An “internal server error” usually refers to the HTTP status code 500, which means something went wrong on the website’s server, but the server cannot or does not specify exactly what the problem is. It indicates a server‑side issue (such as a misconfiguration, bug in the code, or temporary overload), not a problem with your browser or device.

What it means

An internal server error (500) is a generic message saying the server hit an unexpected condition and could not complete your request. It is part of the 5xx class of errors, which all indicate that the error originates on the server rather than the client.

Common causes

Typical triggers include:

• Misconfigured server settings or corrupt configuration files.

• Bugs or syntax errors in application code (for example, PHP, Python, or other backend scripts).

• Temporary server overload, resource limits being hit, or backend services failing.

What you can do as a user

As a regular user, there is usually limited control, but you can try:

• Refreshing the page or waiting and trying again, in case it is a temporary overload.

• Clearing your browser cache or trying a different browser or device, to rule out a bad cached response.

• Contacting the site owner or support if the error persists, since they must fix it on the server.

What developers/admins check

If you manage the site/server, you typically:

• Inspect server error logs and application logs for stack traces or configuration errors.

• Check recent code changes, file permissions, and configuration (web server, database, proxies, firewalls).

• Verify that all dependent services (database, APIs, upstream servers) are reachable and working correctly.