How to Fix “502 Bad Gateway” Error Most HTTP response codes are difficult to work with, even if they are intended to help pinpoint the source of the error. While the error messages are clear, the complexity of the client-server relationship makes it difficult to identify the perpetrator.
Such is the case with the 502 Faulty Gateway Error – An HTTP status code that signals miscommunication between the servers you are accessing. To be precise, this is a sign that a server acting as a gateway or proxy received an invalid response from another server on the stack.
Remember, the Faulty Gateway 502 error can be found in any browser, operating system, and device, regardless of your particular setup. Since this status code starts with 5xx, it signals a problem on the server side and not in the client’s ecosystem. However, as you will see below, the problem can be triggered by a bug in your browser, network devices, or some other device in your control.
Different variations of the 502 Bad Gateway error can occur depending on the architecture of the web server you are accessing. Here is a list of the most popular variations:
- HTTP 502
- 502. That is a mistake.
- 502 proxy error
- Error 502
- 502 Bad Gateway
- 502 Server Error – The server encountered a transient error and was unable to complete your request
- 502 Service temporarily overloaded
- Temporary error (502)
- Bad Gateway: The proxy server received an invalid response from an upstream server
- HTTP Error 502 – Bad Gateway
However, some web owners can customize this error page and add graphical elements to make it more bearable.
In most cases, gateway errors are actually issues between web servers that are far beyond your control. However, there are cases when your browser mistakenly thinks there is one. It could also be that the faulty gateway is in your house. Most houses with internet access have some kind of active gateway. If you are using a router or router / hybrid, your router’s gateway is responsible for communication between your computer and remote servers around the world.
If you are currently grappling with the 502 Broken Gateway Error, use the methods below to troubleshoot your control. If you go through everything with no result then the problem is definitely on the server side.
Method 1: Reload the page
I know it sounds easy, but refreshing your browser a few times is often the best solution. If the 502 Bad Gateway error was caused by a temporary server overload, you can likely fix your problem by clicking the Refresh button or pressing F5. If the browser continues to display the 502 Bad Gateway error, close the browser window, open a new session, and try again.
If that doesn’t work, load the index page associated with the URL you were visiting. For example, if a custom url ( https://appuals.com/category/guides/ ) shows the error, delete the subdirectories and try to visit the index page ( https://appuals.com ).
Method 2: Restart your Network Equipment
By restarting your router / modem, you will force the IP addresses to be reassigned and your DNS settings to be reconfigured. Most network devices have a restart button or at least an ON / OFF switch. Use them to restart your network. While doing this, restart your computer or any other device that you are using.
Note: Do not confuse the restart button with the reset button. Resetting your network connection will reset many settings to the factory default.
Method 3: Disabling any third-party add-on, Extensions, or Toolbars
Extensions and add-ons can improve the functionality of your browser, but they can also lead to a lot of inconveniences. Make sure that third party software in your browser is not causing this error by disabling all add-ons, extensions, toolbars, and other software that did not originally come with your browser.
If you’re using Chrome, tap the action button and go to More Tools> Extensions . Then uncheck the box near Enabled .
Method 4: Clearing the Cookies
HTTP cookies could also be responsible for the 502 errors on the faulty gateway . While they speed up various tasks by storing tiny pieces of information, they can also get corrupted and trick your browser into believing it was a bug.
By removing these cookies, you have come one step closer to deleting your browser from the lists of potential perpetrators. Here’s how:
Note: The following steps may vary from browser to browser. The following steps are done in Chrome. If you cannot find the appropriate steps for your browser, search online for specific instructions on how to clear your browser cookies.
- Select the action menu (three dots) in the lower right corner and click on the settings .
- Scroll to the bottom of the page and click on Advanced .
- Scroll down to Privacy & Security and click Remove Browsing History Data .
- Access the drop-down menu near Delete the Items Below and Set it on the Beginning of Time . Then check cookies and other site data while you disable everything else. Click Clear Browsing Data and wait for the process to complete.
Method 5: Clearing the Cache
If you keep getting this error message, clearing your browser’s cache will completely remove it from your list of culprits. Your browser cache stores various types of data from the web content you view to make pages load more efficiently. However, it is possible that your cached version of the website you are having trouble with conflicts with the live version.
After clearing your browser’s cache, you can completely remove your browser as the cause of your 502 error. Here is a quick guide on how to clear the cache in Google Chrome:
- Select the action menu (three dots) in the lower right corner and click on the settings .
- Scroll to the bottom of the page and click on Advanced .
- Scroll down to Privacy & Security and click Remove Browsing History Data .
- Access the drop-down menu near Delete the Items Below and Set it on the Beginning of Time . Then check cookies and other site data while you disable everything else. Click Clear Browsing Data and wait for the process to complete.
Method 6: Clearing the DNS Cache
Your DNS settings could also be responsible for your 502 Bad Getaway error. If so, you may be able to fix the error by flushing your local DNS cache. Here’s a quick guide to how to do it:
- Press Windows Key + R to open a Run window. Type cmd and hit Enter .
- Type ipconfig / flushdns and hit enter .
Note: If you ‘re using a Mac, open a command terminal and type sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponde r and hit Enter . This corresponds to the command on Windows.
Method 7: Disable Proxy Services
The 502 error message is often associated with full proxy services like Cloudflare. As this filters your connection through additional firewalls, it can affect the client-server relationship. This is generally limited to free proxy plans. So if you’re using one, disable it and try loading the page again.
Conclusion
We hope the above methods have been successful in helping you overcome the 502 Bad Getaway error. Since the likelihood is that the problem is actually server-side, your only solution might be to wait. If you want to resolve this issue, you can try contacting the web administrators of the website in question to see if they were causing the problem. If they assure you that it is not, contact your ISP immediately and ask them to investigate.