Seeing a “500 Internal Server Error” while working with Elementor can be frustrating, especially when you’re trying to edit pages using the Egens Lab theme.
This kind of error typically prevents the Elementor editor from loading, making it impossible to make changes to your site.
The good news is that this issue doesn’t usually come from Elementor itself. A 500 error points to a problem on the server side. In most cases, it’s related to server resources, plugin conflicts, or theme compatibility.
In this guide, we’ll look at what causes this error and walk through a step-by-step process to fix it.
What causes the 500 internal server error in Elementor?
The “500 Internal Server Error” means that something went wrong on the server, and the request couldn’t be completed. This isn’t an issue with Elementor’s core files. Instead, it usually points to a conflict or limitation in your site’s environment.
Below are the most common reasons why this error appears when using Elementor.
1. Low PHP memory limit
Elementor needs enough memory to load the editor and handle large page content. If your server has a low memory limit set in its PHP configuration, Elementor may fail to open. This is one of the most common causes of the 500 error.
2. Plugin conflict
Sometimes, other plugins on your site interfere with Elementor. Security plugins, cache plugins, or optimization tools can block or conflict with requests that Elementor depends on. Disabling certain plugins temporarily can help pinpoint the one causing the issue.
3. Theme or custom code issues
An outdated or poorly coded theme can also trigger server errors. The same goes for any custom code added to your theme or child theme. If the code has errors or is incompatible with Elementor, the editor might crash when trying to load.
4. PHP version compatibility
Elementor recommends using a stable and supported version of PHP. If your server is running an older or experimental PHP version, it may cause compatibility issues with the plugin or your theme.
5. Server configuration or hosting limits
Some hosting environments have strict limits on things like execution time, memory, or file size. Security tools like ModSecurity can also block Elementor’s requests. These restrictions can prevent Elementor from functioning as expected and result in a 500 error.
How to fix the Elementor 500 error (Step-by-step guide)
If you’re seeing a 500 Internal Server Error while trying to use Elementor, follow these steps in order. Each one addresses a common cause of the issue and can help get the editor working again.
Step 1: Increase PHP memory limit
The first thing to check is whether your site has enough memory allocated to handle Elementor.
To increase the memory limit:
- Open your wp-config.php file (found in the root of your WordPress installation).
- Add the following lines just before the line that says /* That’s all, stop editing! */:
define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M');
define('WP_MAX_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M');Save the file and try opening Elementor again. If memory were the issue, this change should allow the editor to load.
Step 2: Check for plug-in conflicts
If increasing memory doesn’t help, the next step is to look for plugin conflicts.
- From your WordPress dashboard, go to the Plugins page.
- Deactivate all plugins except Elementor.
- Try editing a page with Elementor again.
If the editor doesn’t work, you know one of the other plugins is causing the problem. Reactivate them one by one and test Elementor after each one to find the plugin causing the conflict.
Step 3: Switch to a default theme
Your theme might be incompatible with Elementor or have custom code that triggers a server error.
- Go to Appearance > Themes.
- Activate a default WordPress theme like Twenty Twenty-Four.
- Test Elementor again.
If Elementor opens correctly now, the problem is related to your theme. You may need to update it or remove any custom code that’s causing the issue.
Step 4: Check PHP version compatibility
Elementor works best with PHP versions 7.4 or 8.0. Older versions might be too limited, while very new versions could be unstable with some plugins.
You can check your PHP version in your hosting control panel, or install a plugin like Site Health Info to view it inside WordPress.
If needed, ask your hosting provider to change the PHP version to a supported one.
Step 5: Enable WordPress debug mode
Debug mode can help you find out what exactly is going wrong.
- Open your wp-config.php file.
- Add or update these lines:
define('WP_DEBUG', true);
define('WP_DEBUG_LOG', true);
define('WP_DEBUG_DISPLAY', false);- Save the file and try opening Elementor again.
- Then, check the error log located in /wp-content/debug.log for any messages that point to the issue.
This can give you specific details that help in fixing the error or reporting it to support.
Step 6: Contact your hosting provider
If none of the above steps solves the problem, the issue could be on the server side.
Ask your hosting provider to:
- Increase these PHP settings:
- max_execution_time
- memory_limit
- upload_max_filesize
- Check the server error logs for more details
- Whitelist Elementor from any ModSecurity rules or firewall restrictions
Most hosts are familiar with Elementor and should be able to help with these requests.
Final thoughts
A 500 Internal Server Error can seem serious, but in most cases, it comes down to a server setting, plugin conflict, or theme issue. If you’re using Elementor with EgensLab themes and run into this error, the steps above should help you troubleshoot and fix it without much hassle.
Always make sure your site meets Elementor’s system requirements and that your plugins, theme, and PHP version are all up to date. If you’re working on a live site, consider creating a backup before making changes, especially when editing code or deactivating plugins.
If the problem continues after going through all the steps, reach out to your hosting provider or a WordPress developer for help. Resolving server errors early can prevent bigger problems down the line and keep your workflow smooth.
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