TheSiteStatus

Unable to access a website?

Follow this guide to identify and resolve common website access issues.

Before you start

Work through these steps from the top down until the issue is resolved. The earlier steps fix the most common problems.

  1. 1

    Check for website downtime

    Use TheSiteStatus to check the current status of the site. If we can reach it, the problem is likely on your end. If it is down for us too, you may need to wait for it to come back online.

    Tip: sites occasionally go offline for maintenance or server issues.

  2. 2

    Clear browser cache and cookies

    Cached data or corrupted cookies can stop pages loading correctly. Clearing them often fixes the issue. On Chrome, Firefox, or Edge press Ctrl+Shift+Delete (Cmd+Shift+Delete on Mac); on Safari use Preferences → Privacy → Manage Website Data.

  3. 3

    Try a different browser

    If the site won't open in your current browser, try another one. This tells you whether the problem is browser-specific.

  4. 4

    Use a VPN

    If the site is geo-blocked or restricted in your region, a VPN can let you reach it by changing your apparent location.

  5. 5

    Check for DNS issues

    Switching to a public DNS resolver can fix name-resolution problems. Try Google DNS (8.8.8.8 / 8.8.4.4), Cloudflare (1.1.1.1 / 1.0.0.1), or OpenDNS (208.67.222.222 / 208.67.220.220).

  6. 6

    Disable browser extensions

    Extensions can interfere with page loading. Disable them, or open the site in Incognito/Private mode where extensions are usually off by default.

  7. 7

    Check firewall and antivirus settings

    Overly strict firewall or antivirus rules can block specific sites. Temporarily disable them to test — and remember to re-enable them afterwards.

    Remember: re-enable your security software after testing.

  8. 8

    Flush your DNS cache

    Your device caches DNS data that can become stale. Flush it: Windows ipconfig /flushdns · Mac sudo dscacheutil -flushcache · Linux sudo systemd-resolve --flush-caches.

  9. 9

    Restart your router or modem

    Unplug it, wait 30 seconds, then plug it back in. Wait for the connection to re-establish before trying again.

  10. 10

    Restart your device

    Restarting your computer or phone clears temporary files and resets network connections, resolving many transient issues.

  11. 11

    Try a different device

    Open the site on another device on the same network. If it works there, the problem is specific to your original device.

Still can't reach it?

Check whether the site is down for everyone right now.

Check a website's status