When a website is playing up, it can make you feel like tearing your hair out. But rather than do this, it’s better to take action to identify what’s at fault.
With that in mind, follow these steps to troubleshoot a litany of snafus that could be to blame for a subpar browsing experience.
Check Your Network Connection or Switch to a Different Network
A common reason for a website that won’t load is your network connection. It might seem obvious, but start by confirming that your WiFi or Ethernet connections are working fine. If they’re OK, try switching to a different network and see if this fixes the issue.
There’s an added advantage to this step in that it can also help in fixing ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED errors often caused by DNS (Domain Name System) issues related directly to network problems. Connectivity matters more than you may realize, so start here!
Inspect Your Browser Settings and Clear Cache
When faced with a website not loading, checking your browser settings is an essential next step. Are you using the optimal configuration for web browsing? Sometimes, resetting to default settings can correct pesky issues. Just remember to back up any crucial data first.
Next, clear your cache. The temporary internet files it contains can cause loading problems over time. Use these easy steps:
- In Chrome, go to ‘More Tools’, then click on ‘Clear Browsing Data’.
- For Firefox users, navigate through ‘Options’, ‘Privacy & Security’ and then hit ‘Clear Data’.
- If Safari’s your choice of browser, head towards the preferences panel operating under ‘Advanced’. Here click the Show Develop menu and then select ‘Empty Caches’.
Gone are those troublesome cached files causing havoc! It’s surprising how often this procedure proves successful in restoring frozen websites.
Assess Website Status Through Online Tools
When your website refuses to load, it might not be an issue on your end. In such cases, assessing the website’s status using online tools can provide valuable insight. Here are a couple for you to consider:
- Down For Everyone Or Just Me: This tool is simple. Just type in the URL of the site you’re trying to access and it’ll verify whether other users are experiencing issues as well.
- IsItDownRightNow: Similar in function, but with extra details like response time server history.
It’s a good idea to determine if the problem lies at your end or elsewhere before moving onto more involved troubleshooting steps. If these tools confirm that it’s down for everyone else too, you have your answer! Patience is then your friend as you wait for the website’s technical team to find a fix.
Disable Unnecessary Extensions or Plugins
Sometimes, extensions and plugins that you’ve added to enhance your browser might be the culprits behind a website not loading. To tackle this:
- Start with disabling all your extensions and plugins in your chosen browser’s appropriate menu.
- Begin re-enabling them one by one until you find the problematic piece.
Before attempting this, make sure to note down what is currently enabled for future reference before starting the process. If you pinpoint an extension or plugin causing trouble, see if it has any settings that could be adjusted, or consider seeking out an alternative.
Troubleshooting this way may seem like a longer path but cleaning up your browsing environment often enhances overall functionality, not just access to that stubborn site.
Upgrade Your Browser to The Latest Version
If a website still won’t load, try upgrading your browser. An outdated browser version can sometimes create compatibility issues with newer websites boasting the latest tech, like 3D product configurators, causing them not to function properly. So ensure that you’re using the latest iteration of your preferred browser.
Moreover, it’s always a good idea to try another browser as an alternative. Some sites may function better on one than another due to different built-in features and design focuses.
Even if you’re a committed Chrome acolyte or a fervent Firefox user, having at least two browsers installed on your device gives you more options.
Attempt Access through Incognito Mode/Private Browsing
Another great troubleshooting step to unlock a stubborn website is trying to access it via incognito mode or private browsing. Many browsers offer this feature, and it basically means your browser won’t use stored cookies or cache when loading a webpage, which are often at the root of various issues.
If the site loads in this mode, you can be sure some previously stored data was causing interference. Not only will this bypass potential hang-ups but also give you a clean slate each time you browse!
Final Thoughts
If all of these steps still leave you in the lurch, get in contact with your internet service provider’s customer support team. They will let you know if there are any outages in your area that are impacting connectivity.
