How to Fix 500 Internal Server Error in NGINX?

NGINX is an open-source software i.e., used for load balancing, caching, and reverse proxying. This has been designed for great performance and stability. The 500 internal server error is a common problem that saves you from giving a proper response.

These errors can appear because of missing files or faulty scripts. This is a reverse proxy server. One of the common reasons for internal server error ar web servers such as Apache. If you wish to know more about the same, then read ahead. 

What does Internal Server Error 500 Mean?

This error code indicates that the website is facing an unexpected condition that is not letting it fulfill the request. This is a general catch-all response, which represents that the server cannot find a better code in response. It has a general HTTP status code on the server. However, this is not exactly the problem. 

How can I Fix 500 Internal Server Error? 

1) Load the page again

This issue appears because of temporary issue with the web server. In that case, you can try loading the page again. Refreshing the page can be done by pressing the F5 key. You can also press CTRl+R keys and see if the NGINX internal server issue is gone. 

2) Clear the Cache and cookies of your browser

Follow the below-mentioned steps to clear the cache and cookies on your internet browser. 

a) Chrome Browser

• Launch Google Chrome with three vertical dots given at the upper-right corner. 
• Select Settings and then finally go to Privacy and Security. 
• Choose the option of Clear Browsing Data. 
• Check the option of Cookies and other site data. Also, tick the option of Cached images and files. 
• Once done, select Clear Data. 

If the cache data of your Chrome browser is getting corrupt, then that may lead to the 500 internal server error NGINX. Clear the cache data and cookies of your Chrome browser. After that, you need to check whether the problem is resolved. You can also use a tool or program such as CCleaner. It helps you remove unnecessary data and cache from your browser. 

b) Firefox browser

• Launch the Firefox browser and then click on the icon that is shaped as a hamburger by going to the upper-right corner of your screen. After that, navigate to Settings. 
• After that, select the Privacy and Security option. Then, go to the section of Cookies and Site Data. Now, select the Clear Data option. 
• Then, select Clear to confirm the process. 

3) Try disabling your Virtual Private Network 

Below are the steps that you are required to carry out in order to diable your Virtual Private Network. 

• Open the Settings application. For this, you are required to press Windows and I keys simultaneously. 
• Go to the option of Network and Internet. 
• After that, you need to go to the left pane and then select the VPN option. Go to the right side and then select your Virtual Private Network connection. 
• In case you are using a VPN client, then you must check if the 500 internal server error is resolved. 

4) Check your network connection 

Below are the steps that you must follow in order to check your network connection. 

Step 1: Open any speed test website.

Step 2: Once your website opens, it will start checking your internet speed. 

Step 3: Wait for your connection to get tested. 

So, these are the different solutions that you can apply to resolve the problem of Internal Server Error in NGINX. A lot of problems are to be blamed but this generally but the issue mainly appears because of a bad network connection.