Elementor update server error 500: solutions

Elementor is one of the most widely used WordPress page builders, empowering users to create sleek, responsive websites without touching a line of code. However, the flexibility and power of Elementor can be occasionally overshadowed by technical hiccups. One such common error that users often encounter during updates is the dreaded “500 Internal Server Error.” This issue can bring design work to a halt and lead to potential website downtime—a risk no site owner wants to face.

In this article, we’ll take a detailed look at the causes and solutions for the Elementor update server error 500. Our aim is to help you troubleshoot and resolve the error quickly, maintaining the performance and stability of your WordPress site.

What is a 500 Internal Server Error?

The 500 Internal Server Error is a general-purpose error that indicates a problem on the server’s end. It doesn’t provide a specific message pointing to the root issue, which makes diagnosing and fixing the problem a bit more challenging. When this error occurs during an Elementor update, it usually means that something went wrong while the server was processing the update request.

There are several potential causes, including:

• Server configuration issues
• Plugin or theme conflicts
• Insufficient memory limits
• Corrupted plugin files
• Timeouts during update operations

Now, let’s go through a step-by-step approach to resolving the Elementor update server error 500.

1. Enable Debug Mode

The first step to solving any error is understanding what’s going wrong. WordPress includes a built-in debugging tool that can be enabled by editing the wp-config.php file. Add the following lines to it:

define( 'WP_DEBUG', true );
define( 'WP_DEBUG_LOG', true );
define( 'WP_DEBUG_DISPLAY', false );

This will create a debug log in wp-content/debug.log where you can review messages that might reveal the specific cause of the 500 error.

2. Update PHP and Server Software

Elementor requires PHP 7.4 or higher to function correctly. An outdated PHP version can conflict with the plugin’s requirements, leading to a server error during updates.

Verify and update the following server components:

• PHP version – recommended: PHP 8.1 or higher
• Apache or NGINX – latest stable version
• MySQL – version 5.6 or greater, or MariaDB 10.1 or greater

Ask your hosting provider for assistance if you’re unsure how to check or upgrade these components.

3. Check PHP Memory Limits

One of the most common causes of a 500 internal server error during an Elementor update is hitting the PHP memory limit. WordPress and heavy-duty plugins like Elementor require a fair amount of memory to function smoothly during updates.

Open your php.ini file or ask your host to increase the following values:

• memory_limit = 256M or higher
• max_execution_time = 300
• upload_max_filesize = 64M
• post_max_size = 128M

These resource increases should help prevent timeouts and memory issues during plugin updates.

4. Deactivate Third-party Plugins

Conflicts between Elementor and other plugins are another frequent cause of errors. To determine if a plugin conflict is responsible, follow these steps:

1. Access your site via FTP or cPanel.
2. Navigate to the wp-content/plugins directory.
3. Rename the plugins folder to plugins_old.
4. Check if the error clears. If so, one of the plugins was causing the issue.

Now rename the folder back and reactivate plugins one by one via WordPress admin to identify the offending plugin. Deactivate or replace it as needed.

5. Switch to a Default Theme

Theme-related conflicts are an often-overlooked suspect in 500 errors. Elementor’s robust features can sometimes clash with custom-coded themes or bloated multipurpose themes. To rule this out:

• Switch to a default WordPress theme like Twenty Twenty-One.
• Reattempt the Elementor update.

If the update completes successfully, the theme is the likely cause. You may need to contact the theme developer or consider switching to a more compatible theme.

6. Reinstall Elementor Manually

If the update fails repeatedly, reinstalling Elementor manually can often bypass the conflict causing the 500 error:

1. Download the latest version of Elementor from the official plugin repository.
2. Via FTP or File Manager, navigate to wp-content/plugins.
3. Delete the existing elementor folder (do this only if you have a backup).
4. Upload the new version’s folder and activate it in your WordPress dashboard.

This often helps when the problem stems from corrupted plugin files or a failed earlier update.

7. Check Server Logs for Errors

Server-side logs offer more granular details than WordPress debug logs. You can find these through your hosting control panel or by contacting your hosting provider.

Look for entries matching your update attempt timeframe. Common issues will reference:

• Permission errors (e.g., 403, file ownership)
• Fatal PHP errors
• CGI timeouts

Resolving these specific server-side issues may require hosting support or advanced configuration changes.

8. Switch to a More Reliable Hosting

If Elementor update failures and 500 errors are frequent, your current hosting environment may not be equipped to handle modern WordPress site needs. Consider shifting to a WordPress-optimized host offering the following:

• Advanced caching and CDN integration
• Automatic backups and staging environments
• Support for large PHP memory and execution times
• WordPress-specific support and troubleshooting

Top Elementor-friendly hosts include SiteGround, Kinsta, WP Engine, and Cloudways.

9. Restore a Working Backup

If you’ve tried the steps above but are unable to remove the 500 error, it may be time to restore from a recent backup. Most reliable hosting providers offer daily backups. Alternatively, use backup solutions like UpdraftPlus or BlogVault to bring your site back to its last known stable version.

It is highly recommended to always back up your site before performing plugin updates.

Preventative Measures

Once you’ve recovered or resolved the issue, it’s important to implement best practices to avoid repeat incidents:

• Use a staging site to test plugin updates before applying them to your live site.
• Keep all themes and plugins updated regularly.
• Monitor server health through tools like Query Monitor or New Relic.
• Limit the number of installed and active plugins to reduce potential conflicts.

Conclusion

The Elementor update server error 500 is frustrating but rarely irreparable. With a systematic approach—debugging, adjusting server configurations, deactivating conflicting plugins, and reinstalling—you can safely bring your site back online and ensure smoother updates in the future.

If the issue persists despite all manual efforts, don’t hesitate to contact Elementor’s support or enlist the help of a professional WordPress developer. Remember, prevention is key. Maintain a good backup strategy, use quality web hosting, and regularly monitor your website’s performance to stay ahead of such problems.