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A GoDaddy WordPress 500 Internal Server Error is a generic server response, not proof that a specific plugin, file, theme, or hosting limit is responsible. On older WordPress installs, the same failure may appear as a blank white page. Back up the site before changing files, then test one possible cause at a time so you can undo changes that do not help.
Before troubleshooting: confirm the error and protect your site
Make a backup before editing or renaming files or changing database settings. The WordPress dashboard and hosting File Manager may be unavailable during the failure, so you may need FTP access to the installation.
Confirm that the problem is a 500 response or a WordPress blank-page symptom—not a DNS, browser, or different WordPress error. The 500 response alone does not identify the cause. GoDaddy describes the issue as potentially related to WordPress, a plugin, a theme, or a control file.
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Use an FTP client to access the hosting account; FileZilla is one option, not a requirement. Find the WordPress root directory by looking for wp-admin, wp-content, and wp-config.php. GoDaddy provides account-specific FTP instructions for Managed WordPress, cPanel, and Plesk hosting in its WordPress internal server error guide.
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Test likely causes one at a time
1. Temporarily rename the root .htaccess file
A corrupt .htaccess is one possible cause. In the WordPress root directory, show hidden files if needed; .htaccess is hidden by default. Rename it to .htaccess.disabled, then open the site in a private browser window.
- If the site loads, sign in to WordPress and reset the permalinks so WordPress can create a replacement
.htaccess. Check any custom rewrite rules you rely on before removing the renamed file. - If the error remains, restore the original filename and continue troubleshooting.
Do not leave the site without rewrite rules it needs. GoDaddy notes that invalid .htaccess rules are a common source of 500 errors on cPanel hosting.
2. Check the PHP and WordPress memory settings
GoDaddy suggests increasing the WordPress memory limit. If that does not help, its troubleshooting guide suggests trying a PHP memory limit of 256M or 512M; these are troubleshooting suggestions, not universal requirements or guaranteed fixes.
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3. Isolate plugin conflicts
In the WordPress root directory, rename wp-content/plugins to plugins.renamed, then test the site.
- If the site loads, rename the folder back to
plugins. Disable or re-enable plugins one at a time until the conflict returns and you identify the likely cause. - If the error remains, keep the original folder name and move to the next check.
Updating the implicated plugin may resolve the conflict. If it does not, consult that plugin’s official documentation or support forum.
4. Check WordPress core files, if your hosting plan allows it
GoDaddy suggests replacing matching-version wp-admin and wp-includes folders if core files appear corrupted. Do this only after confirming your hosting type and making a backup. Do not manually replace core files on Managed Hosting for WordPress: GoDaddy says those core files are preinstalled and managed.
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If the earlier checks do not restore the site, test a default WordPress theme. If you can access the dashboard, switch themes there. If you cannot, GoDaddy says the theme may need to be changed through the database; you may need to install a default theme over FTP first.
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If the site works with the default theme, update your usual theme and test it again. A theme change that restores the site points toward the theme as a likely cause, but does not by itself establish why it failed.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Use logs or debug mode to get more detail
Check hosting logs for your platform
Available diagnostics depend on the hosting setup. GoDaddy’s common web page errors guide says Linux users can inspect Apache error logs in cPanel, while Windows hosting users can enable detailed errors in web.config. On Windows hosting, invalid requests through web.config are a common source of 500 errors.
Enable WordPress debug mode only when appropriate
Debug mode can reveal details hidden by the generic 500 response or blank page. Follow GoDaddy’s hosting-specific debug mode instructions for your environment. Turn debug mode off after diagnosis; GoDaddy warns that leaving it enabled can create security issues.
When to contact support
If you are uncomfortable using FTP, changing database settings, or replacing files, GoDaddy identifies WordPress Premium Support as an option for advanced troubleshooting. Confirm current service scope and eligibility directly with GoDaddy.
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