500 Internal Server Error

500 Internal Server Error meaning in English

500 Internal Server Error

Status

500 Internal Server Error

A 500 Internal Server Error HTTP response status code is used when a server encounters a general error.

500 errors can occur for a variety of reasons when a server suffers from a generic error that it cannot identify.

What type of HTTP status is a 500?

A 500 is in the 5xx class of status codes which are server error based.

When should a 500 response be used?

500 errors should be used by a server when it encounters a generic error.

Does a 500 HTTP status affect SEO?

Yes, potentially. If your homepage, entire website, or a specific page that should be indexed responds with a 500 error - that really isn't good. If it stays like that for an extended period there is a high chance Google may de-index the resource.

If your site is suffering from a 500 error you should try to resolve the issue as soon as possible.

How to fix a 500 error?

If you are getting a 500 error for your website or a particular resource there can be a variety of technical reasons.

500 errors are frequently caused by a problem with:

  • Server/hosting
  • .htaccess/redirects
  • Plugins
  • Theme
  • CMS

If you have recently changed something significant at a server, plugin, theme, or CMS level, that could be something to investigate.

If possible you can try restoring your site from a backup, or if using WordPress try deactivating all your plugins and reactivating them one at a time.

Caching plugins are also a common source of WordPress errors.

HTTP Response Status Codes List

200 OK, 301 Moved Permanently, 302 Found, 303 See Other, 307 Temporary Redirect, 308 Permanent Redirect, 403 Forbidden, 404 Not Found, 410 Gone, 451 Unavailable For Legal Reasons, 500 Internal Server Error

Citation URL

https://www.searchcandy.uk/seo/seo-glossary/http-500/

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What is this content? This article is part of an SEO glossary and reference guide created by Search Candy - an SEO consultancy based in the UK. The Search Candy team is committed to providing content that adheres to the highest editorial standards. The date this article was created and last checked for accuracy is posted above. To reuse this content please get in touch via our contact form.
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