When your website does not load, panic makes it easy to check the wrong things. Work through this checklist from the outside in; each step takes a minute or two.
Step 1: Is it just you?
Open the site on mobile data and on another device. If it works there, the issue is your connection, DNS cache or ISP.
Step 2: Is the domain active?
Run a WHOIS lookup. If the domain is expired or on hold, no hosting fix will help. See status codes.
Step 3: Does DNS point to the right place?
Use the DNS lookup and IP lookup. The A record must match your hosting server's IP address. Check nameservers with the nameserver checker.
Step 4: Is the server up?
Check our status page and your hosting account. Look for suspension notices, resource limit errors (503, 508) or exhausted disk space.
Step 5: Is SSL valid?
Use the SSL checker. Expired certificates and redirect loops cause browser errors even when the server is fine.
Step 6: Did something change on the site?
- Recently updated plugin or theme? Rename its folder in cPanel File Manager to disable it.
- Edited .htaccess? Rename it and test.
- New PHP version? Switch back and test.
Step 7: Read the error
| Error | Usually means |
|---|---|
| NXDOMAIN / server not found | DNS problem. See DNS fix guide |
| Connection timed out / refused | Server down or firewall |
| 403 Forbidden | Permissions or blocked IP |
| 404 Not Found | Missing file or wrong folder |
| 500 Internal Server Error | Script error, bad .htaccess or plugin |
| 503 Service Unavailable | Overloaded or limit reached |
Still stuck?
Open a support ticket with your domain, the exact error and when it started. See also uptime explained.
Tools that save time
You do not need special software. A browser, mobile data and the free tools above are enough. Keep a note of the date and time the problem started, because it helps match the issue to a change you or your host made. If you recently edited DNS, updated a plugin, renewed a certificate or changed the PHP version, start with that change.
A decision shortcut
| Symptom | Start here |
|---|---|
| Error before anything loads | Domain and DNS |
| Padlock warning | SSL checker |
| Blank page or 500 error | Plugins, .htaccess, PHP version |
| Slow, then 503 | Resource limits, traffic spike |
| Only some people affected | DNS propagation or regional ISP issue |
Document and prevent
After you fix it, write down the cause and the fix. Add monitoring and set reminders for domain and SSL renewals so the same problem does not return.
FAQ
How can I be alerted before visitors notice?
Use a free uptime monitor that emails you when your site stops responding.
Try it now: use our free WHOIS lookup, DNS lookup, nameserver checker, SSL checker and IP & hosting lookup. All free, no signup.