Resolving ‘Error Code 521’ in Cloudflare: A Step-by-Step Guide

Posted by Techdows Staff on Sep 22nd, 2023

When encountering the “error code 521, web server is down error code 521”, many users are puzzled about its cause. This error, often associated with “error code 521 Cloudflare”, indicates that the web server is not responding.

Users might also see this as a “521 HTTP error code” or on sites like “zoro.to error code 521”.It’s essential to understand that this issue’s root often lies with the server error and not on the user’s end.

If you’re facing the “Cloudflare error code 521”, the best approach is to wait a bit and try accessing the site later or reach out to the website administrator for help.

What is Error Code 521?

The “error code 521, web server is down error code 521” is an ordinary issue users face, especially with platforms like Cloudflare. The “521 error code” means the server isn’t responding.

If you see “error code 521 Cloudflare” or “zoro.to error code 521”, it’s the same issue. The “521 HTTP error code” suggests waiting a bit or contacting the site’s admin for a solution.

Also Check: Error Code 522

The Meaning of 521 HTTP Error Code

The 521 HTTP Error Code indicates that the server is down. It can happen for various reasons, such as server maintenance, high traffic, or technical problems on the website. When the server is down, it cannot fulfill your request to access the website, resulting in the display of Error Code 521.

How to Fix Error Code 521?

Encountering Error Code 521 can be frustrating, but there are several steps you can take to attempt a resolution.

Here is a step-by-step guide:

Check Whether the Origin Server Is Running: To fix error 521, first check if your server is down due to maintenance or other issues. You can ask your hosting provider or use Terminal commands like PING or Traceroute to test server connectivity.

Also, check your server’s Memory and CPU usage to ensure it’s not overloaded. On Hostinger, go to hPanel → Hosting → Resource Usage to check if you’re hitting the limits.

If you’re near the resource limits, consider upgrading your hosting plan. For WordPress users facing error 521, turn off unneeded plugins that may overload the server. If you need help to check server connectivity, contact your hosting support for assistance.

Test the Connection to the Server: If you see “Error 521,” ensure your server’s firewall isn’t blocking Cloudflare IPs. Check if your host has rate-limiting that affects Cloudflare. Use a cURL command to test server connectivity.

To ensure Cloudflare’s IPs are only allowed, update your IP filtering settings or add them to your .htaccess file. It will prevent the server from blocking Cloudflare requests.

On Hostinger, use the IP Manager to allow Cloudflare IPs without coding. Go to hPanel → Advanced → IP Manager, add Cloudflare IPs, and click ‘Add‘.

To fix error 521 on WordPress, use the Secure Admin IP plugin to manage Cloudflare IPs. This checks if IP filtering is causing the issue.

Check Encryption Settings: To fix error 521, check your Cloudflare encryption mode. Go to the Cloudflare dashboard and click the SSL/TLS button to adjust settings.

If unsure about your encryption mode, turn on the SSL/TLS Recommender under the same settings.
**Check for Website Issues:** If all else fails, disable Cloudflare to remove the error. Check your website for issues before re-enabling the CDN.

Also Check: Error 503 Backend Fetch Failed

Alternative Solutions to Error Code 521

If the above steps fail to fix Error Code 521, there are some alternative solutions you can try:

Use a different internet connection: Try accessing the website from another network or Wi-Fi to rule out any issues with your current network.
Clear browser cache and cookies: Clearing your browser’s cache and cookies can help resolve any temporary issues causing Error Code 521.
Use a different browser: Attempt to access the website using a different browser to determine if the error is browser-specific.
Disable VPN or proxy: If you are using a VPN or proxy service, disabling them might resolve Error Code 521.

Other Ways to Tackle Error Code 521 Cloudflare

When encountering Cloudflare Error Code 521, there are a few more measures you can take:

Contact Cloudflare support: If you are experiencing Error Code 521 on a website protected by Cloudflare, contacting Cloudflare support can be helpful. They can assist in troubleshooting and determining the root cause of the issue.
Verify origin server status: If you are a website administrator or owner, you need to check the status of your origin server. Ensure that it is operating and that no issues impact its availability.

Community Input on Error Code 521

Many internet users have encountered Error Code 521 at some point. Here is some input from the community:

“I encountered Error Code 521 while trying to access certain websites. It can be frustrating, but refreshing the page or trying again later resolves the issue for me.” – User123.
“Error Code 521 is often seen when a website’s server is down or undergoing maintenance. It’s always a good idea to double-check if the issue is on your end or with the website itself.” – TechGuru.

What Users Are Saying About Error Code 521?

Users have shared their experiences and thoughts about Error Code 521:

“I thought something was wrong with my internet connection, but then I realized it was an Error Code 521. It was frustrating, but the website was back up and running after a few hours.” – HappyUser
“When encountering Error Code 521, I usually try refreshing the page first. If that doesn’t work, I wait for the server to return online. It’s always a temporary issue in my experience.” – WebEnthusiast.

Why Does Error Code 521 Happen?

Error Code 521 occurs when the web server cannot connect with the website you are trying to visit. It can be due to several reasons:

The website’s server is down for maintenance purposes.
The website is experiencing technical issues.
The website is receiving an overwhelming amount of traffic, leading to server overload.
There is an issue with the DNS configuration.

These are a few examples of why Error Code 521 might occur. It’s important to note that the responsibility for resolving this error lies with the website’s administrators and not the end user.

Understanding Web Server is Down Error Code 521

Error Code 521, often called the “Web Server is Down” error, indicates that the website hosting you want to access is offline. It could be due to scheduled maintenance or unexpected technical difficulties.

When a website’s server is down, it cannot respond to your request for the website’s content. As a result, you presented with the Error Code 521 message instead of the expected webpage.

Unique Cases of Error Code 521

Error Code 521 can occur in different scenarios, but Cloudflare Error Code 521 and Zoro are two notable exceptional cases of Error Code 521.

Cloudflare Error Code 521

Cloudflare is a popular content delivery network and security service provider. If you encounter Error Code 521 while accessing a website protected by Cloudflare, the origin server (hosting) is down or experiencing issues. In this case, you should contact the website’s administrator or Cloudflare support for help.

Zoro.to Error Code 521

Zoro.to is a website that provides various services, including movie and TV show streaming. If you receive Error Code 521 when trying to access Zoro.to, the website’s server is down or facing technical difficulties. You can refresh the page or visit the website when the server returns.

Error Code 521 FAQs

1. What does Error Code 521 mean?

Error Code 521 means the web server is down and can’t handle incoming requests. It isn’t a problem on your end but with the website’s server.

2. How can I check if the server is down?

You can contact your hosting provider to ask if the server is down or use Terminal commands like PING to test server connectivity.

3. What should I do if I’m near my server’s resource limits?

If you’re close to your server’s Memory and CPU limits, consider upgrading your hosting plan or turning off unnecessary plugins if you’re using WordPress.

4. How can I make sure my server doesn’t block Cloudflare?

Check your server’s firewall settings to ensure Cloudflare IPs aren’t blocked. On Hostinger, you can do this via hPanel → Advanced → IP Manager.

5. What does Error Code 521 mean?