Why Is My Website Unavailable, and How to Resolve It?

Did you know that 9 out of 10 people never revisit a website if they have a negative experience while accessing it? A user-friendly website is the key to engagement and opportunities. This leads us to one of the most common problems that many web users have reported is the ‘webpage unavailable’ error.

Accessing the website and the information available on it becomes difficult while navigating due to this error. There might be a simple reason as to why a website is unavailable.

At times, you may need some expert guidance to fix this problem, while sometimes, it might be a local issue that can be resolved quickly and easily.

Here’s a guide on how to troubleshoot and fix an unavailable website. But before that, let’s understand

Understanding The Error: ‘Webpage Unavailable’

The website error usually comes up like a message: ‘Website not available’ or ‘This site cannot be reached’. This is a very common problem that has been reported by web users while accessing certain websites.

With the help of web hosting services, you can easily troubleshoot these problems and fix them. There are multiple reasons that cause these errors, some of which have been discussed below.

What Causes the ‘Webpage Unavailable’ Error?

In a recent study, it was noted that out of one million web pages, 56,791,260 websites had accessibility errors, around 56.8 errors per page. Some of the causes behind such an error include incorrect URL, DNS server problems, and invalid cookies. However, it is crucial to know the exact reason for prompt resolution.

Here are some of the common causes of website unavailability:

• Outdated Web Browser: Outdated websites lack essential support like CSS styles and JavaScript elements. This makes it difficult for the website to function, leading to compatibility issues
• The Website Server is Down: Server overload due to high traffic or unexpected crashes can cause multiple server issues. This can be solved by contacting the host provider
• Invalid DNS Server Settings: You might experience difficulties while accessing the website if the Domain Name System (DNS) server is down. This is also caused by a misconfigured DNS setting, which can be solved by switching to a reliable DNS service provider
• Windows Firewall Blocking the Connection: Sometimes, Windows Firewall tends to block access to certain websites. In such cases, users should recheck firewall settings to allow the website to be displayed
• Internet or Wi-Fi Connectivity Issues: You need a proper Wi-Fi connection that runs smoothly in order to avoid disconnection. The router and the cables can often cause issues, leading to an unavailable website

Also Read- How to Fix the “DNS Server Not Responding” Error: A Complete Guide

Troubleshoot and Resolve the Error

Here are some strategies for resolving the ‘webpage unavailable’:

Option 1: Check Your Internet Connection

It is important to confirm that your internet connection is stable. Next, recheck that the Wi-Fi is within the signal range. If these options are not working out for you, try contacting the internet service provider for additional support.

Option 2: Ensure That the Website URL is Correct

Check if the website URL is correct while you attempt to reach the website. Sometimes, users miss out on a letter, and the website you’re looking for doesn’t show up.

Option 3: Restart Your Computer and Router

You can simply restart your system and router to resolve the ‘webpage unavailable’ issue. Restart the computer to close all the open applications. You can also try turning off the router and then turning it back on to check the connection.

Option 4: Clear Your Browsing Data

If the first three methods failed to solve the error, try clearing your browsing data for a clean slate. The error might be caused by certain outdated DNS requests. Follow these steps to clear the data:

For Chrome: 

• Click on three dots situated next to the Chrome user icon, select ‘More tools’, and then ‘Clear browsing data.’
• Set the time range to ‘All time.’
• Enable Cookies, browsing history, and cache images.
• Finally, click on the clear data option and restart Google Chrome.

Option 5: Change the Proxy Settings

Sometimes, you forget to clear or remove the proxies you have used in your browser. In case you have not removed it, your browser will take more time to access websites. If you notice these changes, it is important to change the computer proxy settings.

The steps are as follows:

• Click on the profile picture.
• Go to settings.
• Find the network area and select the network you are currently using.
• Click the network name and move to the proxy section.

This will help you to establish a better connection for your computer. If you don’t know the settings you might need for your web, contact your internet service provider for assistance.

Option 6: Change The DNS Server Address

One of the main causes of the ‘webpage unavailable’ issue can be your DNS server address. Change the DNS server address by changing the ISP and the hostname. This enables your computer to alter the hostname and IP address. This is an effective way to troubleshoot such problems, and the current DNS server will allow you to load the pages.

Also Read- What is an IP Address? How does it Work? 

Takeaway

If you’re encountering the ‘webpage unavailable’ issue, try the above-mentioned methods to quickly resolve it. Once you’ve resolved it, your audience should be able to see the website working. However, if these simple steps fail to work, your web host or internet service provider might be able to help you.

Multiple web hosting companies can guide you through the process of fixing a broken website. Vodien provides reliable web hosting services and added support for troubleshooting critical issues. Secure your business with Vodien’s managed IT solutions. Start today!