30% renewal discount.

• Go to FlyingPress > Database and enable automated cleanups.

2. Increase PHP Memory Limit

Sometimes, the 500 error happens because your site doesn’t have enough memory to work properly. Here’s how to increase it:

• Edit wp-config.php File:
  • Access your site’s files using an FTP client or your hosting provider’s file manager. (Hosting services like Hostinger provides an easy-to-use File Manager)

• Find the wp-config.php file in the root directory.
• Add the following line before the “That's all, stop editing!” line:

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

3. Check for Plugin Conflicts

Sometimes, plugins don’t play nice with each other, causing conflicts that lead to the 500 error. Here’s how to check:

• Deactivate Plugins:
  • Go to Plugins > Installed Plugins and deactivate all plugins individually to see if the error is resolved. (I said all that doesn’t mean you’ll deactivate Elementor too)
• Reactivate Plugins One by One:
  • Start reactivating your plugins one at a time.
  • After activating each plugin, check your site to see if the error reappears.

4. Check Your .htaccess File

The .htaccess file controls many aspects of your server, and if it’s corrupted, it can cause a 500 error.

• Restore Default .htaccess:
  • Go to your site’s root directory and locate the .htaccess file.
  • Rename it to .htaccess_old to deactivate it.

• Go to Settings > Permalinks in your WordPress dashboard and click Save Changes to generate a new .htaccess file.

5. Switch to a Default Theme

If the error persists, your theme might be the issue.

• Switch to a Default WordPress Theme:
  • Go to Appearance > Themes and activate a default theme like Twenty Twenty-Three.
  • Check if the error is resolved.

6. Enable Debugging Mode

If you’re still having trouble, enabling debugging mode can help you pinpoint the issue.

• Enable Debugging in wp-config.php:
  • Open your wp-config.php file.
  • Find the line that says define(‘WP_DEBUG', false); and change it to:

define('WP_DEBUG', true);
define('WP_DEBUG_LOG', true);
define('WP_DEBUG_DISPLAY', false);

This will log errors to a debug.log file in your wp-content directory.

7. Contact Your Hosting Provider

If none of the above solutions work, it might be an issue with your server.

• Reach Out for Support:
  • Contact your hosting provider’s support team and provide them with details about the issue.
  • They may be able to identify server-related issues or provide additional resources.

Quick Note: If you’ve got an Elementor Site, don’t go cheap on your Hosting, Invest in a solid & reliable hosting provider. I use & recommend Hostinger for beginner sites & Cloudways for more complex sites where business matters to you.

How to Prevent Future 500 Errors in Elementor?

You don’t want to fix the same issue again & again whether it’s your site or your relationship. So, here’s how you can avoid running into the 500 error again:

• Regularly Optimize Your Database: Use plugins like FlyingPress to keep your database clean & optimized (The plugin provides daily, weekly & monthly automated database optimization)
• Keep Plugins and Themes Updated: Always update your plugins, themes, and WordPress core to avoid compatibility issues.
• Monitor Server Resources: Keep an eye on your hosting plan’s resources, declutter & keep the only required stuff, and upgrade if necessary to handle your Elementor site’s needs.

Now that I’ve provided you with precautions, let me quickly answer some of the frequently asked questions…

FAQs | Elementor Server Error 500

Wrapping It Up

Fixing the Elementor Server Error 500 doesn’t have to be stressful.

By following the steps & methods outlined in this guide,
you should be able to resolve the issue.

And remember, keeping your site optimized and up-to-date is the key to avoiding this error in the future.

If you ever get stuck, you know whom you’ve to reach out to for help!

Cheers,
Kuldeep – Your Elementor Guy