Are you facing the dreaded Elementor 500 Error on your WordPress site? Don’t worry — you’re not alone. This common error can be frustrating, but it’s usually easy to fix if you know where to look. In this guide, we’ll explain what causes the Elementor 500 error and walk you through how to fix it step-by-step.
What is the Elementor 500 Error?
The 500 Internal Server Error in Elementor typically occurs due to server-side issues. This error means that something went wrong on the website’s server, but the server couldn’t specify what exactly went wrong. In Elementor, this can be triggered by plugin conflicts, PHP memory limits, or corrupted files.
Causes of Elementor 500 Error
Before fixing the error, it’s important to understand its possible causes:
- ✅ Plugin or theme conflict
- ✅ Corrupted .htaccess file
- ✅ PHP memory limit too low
- ✅ Outdated Elementor or WordPress version
- ✅ Server configuration issues
- ✅ Incorrect file permissions
How to Fix Elementor 500 Error (Step-by-Step)
Follow these steps to resolve the Elementor 500 error and get your website back up and running:
1. Clear Your Browser and Site Cache
Before diving deeper, clear your browser cache and site cache (if you’re using a caching plugin or CDN like Cloudflare).
Tip: Use Incognito Mode to test if the error persists.
2. Deactivate All Plugins Except Elementor
Temporarily deactivate all plugins except Elementor and Elementor Pro.
Steps:
- Go to WordPress Dashboard > Plugins > Installed Plugins
- Deactivate all plugins
- Check if the error is resolved
If Elementor works fine, reactivate plugins one by one to identify the conflict.
3. Switch to a Default WordPress Theme
Sometimes your current theme might be the cause. Switch to a default theme like Twenty Twenty-One or Hello Elementor.
Steps:
- Go to Appearance > Themes
- Activate a default theme
- Check Elementor again
4. Increase PHP Memory Limit
Low PHP memory can trigger a 500 error.
Add this to your wp-config.php file:
phpCopyEditdefine('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M');
Or ask your hosting provider to increase the memory limit.
5. Regenerate the .htaccess File
A corrupted .htaccess file can cause server errors.
Steps:
- Go to Settings > Permalinks
- Click Save Changes (This regenerates the .htaccess file)
6. Check PHP Version Compatibility
Elementor recommends using PHP 7.4 or higher. Check your hosting panel and upgrade PHP if it’s outdated.
7. Enable WordPress Debug Mode
To see the exact error behind the 500 error, enable debug mode.
Add this to wp-config.php:
phpCopyEditdefine( 'WP_DEBUG', true );
define( 'WP_DEBUG_LOG', true );
define( 'WP_DEBUG_DISPLAY', false );
Then check the debug log at /wp-content/debug.log.
8. Reinstall Elementor Plugin
Sometimes reinstalling Elementor can fix corrupted files.
Steps:
- Deactivate and delete Elementor
- Reinstall it from the WordPress repository
- Don’t worry — your data will be safe
9. Contact Hosting Support
If none of the above works, it’s time to contact your hosting provider. Provide them with the error logs and ask if there’s a server-side issue like mod_security or resource limitations.
Bonus: Prevent Future Elementor 500 Errors
- ✅ Keep WordPress, Elementor, and plugins updated
- ✅ Use a reputable hosting provider
- ✅ Avoid installing poorly coded plugins
- ✅ Regularly back up your website
FAQs About Elementor 500 Error
❓ What does the Elementor 500 error mean?
It means the server encountered an internal error, often due to plugin conflicts, low memory, or server issues.
❓ Can I fix the 500 error without coding knowledge?
Yes! Most solutions involve deactivating plugins, switching themes, or increasing memory — all can be done via the WordPress dashboard or cPanel.
❓ Will I lose my Elementor designs when I reinstall the plugin?
No. Your designs are stored in the database and remain safe unless manually deleted.
Final Thoughts
The Elementor 500 Error may seem intimidating, but with a systematic approach, you can fix it quickly. Follow the steps above and keep your site well-maintained to avoid future issues.
Have any questions or need further help? Leave a comment below!
