Finding errors: logs and debugging

When a page shows an error or a blank screen, the error log usually says why.

1. In cPanel, open Errors (or Metrics → Errors) to see the latest web server errors.
2. Check for an error_log file in your site's folder in File Manager; PHP writes its errors there.
3. Read the last lines: they name the file and line causing the problem.

Common causes of "500 Internal Server Error"

• A mistake in the .htaccess file. Rename it to .htaccess-old to test.
• A PHP error in a plugin or theme.
• Wrong file permissions: folders should be 755 and files 644.
• A PHP version your site doesn't support. See Changing the PHP version.