How to Fix a 500 Internal Server Error when Creating a Subdomain on WordPress
As a WordPress user, you may have encountered the dreaded "500 Internal Server Error" when trying to create a new subdomain. This error can be a real headache, as it often indicates a server-side issue that can be difficult to diagnose and resolve.
In this article, we'll dive into the common causes of the 500 Internal Server Error when creating a subdomain on WordPress, and provide you with step-by-step solutions to get your site back up and running.
Understanding the 500 Internal Server Error
The 500 Internal Server Error is a general HTTP status code that indicates a problem on the server-side of your website. This can be caused by a wide range of issues, including:
- PHP Version Incompatibility: Your WordPress site may be running on an older version of PHP that is incompatible with the requirements of your subdomain.
- Server Configuration Issues: Problems with your server's configuration, such as incorrect file permissions or .htaccess settings, can also trigger a 500 Internal Server Error.
- Plugin or Theme Conflicts: Incompatible or malfunctioning plugins or themes can sometimes cause server-side errors.
- Database Errors: Issues with your WordPress database, such as a corrupted table or a problem with the database connection, can also lead to a 500 Internal Server Error.
Troubleshooting the 500 Internal Server Error
To resolve the 500 Internal Server Error when creating a subdomain on your WordPress site, follow these steps:
Step 1: Check Your PHP Version
One of the most common causes of a 500 Internal Server Error when creating a subdomain is an incompatible PHP version. WordPress has specific PHP version requirements, and if your subdomain is running on an older or unsupported version, it can trigger this error.
To check your PHP version, follow these steps:
- Log in to your hosting provider's control panel (e.g., cPanel, Plesk, or your hosting dashboard).
- Navigate to the "MultiPHP Manager" or "PHP Configuration" section.
- Locate the PHP version used for your main WordPress site and the subdomain you're trying to create.
- If the PHP version for the subdomain is not compatible with your main WordPress site, change it to a supported version. Typically, you'll want to use the same PHP version as your main WordPress site.
After changing the PHP version, try creating the subdomain again. If the 500 Internal Server Error persists, move on to the next step.
Step 2: Check File Permissions
Incorrect file permissions can also cause a 500 Internal Server Error when creating a subdomain. Make sure that the files and folders for your WordPress site and the new subdomain have the correct permissions.
- Connect to your WordPress site via SFTP or SSH.
- Navigate to the root directory of your WordPress installation and the subdomain folder.
- Ensure that the file permissions for both the main site and the subdomain are set correctly. The recommended permissions are:
- Directories: 755 (or 750)
- Files: 644 (or 640)
If the file permissions are not correct, update them and try creating the subdomain again.
Step 3: Deactivate Plugins and Switch to a Default Theme
Conflicts with plugins or themes can sometimes trigger a 500 Internal Server Error. To rule out this possibility, try the following:
- Log in to your WordPress admin dashboard.
- Deactivate all your plugins by going to "Plugins" > "Deactivate" for each plugin.
- Switch to a default WordPress theme, such as Twenty Twenty-One or Twenty Twenty-Two.
- Try creating the subdomain again.
If the error is resolved, you can start re-activating your plugins one by one to identify the culprit. Once you've found the problematic plugin or theme, you can either update it, replace it with an alternative, or contact the plugin/theme developer for assistance.
Get a Free AI Website Audit
Automatically identify UX and content issues affecting your conversion rates with Flowpoint's comprehensive AI-driven website audit.
Step 4: Check Your .htaccess File
The .htaccess file is a configuration file that can affect your WordPress site's behavior, including subdomain creation. If the .htaccess file is misconfigured, it can trigger a 500 Internal Server Error.
To check your .htaccess file:
- Connect to your WordPress site via SFTP or SSH.
- Locate the .htaccess file in the root directory of your WordPress installation.
- Open the .htaccess file in a text editor and check for any custom rules or configurations that might be causing the issue.
- If you find any suspicious-looking rules, try removing them or resetting the .htaccess file to the default WordPress configuration.
After making any changes to the .htaccess file, save it and try creating the subdomain again.
Step 5: Investigate Database Issues
In some cases, a 500 Internal Server Error when creating a subdomain can be caused by a problem with your WordPress database. This could be due to a corrupted table or an issue with the database connection.
To check for database-related issues:
- Log in to your WordPress admin dashboard.
- Go to "Tools" > "Database Repair" and click the "Repair Database" button.
- If the database repair process identifies any issues, follow the instructions to resolve them.
- If the 500 Internal Server Error persists, you may need to contact your hosting provider for further assistance in troubleshooting the database connection.
Preventing Future 500 Internal Server Errors
To prevent future 500 Internal Server Errors when creating subdomains on your WordPress site, consider the following best practices:
- Keep WordPress, Plugins, and Themes Up-to-Date: Regularly update your WordPress installation, plugins, and themes to ensure compatibility and reduce the risk of conflicts.
- Monitor Server Configuration: Regularly check your server's configuration, including PHP versions, file permissions, and .htaccess settings, to ensure they are properly configured for your WordPress site.
- Use a Staging Environment: Set up a staging environment to test new subdomains or other changes before implementing them on your live site. This can help you catch and resolve issues before they affect your production website.
- Utilize Flowpoint.ai: Consider using a web analytics tool like Flowpoint.ai to monitor your website's performance, identify technical issues, and generate recommendations to improve your site's conversion rates.
By following these steps and proactively maintaining your WordPress site, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of encountering a 500 Internal Server Error when creating subdomains in the future.