How to Fix “We Had a Server Error…” on Reddit?
Reddit shows this error a lot lately. One minute you’re scrolling memes or reading AMAs—and then boom. A blank screen and a weird message: “We had a server error…” It doesn’t explain anything. You refresh. Nothing. You wait. Still nothing.
Here’s what’s really going on and how to fix it fast—whether you’re on a browser, app, or just trying to figure out if Reddit’s the one broken (not you).
What Does “We Had a Server Error…” on Reddit Mean?
That message means Reddit couldn’t load what you asked for. The server either didn’t respond or said “nope” without any detail. It happens when you try to post, comment, or even just open a subreddit.
It shows up on mobile apps and desktop too. Sometimes Reddit crashes halfway through loading. Other times, it never loads at all.
This isn’t always your fault. It can be Reddit’s servers, or your internet, or even the app bugging out. So don’t panic. It’s fixable.
Causes of “We Had a Server Error…” on Reddit
Sometimes Reddit just won’t load. You get a message that says, “We had a server error…” and nothing else. It doesn’t tell you what went wrong or how to fix it. This error can pop up when you’re browsing, posting, or just trying to open a subreddit. Before you start trying random fixes, it helps to know what might be causing the issue.
Here are the most common reasons Reddit shows this error:
- Reddit’s servers are down: The site may be having issues due to outages, maintenance, or high traffic loads.
- App cache or browser data is corrupted: Stored files can go bad and prevent Reddit from loading properly.
- Using a VPN or proxy: Reddit might block IPs coming from VPNs or shared proxy servers.
- Too many requests too quickly: Refreshing pages rapidly or running scripts can trigger rate-limiting.
- Reddit app is outdated: Old versions of the app often crash or fail to connect after new updates.
- Internet connection issues: Weak or unstable Wi-Fi or mobile data can cause Reddit to timeout.
- Browser extensions interfering: Tools like ad blockers or Reddit Enhancement Suite might block scripts Reddit needs to load.
- Temporary IP ban or shadow block: Reddit might temporarily block your IP if it sees suspicious behavior, even by accident.
- Subreddit or post-specific server issues: Sometimes the problem is tied to a specific subreddit’s backend, not the whole site.
How to Fix “We Had a Server Error…” on Reddit?
If you’re still seeing the “We had a server error…” message, try these quick steps. They work for both app and browser users and help clear up most problems fast.
Follow each one carefully to see what solves it for you.
1. Clear Reddit App Cache or Browser Cookies
Cached data can break Reddit’s loading or login process.
On Android (Reddit App):
- Open your phone’s Settings.
- Tap Apps or Applications, then find and tap Reddit.
- Select Storage & cache.
- Tap Clear Cache (don’t clear “Data” unless the cache clear doesn’t help).
- Close the app fully, then reopen it and try Reddit again.
On Chrome or Any Desktop Browser:
- Open your browser and click the three dots (top right).
- Go to Settings > Privacy and Security.
- Click Clear browsing data.
- Choose “All time” as the time range.
- Check Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files.
- Click Clear Data.
- Close and reopen the browser, then reload Reddit.
2. Turn Off VPNs or Proxies
Reddit often blocks IP addresses that come from shared or masked networks. If you’re using a VPN, proxy extension, or private browser route, turn it off. Once disabled, refresh the page or reopen the Reddit app. This helps Reddit recognize your real connection.
3. Check Reddit’s Server Status and Wait
Sometimes the issue isn’t on your end at all.
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Visit the official Reddit status page: https://status.reddit.com.
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Look for any alerts that say Partial Outage, Major Outage, or Degraded Performance.
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You can also go to https://downdetector.com/status/reddit or https://redditupvote.net/reddit-status/ to check live user reports.
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If there’s a spike in error reports or Reddit says servers are down, the issue is not on your side.
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Wait 10–30 minutes, then try again. There’s nothing you can fix while Reddit is down.
3. Use a Different Browser or Device
If you’re on Chrome, try Reddit on Firefox or Edge. If it still doesn’t work, switch to your phone or tablet. Sometimes a device-specific bug or corrupted session is the issue, and using a new browser avoids it completely.
4. Restart the Reddit App or Reinstall It
Fully close the app—not just minimize it—and reopen. If the error still appears, uninstall Reddit and reinstall it from Google Play or the App Store. This clears deeper bugs that don’t go away with cache clearing.
5. Log Out and Log Back In
Session problems can make Reddit think your account is broken or expired. Log out fully, then log back in with your email or username. This refreshes your login and often clears the “server error” instantly.
6. Try Reddit on Mobile Data Instead of Wi-Fi
If your Wi-Fi network is blocked or unstable, Reddit may fail to connect. Turn off Wi-Fi and switch to your phone’s mobile data. Then reload Reddit and see if the error disappears. This works especially well if your home IP address was flagged.
7. Disable Browser Extensions Temporarily
Tools like ad blockers or Reddit Enhancement Suite can interfere with how Reddit loads.
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Open your browser (like Chrome or Firefox).
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Click the three dots (or menu icon), then go to Extensions or Add-ons.
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Look for tools like ad blockers, Reddit Enhancement Suite, or privacy filters.
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Toggle them off one by one.
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After disabling, refresh Reddit and see if the error goes away.
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If Reddit loads, you can re-enable your extensions one at a time to find the one causing the problem.
Is Your IP Blocked or Rate Limited?
Reddit doesn’t like too many requests too fast. If you refresh too often, spam the API, or use certain bots or tools, your IP might get temporarily blocked.
VPN users hit this a lot. So do people on public Wi-Fi or shared networks.
If you see this error only on Wi-Fi, but not on mobile data, your home IP might be flagged. Turn off VPNs or try from a different network. Rate limits usually reset after a few minutes—but if they don’t, switching IPs or using mobile data can fix it.
When Reddit Is the Problem (Not You)
Sometimes Reddit’s servers mess up. There’s nothing to fix on your side when that happens.
Here’s what could be broken:
- Server overload during high traffic
- Bugs in a new site update
- Cloudflare/CDN errors
- Subreddit API failing
- Maintenance or silent rollout glitches
When it’s their issue, your only job is waiting. You can keep checking Reddit Status or DownDetector for updates.
Still Not Working? What Else to Try
If nothing else has worked so far, there are still a few more things you can try before giving up. Start by logging out of your Reddit account completely, then log back in—this often resets session errors. If you’re using the app, delete it entirely and reinstall it fresh from the App Store or Google Play. You can also try using Reddit’s old desktop version by visiting old.reddit.com, which runs on simpler code and sometimes avoids newer bugs.
If you’re on mobile, switching to Reddit Lite or a third-party app like Apollo or Relay may help. Also, make sure your phone’s operating system is fully updated—older system versions sometimes cause compatibility issues. Lastly, check Reddit Help pages or posts from subreddit moderators.
They often talk about known bugs before Reddit makes anything official. Some fixes come from the community first.
Final Thoughts
Reddit’s “We had a server error…” message is frustrating. But most times, it’s not permanent. It goes away with a refresh, cache clear, or app update. When Reddit breaks, it affects everyone—and if it’s just you, this guide should get you back in.
Have a fix that worked for you? Comment below and share it—someone else might need it. And if this helped, pass it on. Reddit doesn’t always make sense, but the fixes don’t have to be hard.
