WordPress 500 Internal Server Error Due to Bad Plugins: A Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing the Issue

Are you experiencing a frustrating WordPress 500 internal server error due to bad plugins? This error can be caused by a newly installed or updated plugin, and it's essential to identify and remove the culprit to get your website up and running again. In this article, we'll guide you through a step-by-step process to diagnose and fix the issue.

The first step is to determine which plugin is causing the problem. Once you've identified the offending plugin, remove it completely and either reinstall it or find an alternative that performs the same function. If the issue persists after removing the plugin, repeat the process until all plugins are deactivated or your website is functioning properly again.

To do this, follow these steps:

1. Open the Plugins folder in your WordPress dashboard and locate the bad plugin.

2. Rename the directory of the problematic plugin by adding 'disabled' to its name, which will effectively turn it off.

3. Log in to your hosting control panel's File Manager (e.g., Hostinger's hPanel) and navigate to the public_html folder, then select the wp-content directory.

Alternatively, if you don't have access to your dashboard, you can disable or remove plugins through the File Manager on your hosting control panel.

4. Look for the error message, which will indicate which plugin is causing the problem.

5. One by one, make each plugin active again and test your site after each one to determine which plugin is responsible for the issue.

Another approach is to deactivate all plugins at once:

1. From the WordPress dashboard, go to the Installed Plugins page.

2. Click on the green Active buttons next to each plugin and change them to Inactive.

If you're still able to access your WordPress dashboard through the File Manager, do so by selecting the Plugins option.

In most cases, a WordPress HTTP error 500 occurs due to a new plugin installation or update. By deactivating or removing the problematic plugin, you can easily fix the issue and get your website back online.

Before proceeding with this tutorial, we recommend making a backup of your site to prevent any file loss during the changes.

Remember to always keep a close eye on your plugins and regularly update them to ensure your website remains secure and running smoothly. By following these steps, you'll be able to identify and fix the source of the error, getting your WordPress site up and running again in no time.

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