504 Gateway Timeout

Understanding and Resolving the 504 Gateway Timeout Error

For a brand to succeed, it must meet the needs and expectations of its audience. This includes maintaining a functional website that provides valuable information. However, when a website displays an error page instead of the expected content, it can be frustrating for visitors and damage the brand's reputation.

The 504 Gateway Timeout Error is a common issue that can greatly impact the user experience. In order to avoid losing consumer trust and brand sentiment, it's important to understand what this error means and the various causes and solutions.

What is the 504 Gateway Timeout Error?

The 504 Gateway Timeout Error occurs when a web server does not receive a timely response from another server, also known as the "upstream server". This breakdown in communication causes an error page to be displayed to visitors, rather than the intended webpage.

This error is typically generic, with no specific details on the issue. In Google Chrome, it appears as HTTP ERROR 504, stating that the site took too long to respond. In Windows-based programs, it may appear as ERROR 504, HTTP_STATUS_GATEWAY_TIMEOUT or with a specific error code. Other operating systems, web servers, or browsers may display a variation of this error message.

What causes a 504 Gateway Timeout Error?

When a website is visited, the server sends a request to the upstream server where the site is hosted. The upstream server then responds with the necessary resources to load the website. A 504 Gateway Timeout Error occurs when the server does not receive a quick enough response, causing the request to time out and the webpage to not load.

This error can be attributed to various factors, including:

Server connectivity issues
Faulty firewall configurations
Errors in website code
Network connectivity errors

Note: If only one user is reporting a 504 error on your site, it may be a problem with their device or internet connection and not with your website.

How to resolve a 504 Gateway Timeout Error

As there are multiple reasons for this error, it's essential to troubleshoot and identify the root cause. Here are five effective solutions for fixing most 504 Gateway Timeout Errors:

Check for any server connectivity issues or maintenance and wait for the problem to be resolved.
Review your DNS settings to ensure there are no changes or issues.
Scan your website's code for any errors that may be causing issues with communication between servers.
Ensure that your firewall is not blocking requests from a content delivery network, which could create a false attack on your server.
If the error persists, it may be a network connectivity issue that requires further investigation.

By understanding the meaning of a 504 Gateway Timeout Error and its possible causes and solutions, you can effectively troubleshoot and resolve the issue to provide a better user experience for your website visitors.

Did you recently change your DNS settings?

It's important to note that DNS changes can also result in a 504 Gateway Timeout Error page appearing on your website. These changes typically take a few hours to process, so it's best to be patient while the updates take effect.

Additionally, if your server's connection and DNS information are not the cause of the error, try checking the server logs. These logs can reveal underlying problems that may be causing the 504 error.

A faulty firewall configuration could also be to blame. To eliminate this possibility, temporarily deactivate your firewall. On Windows devices, go to Control Panel > Update & Security > Windows Security > Virus & Threat Protection > Manage Settings to turn off the firewall. On Mac OS, navigate to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Firewall.

After deactivating the firewall, check if the 504 error is resolved. If so, you can reconfigure your current antivirus program or consider switching to a different one. If the error persists, remember to reactivate your firewall before moving on to the next step.

If all else fails, examine your website's code for any bugs or try running it on a development machine for a thorough debugging process. This will help identify where the error occurred and allow you to fix it for a smoother user experience.

How to Resolve a 504 Error and Maintain Your Website's Technical SEO

When all else fails, reaching out to your web hosting provider should be the last step in fixing a 504 error. Although it may take some time, resolving this error is crucial to preserve your website's technical SEO.

A 504 Gateway Timeout error, like other 5xx errors, can have a detrimental impact on your website's performance. This error prevents the page from loading, not only affecting the user experience but also harming your SEO.

Since web crawlers are unable to access a page that serves a 504 error, it can result in a lower ranking in search engine results or even lead to the page being deindexed. While there is no foolproof way to prevent 504 errors, taking immediate action to address them is essential to maintain a smooth user experience and minimize any negative effects on your SEO.