What does a website error mean?

A website error is a message from the browser, server, DNS system, or security layer that explains why a page could not load normally.

What is the difference between 404 and 500?

A 404 means the exact page URL was not found. A 500 means the server had an internal error while trying to load the page.

Can DNS stop a website from loading?

Yes. If DNS cannot find or resolve the domain name, the browser cannot find the server for that website.

Are SSL warnings safe to ignore?

Usually no. You should not enter passwords, payment details, or private information on a site while an SSL warning is showing.

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Website tool

Website Error Explainer

Paste or choose a website error and get a plain-English explanation, what to try as a visitor, and what to check as the website owner.

Search or paste an error Or choose from the list

Important

This tool explains common causes. If you are fixing a live business website, back up first before changing DNS, redirects, plugins, SSL, or server settings.

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Related guide

Website not loading

Follow a step-by-step troubleshooting flowchart for DNS, SSL, 404, 500, slow websites, and browser problems.

WordPress help

WordPress not working

Fix critical errors, login loops, broken permalinks, plugin conflicts, and update problems.

Website owner?

Hosting problems can look like website errors.

If your site keeps showing 500, 502, 503, timeout, or slow-loading errors, the problem may be hosting, server resources, or configuration.

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Quick reference

Common website errors

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