What is 504 Gateway Timeout Error and How To Fix It [5 Ways]

Here you will get to know about What is 504 Gateway Timeout Error, what are the causes, and how to fix this error:

Are you encountering a 504 gateway timeout error when trying to visit a website or load an app? Or maybe you’re seeing the error message “504 Gateway Time-Out” on your own site?

If yes, don’t worry. You’re not alone.

An HTTP 504 error code is one of the most common website errors programmers face. Unfortunately, it is not easy to discern the reason for this error message, as there can be many possible causes.

In this tutorial, we’ll look at what 504 errors are, some of the most common causes, and how to go about fixing them.

Let us begin!

What is a 504 Gateway Timeout Error

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504 gateway timeout means a network error between servers on the internet. It is an HTTP status code means that one server did not receive a timely reply or response from another server that it was accessing while trying to load a web page or load another request by the browser.

When you try to visit a website and see a “Gateway Timeout” error message, it indicates that your browser was incapable of loading the website because the server was taking too long to respond.

Still confused?

Basically, what does 504 Gateway Timeout means that one of the servers involved in getting information to or from the website is not responding. This can be due to a problem on the website’s end or on your computer.

It implies that one of the servers involved in the communication between your website and the computer you’re trying to reach is not responding.

This is generally a temporary error and will resolve itself as soon as the server is back up and running. However, if you’re seeing this error often, there might be a problem with your website or hosting provider.

Type of 504 Error Messages

Here are a few common ways a 504 error might display, relying on the server, browser, or operating system you are using.

• In Google Chrome

This error will display as HTTP ERROR 504. The code will occur with a message as mentioned below:

“This site can’t be reached. _____ took too long to respond.”

• During a Windows Update

Gateway Timeout Error causes a 0x80244023 error code. The message will be:

WU_E_PT_HTTP_STATUS_GATEWAY_TIMEOUT.

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• In Windows-based Programs

A 504 error will occur as ERROR 504, HTTP_STATUS_GATEWAY_TIMEOUT, or “The request was timed out waiting for a gateway message.”

This is how Excel users might see it-

• In other OSs, Browsers, or Web Servers

A 504 error may appear in the following way — although it’s not so common: “The proxy server did not receive a timely response from the upstream server.” It may appear with a slight variation-

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504 Gateway Timeout Causes

There are many possible causes for a 504 Gateway Timeout error. Below are 7 common reasons, along with a detailed explanation of each:

#1) Server Overload

One of the most typical causes for the HTTP 504 Gateway Timeout error is server overload. When too many requests are made to a server at once, it can’t handle all of them and results in a 504 Gateway Timeout. This can be due to high traffic volume, incorrect configuration, or malicious attacks.

#2) DNS Issues

Another common cause for a 504 Gateway Timeout error is DNS issues. If the Domain Name Server (DNS) isn’t properly configured or is overloaded, it can cause 504 Gateway Timeout errors.

Also Read =>>  Fix the ‘DNS Server Not Responding’ Error 

#3) Incorrect Server Configuration

If the server is not configured accurately, it can also result in 504 Gateway Timeout errors. This could be due to a misconfigured firewall or incorrect settings on the server itself.

#4) Network Congestion

If the network is congested, it can also cause 504 Gateway Timeout errors. This could be due to a malfunctioning router, overloaded switches, or simply too many devices trying to use the network at once.

#5) Malicious Attacks

Malicious attacks can also be a cause of 504 Gateway Timeout errors. These could include DDoS attacks, malware infections, or spam campaigns.

#6) Invalid URLs

If the URL is incorrect or not formatted correctly, it can cause a 504 Gateway Timeout error. This is often seen when people mistype web addresses or use invalid symbols.

#7) Problems With the Browser Cache

Browser caching can also be a cause of 504 Gateway Timeout errors. If the cached files on the browser are corrupted or not up to date, it can cause an error. This can be tackled by removing the cache on the browser or by using a different browser.

#8) Corrupted WordPress Database

The most common cause of the 504 Gateway Timeout error is a corrupted WordPress database. This can happen for several reasons, including wrong or theme updates, brute force attacks, or even something as simple as a corrupt .htaccess file.

#9) Third-Party Plugins and Themes

Well, this is not technically a cause, but it is worth mentioning nonetheless. If you are using any third-party plugins or themes, it is always a good idea to check with the developer(s) to see if they are compatible with the latest version of WordPress.

Generally, developers will release updates to their plugins and themes compatible with the latest WordPress version, but sometimes they don’t.

How to Fix 504 Gateway Timeout Errors

As mentioned above, the 504 Gateway Timeout Error might be caused by either the client or the server, and it can be fixed by following one of the methods mentioned below:

#1) Check Your Internet Connection

One of the first things to check or view is your internet connection. The 504 Gateway Timeout Error will appear if it’s not working properly. To fix this, you need to fix your internet connection.

Quick Tip – Try moving closer to the router if you’re using a wireless connection. If you’re using a wired connection, make sure the cable is properly plugged in.

#2) Flush the DNS Cache

If the first method doesn’t work, you can try flushing the DNS cache. Thinking how? Well, it is quite an easy process.

Here are some steps you need to follow:

For Windows:

• First, press Windows Key+R.
• Then, type cmd there, and hit the Enter button.

• Now, in the command prompt, type ipconfig/flushdns and hit Enter.

For Mac:

• Open Finder, head to Applications > Utilities > Terminal.
• Type sudo dscacheutil-flush cache and hit Enter.

#3) Change the DNS Server

If the above two strategies don’t work, you can try changing the DNS server.

Here is how you can do this:

For Windows:

• First, press Windows Key+R, type ncpa.cpl, and press Enter.
• Now, right-click on your active network connection and choose Properties.
• Pick the Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click on Properties.
• After this, choose to use the following DNS server addresses and enter the DNS server addresses.
• Finally, click on OK, then Close.

For Mac:

• To begin with, open System Preferences and select Network.
• Choose an active network connection and click Advanced.
• Then, select the DNS tab and click the + button.
• Add DNS server addresses and click OK.

#4) Fix Faulty Firewall Configurations

A faulty firewall configuration might be the cause behind your 504 Gateway Error. To resolve this, you are required to configure your Firewall correctly.

For Windows Users:

• First, you need to go to your control panel and hit Update & Security
• Then, go to Windows Security, then to Virus & Threat Protection, and finally to Manage Settings.
• Here, on this settings page, you may deactivate your Firewall.

For Mac Users:

• In order to start, go to System Preferences and then to Security & Privacy.
• After this, go to Firewall to deactivate it.

As soon as you have deactivated your Firewall, view to see if the 504 HTTP error is solved. If yes, you can either switch to a new antivirus program or reconfigure the settings of your current one.

However, if the error is still the same, reactivate your Firewall before going to the next step.

Tip– If you’re uncertain about your Firewall configuration, it is best to speak with the support team of your antivirus program.

#5) Sift Through Your Logs

Another method you can try is to look through your server logs for any clues as to what may be causing the 504 error. This can be done by checking your web server’s access and error logs.

#6) Check Your Proxy Settings

If you’re using a proxy server, it’s possible that the 504 gateway timeout error is caused by your proxy settings. To check on this, you may try disabling your proxy server and see if that resolves the issue.

How to Disable Proxy?

Windows:

• First, go to the Start Menu and type “proxy” into the search bar.
• Select “Manage Network Connections.”
• Double-click on your proxy connection.
• Click on the “Properties” tab.
• Uncheck the “Use a Proxy Server for Your LAN” box
• Finally, click on “OK.”

Mac:

• Open System Preferences.
• Select “Network.”
• Select your active network connection on the left-hand side.
• Click on the “Properties” tab.
• Uncheck the “Use Proxy Server” box and click “OK.”
• Close System Preferences.

Linux:

• Open your network settings.
• Select the “Network Proxy” tab.
• Unmark the “Use a Proxy Server for Your LAN” box and click “OK.”
• Close your network settings.
• Restart your computer.

#7) Comb Through Your Site’s Code to Discover Bugs

You can try combing through your website’s code to look for any bugs that may be causing the issue. There are many ways you can debug your website’s code. You can use online tools like Chrome Developer Tools or software like Firebug for Firefox.

#8) Contact Your Web Host

If none of the techniques stated above work, your last alternative might be to contact your web host and ask for help. They may be able to troubleshoot the issue and find a solution.

If you’re still experiencing a 504 gateway timeout errors, there are a few other things you can try:

• Inspect if your website is down for just you or everyone.
• Restart your computer or device.
• Clear your browser’s cache and cookies.
• Try a different browser.
• Contact your internet service provider (ISP) for further support.

#9) Try Reloading the Webpage

You can start by simply reloading the page. This is often the quickest and easiest way to fix a 504 gateway timeout error. Just hit Ctrl + F5 on your keyboard (or Cmd + Shift + R if you’re on a Mac) and see if that fixes the problem.

#10) Reboot Your Network Devices

If reloading the page didn’t work, the next step is to reboot your modem and router. This will often fix the problem by resetting your connection to the web.

For this, you’ll need to unplug your modem and router from their power source and leave them unplugged for at least 30 seconds. After that, plug them back in and wait a minute or two for the connection to be reestablished.

#11) Disable Your Website’s CDN Temporarily

If you’re still seeing a 504 gateway timeout error, it could be because of your website’s CDN. Content Delivery Network (CDN) is a network of servers that delivers content to visitors based on their location.

If one of the servers in the CDN is down, it can cause a 504 gateway timeout error. To fix this, you can try disabling your CDN temporarily and see if that fixes the problem. If it does, contact the support team for your CDN and let them know about the issue.

504 Gateway Timeout Error in REST API

504 Gateway Timeout error in REST API usually happens when the backend server cannot process the request in time. This can be due to multiple reasons, such as high load on the server, slow network connection, or a bug in the code.

Here are some quick steps to resolve the 504 status code in REST API:

1. Check the server load and fix any bottlenecks.
2. Use a faster network connection or upgrade to a better plan.
3. Check for any bugs in the code and fix it.
4. Increase the timeout limit if required.
5. Use a proxy if the backend server is located on a different network.
6. Try splitting the request into multiple smaller requests.
7. Use a different API or server if the current one is not able to handle the load.
8. Restart the server.

How 504 Gateway Timeout Errors Affect SEO

#1) Poor Rankings

One of the most obvious ways a 504 gateway timeout error can affect your SEO is through poor rankings. When search engines cannot index your website correctly, they are less likely to rank it highly in their search results. As a consequence, you may notice a significant drop in website traffic and lost revenue.

#2) Missed Opportunities

Another major consequence of the 504 gateway timeout error is that you may miss out on valuable opportunities. Potential customers or clients cannot access your content or products when your website is down. This can direct us to a loss of business and missed growth opportunities.

#3) Damaged Reputation

If your website is frequently down, it can damage your reputation. People may start to see you as unreliable or unprofessional. This can have a negative impact on your business and make it more difficult to attract customers or clients.

#4) Increased Costs

504 gateway timeout errors can also cause increased costs for your business. You may be required to hire extra staff to address customer inquiries or orders when your website is down. Besides, you may need to invest in additional hardware or software to improve your website’s performance.

#5) Lost Revenue

The final way a 504 gateway timeout error can affect your SEO is through lost revenue. When people cannot access your website, they cannot buy your products or services. This can lead to a significant loss in revenue and affect your bottom line.

Top Tips on How to Avoid 504 Gateway Timeouts:

• Check your website’s bandwidth and server capacity. If you’re consistently exceeding your bandwidth limit or if your server is overloaded, this can cause 504 gateway timeouts.
• Optimize your images and web pages for faster loading times. This will help reduce the number of gateway timeouts caused by slow page loads.
• Use a CDN (content delivery network) to spread your website’s content across multiple servers worldwide. This will help ensure that your visitors always have a fast and reliable connection to your website.
• Cache your website’s static files (images, CSS, JS) on the visitor’s computer using a caching plugin or extension. This will help lessen the number of gateway timeouts caused by slow server responses.
• Optimize your MySQL queries for faster database performance. This can help decrease the number of gateway timeouts caused by slow database queries.
• Test your website’s speed and performance regularly using online tools like Pingdom or WebPageTest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q #1) How do I resolve the Error 504 gateway?

Answer: There are a few things you can do to try and fix the Error 504 gateway:

• Check to see if there is an outage with your internet service provider.
• Refresh the page or try again later.
• Clear your browser’s cache and cookies.
• Try a different browser.

Q #2) What causes a 504 Gateway Timeout?

Answer: There can be various causes for a 504 Gateway Timeout, such as:

• The server is overloaded or experiencing too much traffic.
• There is an issue with the server’s configuration.
• There is a network issue between your computer and the server.

Q #3) Is a 504 Gateway Timeout my fault?

Answer: A 504 Gateway Timeout is not usually your fault. It can appear due to numerous factors, such as an issue with the server or your internet service provider. However, if you are experiencing frequent 504 Gateway Timeouts, there might be something you can do to troubleshoot the issue.

Q #4) How to fix 504 Gateway timeout in Python?

Answer: If you’re getting a 504 Gateway timeout error in Python, there are a few things you can do to try and fix it.

First, make sure that your code is formatted correctly and has no syntax errors. Second, check to see if your network connection is working properly. If it is, then the problem may be with your server. Contact your web host or server administrator to see if they can help you fix the error.

If you’re still having trouble fixing the 504 Gateway timeout error in Python, you might use a different web framework or library. There are a number of other options available, so you should be able to find one that fits your needs.

Conclusion

The 504 gateway timeout errors can cause a lot of problems for your business, such as increased costs, lost revenue, and decreased website performance. However, there are some steps you can perform to try and prevent these errors from happening, as mentioned above.

If you still have queries, mention them in the comment section below. All the best!