According to a report, Every day, a handful of users encounter Error Code 521. This article lists useful debugging and useful reasons which help detect the culprit. In this guide, you will also find the appropriate steps which can be taken to resolve the Cloudflare issue.
Running into errors is one of the most annoying things a user undergoes. However, after solving the error, a user, after acknowledging the error, gets acquainted with it, and how to resolve it. Nevertheless, if your browser features an Error Code 521, there’s no possible solution to fix it immediately. You should be conducting detailed research to get into its details and fix the error.
To help you fix your 521 service unavailable and avoid losing your browser features, check out our guide on what exactly the error is and the most convenient solutions.
What is an Error Code 521?
The “ Error Code 521” or “Error 521: Web Server is Down” is a response status code which tells you the abrupt status of a website and it is not functioning properly. A server-side issue, Error Code 521 affects Cloudflare-operated websites. Besides, the error is obtained when the origin server rejects Cloudflare’s connection request.
What Are The Reasons Behind “Error Code 521: Web Server is Down?”
In a CDN service, a Cloudflare service assists websites in accelerating pace by incorporating a Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) after obtaining an order from a web browser.
Hence, when a web server does not accept Cloudflare’s connection appeal, a browser features “ Error Code 521.”
Besides, an expert mentioned the potential reasons behind error code 521,
- Server’s Configuration Issue: During fixing a Content Delivery Network, shortened as CDN, make sure it is appropriately configured.
- Offline Web Server: In some cases, the hosting or internet provider goes off or is unserviceable. Hence, during the duration, it is likely that your website will not accept Cloudflare requests.
- Low-Quality Encryption Settings: As listed, a Cloudflare services provider features its SSL also abbreviated as Secure Sockets Layer Certificate. Hence, the origin server has a higher chance of blocking requests owing to encryption settings.
Is Error Code 521 a common error?
This error has been detected multiple times in the user’s desktops. However, according to Cloudflare’s experts, this is not a common error and rarely occurs in the services. Additionally, it has also been reported that most of the time, this code appears owing to server issues rather than Cloudflare service errors.
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How to Fix Error Code 521? The Easiest Steps
While there are several possible steps to fix Error 521, below we have mentioned the four easiest steps;
1. Inspect your Origin Server
According to its design, a Cloudflare service disconnects from the origin server when it is offline or misconfigured. Hence, it is advisable to cross-check your server before trying the extensive steps.
Meanwhile, Make sure that your server is working appropriately. Although you can do it yourself, we would recommend contacting your hosting provider and asking if your server is working properly.
2. Origin Web Server Trial
For assurance that your server or the website server is working, you can send a configured request or signal known as the cURL command. It is similar to sending a notification to your desktop. A Mac or Linux user can take it as a conversation to your computer’s terminal.
For conduction, try plugging http://x.x.x.x in the tool. Following, if you receive a response as HTTP 200, it means you have an appropriate working connection. The problem in the server will showcase a Failed to Connect or Host Not Found notification. In such a case, we recommend contacting your host and request them for a server backup.
3. Disable Cloudflare
While the process of continuously receiving error messages can be annoying, you can follow these methods to avoid it. In the exception case where none of them works, disable Cloudflare temporarily. Following activating it, check your website for any issues and try reconnecting it again.
4. Inspect your Encryption Settings
A Cloudflare’s encryption methods request connecting the CDN with your original server. However, with an inappropriate encryption mode, it can showcase a connection refused error. To follow this process, go to the dashboard of Cloudflare and find SSL/ TLS keys which are set to fix the error code 521.
Following clicking the SSL/TLS keys, you will find the encryption methods which are,
- Flexible: Every connection generated between the origin and the Cloudflare is set via HTTP. In such cases, you can take the help of the flexible SSL if you’re unable to set up an SSL certificate for your website or domain.
- Full: A Cloudflare is designed to connect the server with either HTTPS or HTTP. However, this depends on the user’s request. In the case, where you have already obtained an SSL certificate, you can opt for a Full SSL.
- Strict: This SSL key is similar to Full, wherein the users are given the option to choose their protocol. However, in the strict SSL key, users are provided with more options and have more requirements for the origin certifications.
However, if you are unsure about choosing an accurate encryption method, try the SSL/TLS recommender which is expected to feature in the same settings.
5. Troubleshooting and Fixing Other Cloudflare Errors
Besides Error Code 521, you can also face similar Cloudflare errors including 520, 503, and 522. For instance, if you receive Error 520: Web Service is returning an unknown error, there are chances that the web server has crashed.
Additionally, if you’ve received “Error 522: connection timed out”, the causes are usage overload and the Internet safety services like “Firewall” blocking Cloudflare IP addresses. Although this is another error, the fixing method is similar to Error Code 521.
However, if the above-mentioned resolving solutions don’t work, try contacting your hosting provider.
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Conclusion
In essence, while error code 521 is not an often-featured error, it mostly occurs owing to server issues rather than Cloudflare services. While there are several reasons, the most specific issue behind the error is a server’s firewall or other safety features blocking Cloudflare’s services. Hence, as mentioned above, we recommend restricting your firewall services to block your Cloudflare services or disabling Cloudflare for a re-established connection. For more hacks to avoid the “Cloudflare-specific server error”, prefer the above-mentioned guidelines.