9 Easy Fixes for “500 Internal Server” Error Nginx

If you’re a web administrator, you know all too well the dreaded 500 internal server error. This error, which is usually caused by an issue with the Nginx web server, is one of the most common and frustrating errors to troubleshoot.

This blog post will discuss the basics of the 500 internal server error Nginx and how to troubleshoot it. So, continue reading.

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What does 500 Internal Server Error Nginx Mean?

The 500 Internal Server Error means that something has gone wrong on the server side, and the server is unable to process the request. This error is most commonly seen on websites powered by Nginx, a popular open-source web server.

The 500 Internal Server Error is a generic error message, caused by several different issues. The most common cause is an incorrect configuration of the Nginx web server.

What Causes Nginx 500 Internal Server Error?

The first and most common cause of Internal Server Error is a network connection issue. If your server is unable to establish a connection, it can cause the server error Nginx.
This can also be caused by a variety of issues, including a weak or slow internet connection, or a firewall issue.
Another potential cause of the error is a broken or faulty script or the misplaced files referenced by the code.
If these files become corrupt, they can cause problems with your website, including Internal Server Errors.
In addition to these reasons, incompatible browser extensions can also cause the discussed error.
If you have recently changed your DNS settings, it is possible that the new settings are conflicting with your website, which can cause the Nginx 500.

How to Fix 500 Internal Server Error Nginx?

Table of Contents

Solution 1: Check your Internet Connection

In several instances, the problem can be traced to a faulty network connection. Therefore, it is important to check your network connection first before attempting to troubleshoot any other potential issues.

When checking your network connection, you should pay close attention to any potential issues with your router, internet connection, or other devices that are connected to the network. If any of these components are not functioning properly, it can lead to a 500 Internal Server Error. Additionally, it is important to make sure that your network is properly configured to support Nginx.

Open a tab in your browser and open any speed test site. From the results, check if the network is stable and high.
If you find the network speed is not as much as expected, consider contacting the Internet Service Provider.
Try rebooting the router by turning off it and powering it later. You can also try an Ethernet connection for stable internet

Solution 2: Launch Incognito Mode to Access the Website

The best way to fix this issue is to launch Incognito Mode. This is a feature within certain web browsers that allows the user to browse the web without saving any data or history. By launching Incognito Mode, no incorrect settings or permissions are being used. This will help to make sure that the website is running correctly and that the Nginx server is responding properly.

Note: In this guide, Google Chrome is taken as an example for all methods, follow the steps according to your browser.

Open Google Chrome and go to a new tab.
Then, press the three-dotted icon at the top right corner of the screen to open Settings.
Now, click the New Incognito window button to launch the browser in private mode.

Now, check if you face the error again.

Solution 3: Launch your Browser in Safe Mode

To fix this error, it is highly recommended to launch your browser in safe mode. Launching your browser in safe mode can help you troubleshoot the issue and help you identify the source of the problem.

It allows you to disable all installed extensions, add-ons, and plugins. These extensions, add-ons, and plugins can sometimes interfere with the functioning of the website and can lead to 500 internal server errors.

By disabling them, you can make sure that your website is running properly and that there are no conflicts that could be causing the issue. It also allows you to reset browser settings that are contributing to the error.

Click on the shortcut of the Chrome icon on the desktop and right-click on them.
Now, click on the Target field and add –incognito at the end of the command.

Select the Apply>OK buttons to save the recent changes.
Now, open your browser with this shortcut every time.

Check if you have fixed the discussed error.

Solution 4: Clear Cookies & Cache

The cookies and cache contain old data that may interfere with the functioning of the website. This data can take the form of old versions of files, images, or even code that is no longer valid or compatible with the website. Sometimes, they may conflict with the servers and lead to several errors and issues including the one Nginx Internal Server Error.

The process of clearing your cookies and cache is relatively simple and can be done in a few steps as instructed below.

Open your browser and click on the three-dotted icon at the top right corner.

Note: You can directly navigate to the Cache & Cookies page by typing chrome://settings/clearBrowserData in the address bar.

Now, press the More tools option from the drop-down menu as shown.

Next, tap on the Clear browsing data

Now, choose the Time range (for example All time), and now, click on Clear data. Make sure you select the Cookies and other site data box and the Cached images and files box before you do it.

Solution 5: Remove Unnecessary Browser Extensions

Browser extensions can cause conflicts with the server and cause the Nginx 500 Internal Server Error on your PC. Once the extension has been disabled, the server should be able to function properly again. Follow the below-listed instructions to disable & delete the browser extensions.

Open your browser and navigate to More tools options as you did in the above method.

Note: To navigate to the extensions page directly, type chrome://extensions/ in the address bar.

Then, click on the Extensions option from the list.

Toggle off the extensions one by one and check if you can launch the webpage. If you do not face the error after disabling any particular extension, then click on the Remove button to delete it from your browser.

Restart your browser and check if the error is fixed now.

Solution 6: Change DNS Server

If the DNS server is not responding or configured properly or is experiencing issues, it may be unable to resolve the domain names into the correct IP addresses and the user will not be able to access the website.

There are many different DNS providers available, so it is important to research the different options and choose one that is reliable and secure. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the DNS server is compatible with the web server being used.

Press the Windows + R keys together to go to the Run dialog box.
Now, enter ncpa.cpl and click on OK.

Then, right-click on the active network device and click on the Properties option from the drop-down list.

In the upcoming screen, click on the Internet Protocol Version 4(TCP/IPv4)
Then, select the Properties
Next, double-click on Internet Protocol Version 4(TCP/IPv4) to open the Properties window.

In the upcoming Properties screen, select the radio button next to ‘Use the following DNS server addresses.’
Now, type the following numerical values in the respective fields of the Preferred DNS server and Alternate DNS server.
- 8.8.8.8
- 8.8.4.4

Finally, click on the box Validate settings upon exit and then tap on the OK

These new DNS addresses will establish a new network connection and will fix Nginx 500 errors on your PC.

Solution 7: Disable VPN

Disabling a VPN is an important step to take when dealing with Nginx internal server errors. A VPN can interfere with the normal flow of traffic between the server and the user, resulting in the discussed error. It can allow the server to accept all IP addresses, resulting in a smoother connection and a better user experience. Follow the below instructions to disable VPN on your device.

Click on the Windows key and enter VPN settings in the search bar. Then, click Open to launch it.

Navigate to the left pane in the Settings window, and click on the VPN
Toggle off the below-listed VPN options under Advanced Options:
- Allow VPN over metered networks
- Allow VPN while roaming

Solution 8: Disable the Proxy

A proxy server is a computer that acts as an intermediary between a user’s computer and the internet. It is used to improve the speed and security of web requests, as well as to bypass certain restrictions. When a proxy server is misconfigured, it can cause a 500 internal server error as the web server can’t properly process requests. Additionally, if the proxy server is being used for specific requests, those requests can be disabled in the server configuration.

If using the third-party proxy service then avoid using it.

Hit the Windows button and type Proxy as shown below. Now, click on Change proxy settings from the search results.

Then, toggle off the below-listed settings:
- Automatically detect settings
- Use setup script
- Use a proxy server

Also Read: What to Do When Proxy Won’t Turn Off on Windows 10?

Solution 9: Flush DNS and Reset TCP/IP

Flushing the DNS cache and resetting the TCP/IP stack can be an effective way to fix the 500 internal server errors. This process can help to ensure that the most up-to-date information is being used and can help to resolve any issues with the TCP/IP stack.

Also, any active web sessions will have to be restarted and some applications may need to be reconfigured. Follow these instructions to flush DNS and reset TCP/IP on your PC.

Press the Windows key on the keyboard and type
Then, click on the Run as administrator option from the list.
Type the below-mentioned commands one by one and hit Enter.

ipconfig /flushdns
ipconfig /registerdns
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
netsh winsock reset

Reboot your PC once all these commands are executed successfully and check if the internal server issue is fixed now or not.