Encountering the 502 Bad Gateway error on your WordPress site can be frustrating, especially since it can stem from various causes and doesn’t provide clear instructions for fixing it.
This guide outlines straightforward steps to resolve your WordPress website’s 502 Bad Gateway error.
What is a 502 Bad Gateway Error?
A 502 Bad Gateway error occurs when your hosting server receives an invalid response from an upstream server. It often happens when a server takes too long to respond, potentially due to high traffic, issues with WordPress themes or plugins, or server misconfigurations.
Now, let’s go over how to fix this issue.
1. Reload the Page
Sometimes, the error is temporary and can be resolved by simply reloading the page. If this works, you don’t need to take further action. However, if the error persists, proceed with the next steps.
2. Clear Your Browser Cache
Your browser might be displaying an outdated error page from its cache. Clear your browser cache and try accessing the site again. You can also try using a different browser to see if the issue persists.
3. Disable Your CDN or Firewall
If you’re using a Content Delivery Network (CDN) or firewall, these could be causing the issue. Temporarily disable them to see if that resolves the problem. If it does, contact your CDN or firewall provider for further assistance.
4. Update Themes and Plugins
Outdated themes or plugins can sometimes cause the 502 error. Deactivate all your plugins via FTP and check if the error is resolved. If it is, reactivate the plugins individually to identify the culprit. Also, consider switching to a default WordPress theme to see if your theme is causing the issue.
5. Restore from a Backup
If you have a recent site backup, restoring it could resolve the issue. This is especially useful if the error started after a recent change.
6. Check for PHP Timeouts
PHP timeouts occur when a script takes too long to execute, leading to a 502 error. Enable debug mode in WordPress to identify any slow scripts and resolve the issue.
7. Contact Your Hosting Provider
If none of the above steps work, contact your hosting provider. They can check server logs and help determine if the issue is on their end.
