Encountering a 502 Bad Gateway error while browsing can be frustrating. This HTTP error indicates a problem with the requested web page, and it’s a fairly common issue across the internet. Multiple factors can contribute to this error.
This guide will provide you with simple troubleshooting steps to help you resolve the 502 Bad Gateway error on a website.
Understanding the 502 Bad Gateway Error
A 502 Bad Gateway error occurs when a server does not receive a valid response from an upstream server. In simpler terms, when you visit a website, your browser sends a request to a web server.
This web server processes your request and sends back the required resources, along with an HTTP header and status code. This specific error can appear at any time and is independent of your browser, device, or operating system.
Browsers and servers communicate using HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol). You usually don’t see the HTTP status codes unless something goes wrong. When an issue arises, the server uses these codes to notify you of the problem.
HTTP status codes are classified into five response categories:
- 1xx – Informational (Request received, processing in progress)
- 2xx – Success (Request completed successfully)
- 3xx – Redirection (Request being redirected)
- 4xx – Client error (Issue appears to be caused by the client)
- 5xx – Server error (Issue on the server-side)
Related: What Are The Common HTTP Errors And How To Troubleshoot Them?
Common Causes of a 502 Bad Gateway Error
Several reasons can lead to a 502 error when accessing a website:
DNS Changes
After server migrations, domains often require DNS (Domain Name System) changes to update the connection between IP addresses and domain names. These changes can several hours to fully propagate.
Origin Server Issues
The server might be down due to connectivity problems, or perhaps it can be overloaded from too much site traffic. High traffic or low memory can overload the origin server leading to a crash.
Server Failure
Server maintenance can sometimes cause server failures leading to this error.
Firewall Blocks
Firewalls protect websites from malicious activity. However, overly sensitive firewalls may detect false positives, blocking legitimate requests from ISPs or CDNs.
Browser Errors
Sometimes, a 502 error can stem from issues with the web browser like outdated browsers, browser extensions(ad-blockers) or corrupted cache files rather than the server.
Now, let’s explore methods to fix the 502 Bad Gateway error.
Troubleshooting Steps for 502 Bad Gateway Errors
While the 502 error is typically a server-side problem, client-side issues can also contribute to it.
Here are a few methods for potentially fixing the error:
1. Refresh the Page
The easiest first step is to wait a short while and then refresh the page. Use the F5 or CTRL + F5 shortcut (or CMD + R on Mac). The problem might be temporary.
You can also try opening the site in a different browser.
2. Clear Browser Cache
Clearing your browser’s cache might also resolve the error. Note that clearing cached files may lead to some data loss.
3. Change DNS Server
DNS problems might cause the error. Changing your DNS servers is an option for potentially fixing this. Your default DNS servers are usually provided by your ISP.
4. Check Browser Extensions and Plugins
Browser extensions can cause conflicts. Disable them and try accessing the website again. If the error disappear, a faulty plugin is the problem. Test browsing the site in incognito mode. If the issue isn’t there, extensions are likely the reason.
5. Check Website Status
If all above steps fail, the origin server might be experiencing downtime. Online tools like IsItDown and Down for Everyone, Just Me can check the site’s status.
6. Consult your Hosting Provider
Often, 502 errors originate from issues on the web host’s end. Long-running scripts or queries can be terminated by the server. Some hosting providers have “kill scripts” that terminate prolonged requests to ensure performance for other users.
7. Check for CDN Issues
Problems with your Content Delivery Network (CDN) or DDoS mitigation service can also lead to 502 errors. CDNs act as an intermediary layer between servers and the web browser which helps for content delivery efficiently.
8. Contact Customer Support
If the problem persists after trying all the above solutions, contacting your support team is a good choice. Clearly explain all the troubleshooting steps that you have already taken to help them address the problem quickly.
Variations of the 502 Bad Gateway Error
The 502 error can appear on diverse platforms. Here are some variations of the 502 error you might encounter:
- Error 502
- 502 Error
- 502 service temporarily overloaded
- HTTP 502
- 502 bad gateway NGINX
- 502 Proxy Error
- Bad 502 Gateway
- A blank screen may appear
Impact of 502 Errors on SEO
A 502 error can affect website traffic. Visitors encountering it may leave and not return. The longer the site is inaccessible, the higher the bounce rate becomes. Such prolonged unavailability might affect indexing, lowering rankings, and impacting organic traffic.
Conclusion
The 502 Bad Gateway error isn’t because of your internet or your website it happens when a server receives an invalid response from the origin server. If left unfixed, this error can negatively impact your SEO. A 502 error is common to websites, so don’t be too frustrated.
We hope these troubleshooting steps assist you in resolving the 502 errors that you might be facing on your website.
