Reddit Server Error: Try Again Later — Why It Happens and How to Fix It

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Learn why Reddit server error try again later appears and how to fix it when Reddit keeps saying try again later on your device.

How to Fix Reddit Server Error Try Again Later

Encountering the message “Reddit server error. Try again later” can bring your browsing session to an abrupt halt. Whether you’re viewing posts on a desktop browser, scrolling through your favorite subreddits on a brand-new iPhone, or checking updates via an Android app, this error often appears without warning. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore why this message appears, what it truly means, and how to resolve it step by step for various devices and network conditions.

What Does “Reddit Server Error. Try Again Later” Actually Mean?

When Reddit displays the message that you should try again later, it is indicating that the platform’s servers are temporarily unable to process your request. This may be due to a sudden surge in traffic, an ongoing technical update, or an issue with your local connection. The phrase itself is deliberately generic, covering a range of underlying causes. Below, we explain several common scenarios that trigger this message and why it does not always mean Reddit is entirely down.

Temporary Server Overload

At peak moments—such as during a celebrity’s “Ask Me Anything,” a breaking news event, or a viral post—millions of users may attempt to access Reddit all at once. Even though the site is built to handle large volumes of traffic, there are occasions when the infrastructure cannot keep pace. In those moments, some users will see “internal server error” or “we’re sorry, something went wrong,” urging them to try again later.

  • High-Profile AMAs and Trending Threads: When a well-known figure hosts a Q&A on Reddit, the site might experience localized slowdowns. Users trying to submit questions or post comments during those surges might receive the server error message.

Backend Updates and Code Deployments

Reddit’s engineering team regularly pushes updates to improve performance, add features, or patch security vulnerabilities. While these updates are thoroughly tested, there are rare occasions where a code change introduces an unexpected bug. If a new deployment impacts the authentication system, database queries, or the content delivery mechanisms, users might see the “try again later” notice until engineers identify and roll back or correct the problematic release.

  • Database Migrations Gone Awry: When Reddit reorganizes or migrates data across servers, a minor misconfiguration can lead to pages failing to load. In these cases, logged-in users might discover they cannot submit new posts, and instead receive messages asking them to retry later.
  • Third-Party Service Integration: Reddit relies on external services—for example, content delivery networks (CDNs) such as Cloudflare—for distributing content efficiently. If an update to a CDN configuration is incorrect or if a certificate lapses, some regions may become unable to connect to Reddit’s servers.

Regional Content Delivery Network Issues

Under normal conditions, Reddit uses a global CDN to ensure that pages load quickly, regardless of where you are in the world. However, CDNs occasionally face regional disruptions. When your local CDN node has difficulty reaching Reddit’s origin servers, you might find that pages simply do not load, or that you receive a server error and must try again later.

  • Cloudflare Routing Failures: If Cloudflare experiences an outage, it can block or misroute requests destined for Reddit. Even though Reddit itself might be fully operational, the interruption at the CDN layer creates a false impression that Reddit is down.
  • Regional DNS Propagation Delays: If Reddit changes DNS records—perhaps after moving servers or updating certificates—some DNS resolvers may not reflect those changes immediately, leading to momentary inability to connect.

Third-Party Application and API Failures

A significant number of Reddit users access the platform through third-party applications or browser extensions. These apps rely on Reddit’s API, a structured way to request and send data. When the API service experiences downtime—either due to internal server loads or deliberate maintenance—those external apps will display errors instead of loading content.

  • Apollo, Relay, and Other Clients: Popular third-party clients often report blank feeds, failed login attempts, or an inability to post when the Reddit API is under stress. Users might see repeated error pop-ups indicating that the server could not process their request.
  • API Rate Limiting: To prevent abuse, Reddit enforces rate limits on how many API calls a user or app can make within a given time frame. If a third-party application hits that limit, it may be temporarily blocked until the restriction resets.

New Account Protections and Suspensions

Reddit implements security measures to prevent spam, bot activity, and harassment. When a newly created account attempts to perform normal actions—such as posting a comment or submitting a link—Reddit may place automatic restrictions. These limitations can manifest as a server error message, although the true issue is that the user is subject to a temporary soft ban or rate limit.

  • Automated Account Vetting: New users may receive fewer privileges until they’ve been active for a certain period. If Reddit’s systems detect unusual login patterns or potential bot-like behavior (for example, logging in from a new device or multiple IP addresses), they may block account activity for a short time.
  • Account Bans and Suspensions: If Reddit moderators or the Trust & Safety team temporarily ban an account—often for policy violations—the user might be presented with a generic error message rather than a clear “you are banned” notification. This approach reduces information that could be used by malicious actors to circumvent restrictions.

Network and VPN Restrictions

Problems with your personal network configuration can also trigger the “try again later” message. Reddit sometimes blocks IP addresses associated with suspicious or abusive activity. If you are using a public Wi-Fi, a restricted corporate network, or a VPN with an IP address flagged by Reddit, you might find that pages refuse to load and you are shown a server error.

  • VPN IP Blocks: Some VPN providers share IP addresses among many users. If one user on that shared IP engages in behavior that violates Reddit’s rules, all users sharing that address may see blocked content.
  • Firewall and Proxy Interference: School, university, or workplace networks often use firewalls or proxies that prevent access to certain websites. If Reddit is unintentionally blocked by a network security rule, you will receive an error message that suggests trying again later—even though the real issue is that your network administrator has restricted access.

Why Reddit Keeps Displaying “Server Error”

Understanding these underlying causes can help you choose the most effective fix. Below, each major reason is expanded with additional details and practical examples.

High Traffic and Server Overload

During high-visibility events, Reddit experiences traffic spikes that strain server capacity. Hundreds of thousands of users may try to post, comment, or vote on the same thread at once. Even though Reddit employs load-balancing techniques and scales horizontally across multiple data centers, there are moments when demand outpaces supply.

  • Example: Celebrity AMA
    When a well-known actor or musician hosts a live Q&A, Reddit may see page views increase by an order of magnitude. Thousands of users attempt to submit questions simultaneously. If the servers cannot allocate enough resources, some requests will be dropped, resulting in the generic error message.
  • Example: Breaking News in r/worldnews
    A major geopolitical event can drive millions of page views and comments. If backend resources are already committed to existing traffic, additional requests may be deferred, prompting users to “try again later.”

Organizations like Reddit maintain multiple clusters to handle these surges, but there can still be short-lived disruptions. From the user’s perspective, a few minutes of waiting often resolves the issue once the traffic subsides or additional resources come online.

System Updates and Backend Glitches

Software development is an iterative process, and even the most meticulously tested changes can produce unexpected side effects. Reddit regularly pushes updates to its codebase—whether it’s changing how posts are cached, improving database indices, or adding new moderation tools. If these updates contain bugs that only manifest in production, users may see errors until the engineering team intervenes.

  • Database Schema Migrations
    When Reddit alters its database schema—perhaps adding a new column to track post metadata—there is a risk that older code references an outdated table structure. If the deployment is not rolled out in phases, some servers may continue expecting the old schema, causing errors until the update is fully propagated.
  • Authentication Service Failures
    Reddit relies on microservices for user authentication. If a single authentication endpoint malfunctions—due to a misconfiguration or a certificate expiration—users may be unable to log in or perform account-specific actions, prompting the server error.
  • Rollback Procedures
    In many cases, Reddit’s engineers detect the faulty update within minutes and roll back the change. However, rolling back a database migration can be complex, so some issues may take longer to resolve.

Content Delivery Network (CDN) and Cloudflare Disruptions

Reddit’s performance and security depend heavily on its CDN—an interconnected network of servers that deliver content based on geographic proximity. Cloudflare is Reddit’s primary CDN provider. While CDNs accelerate content delivery and provide DDoS protection, they are not infallible.

  • DNS Propagation Delays
    When Reddit updates DNS records—perhaps to add a new data center—the changes can take time to propagate across the internet. During that window, some DNS resolvers may still point to an old or unavailable server, leading to “cannot connect” or “server error” messages.
  • SSL/TLS Certificate Renewal
    Reddit’s HTTPS connections depend on valid SSL certificates. If a certificate expires or fails to renew properly, users may be unable to establish a secure connection, resulting in an error that suggests retrying later.
  • Regional CDN Outages
    Cloudflare occasionally experiences regional service disruptions. If the CDN node serving North America goes down, users in that region will see errors, while users in other regions remain unaffected.

Monitoring tools exist to track CDN health, but from a user’s standpoint, there is little they can do except wait for the CDN provider to resolve the issue.

Third-Party Application and API Failures

Many power users prefer third-party Reddit clients—applications designed specifically to enhance the browsing experience. These apps rely on Reddit’s official API to fetch posts, submit comments, and manage user accounts. The API has multiple rate limits and quotas to ensure fair usage across apps. If a third-party client exceeds those quotas, it may be temporarily throttled.

  • Rate Limiting
    API rate limits cap how many requests an application can make within a set period. If a user scrolls rapidly through hundreds of posts or subreddits in a short time, an app may hit its limit, triggering API errors and blank screens.
  • Protocol Mismatches
    When Reddit changes API endpoints or deprecates older versions, third-party apps must update their code. If a developer has not released a compatible update, users will see API-related errors until the client is updated.
  • Authentication Token Expiration
    Reddit’s OAuth tokens expire after a certain period. Some third-party clients do not handle token refresh smoothly, leading to failed requests and the prompt to “try again later.”

While the official Reddit app and website are prioritized during high-load events, third-party clients may suffer first. When Reddit engineers observe high API traffic that could affect overall site performance, they may temporarily restrict API access to non-official clients.

New Accounts, Device Changes, and Account Restrictions

To curb spam and maintain community quality, Reddit enforces several measures on new accounts and accounts that show sudden changes in usage patterns. If Reddit’s automated systems detect potentially suspicious activity, they may impose restrictions that manifest as generic server errors for the affected user.

  • New Account Rate Limits
    Brand-new accounts are subject to stricter posting and commenting limits. Even if the user is legitimate, the account may receive temporary read-only or comment-only status for 24 to 48 hours.
  • Device Verification
    If you log in from a new device—especially in a different country—Reddit may require email verification or additional authentication. Until you verify, any attempt to post or comment may be blocked and result in a server error notice.
  • Soft Bans and Temporary Suspensions
    If moderators have issued a soft ban or Reddit’s Trust & Safety team has flagged your account, you may see a vague “server error” message whenever you attempt to interact. While frustrating, these measures are designed to curb rule violations without announcing the exact reason publicly.

In most cases, simply waiting the required period, verifying your email, or contacting Reddit support will restore full functionality.

Network-Level Blocks and VPN Interference

Your personal internet setup can trigger Reddit’s network protections. Many organizations and public networks use firewalls that inadvertently block Reddit’s domains or ports. Additionally, some VPN providers share IP addresses among thousands of users, increasing the chance that one user’s behavior causes an entire IP range to be blacklisted.

  • Corporate and Educational Firewalls
    Schools and workplaces often restrict social media and forum websites. If Reddit is on the blocker list, you’ll see a “server error” rather than a straightforward “access denied.”
  • Shared VPN IP Addresses
    When many users share the same VPN IP, any violation by a single user can cause the entire block to be flagged. Even though your behavior is within Reddit’s rules, you might be prevented from accessing the site.
  • Mobile Carrier Restrictions
    Some mobile carriers have network-level filtering for certain categories of sites. If Reddit is categorized incorrectly or flagged by automated filters, you may receive an error on mobile data that disappears when switching to Wi-Fi.

Switching networks—such as toggling between mobile data and Wi-Fi—or changing to a different, more reputable VPN provider often remedies this issue.

How to Fix “Reddit Server Error. Try Again Later”

Now that we’ve covered why this error appears, let’s address how to fix it. The steps below are ordered from simplest to more involved. Begin with the basic checks and only move on to advanced troubleshooting if the problem persists.

General Troubleshooting for All Users

  1. Check Whether Reddit Is Actually Down
    • Visit Reddit’s official status page (redditstatus.com) to see real-time information about ongoing service outages.
    • Use third-party monitoring sites such as Downdetector to confirm if other users across regions are reporting issues.
    • If multiple sources confirm a widespread outage, the solution is simply to wait until the issue is resolved by Reddit’s engineering team.
  2. Clear Browser Cache and Cookies
    • Stored cache and cookies sometimes interfere with loading updated scripts. To clear them:
      • In Chrome: Menu → More tools → Clear browsing data → Select “Cached images and files” and “Cookies and other site data” → Clear data.
      • In Firefox: Menu → Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data → Clear Data.
    • After clearing, close the browser completely, reopen it, and attempt to load Reddit again.
  3. Open Reddit in Incognito/Private Mode
    • Incognito mode disables extensions and uses a fresh session. If Reddit loads successfully in incognito mode, one of your browser extensions (such as an ad blocker or script blocker) is likely causing the issue.
    • Identify the problematic extension by disabling all extensions and then re-enabling them one by one until you find the culprit.
  4. Disable or Uninstall Problematic Browser Extensions
    • Extensions like Reddit Enhancement Suite (RES), aggressive ad blockers, or privacy-focused add-ons can sometimes break Reddit’s scripts.
    • If you suspect an extension, disable it temporarily and refresh the page.
    • If Reddit loads correctly without the extension, consider updating it or finding an alternative.
  5. Log Out and Log Back In
    • This step refreshes your authentication token, which can fix errors tied to login sessions.
    • Click on your profile icon in the upper-right corner of the screen, select “Log Out,” then log back in using your credentials.

Fixes for Desktop Browsers (Windows, macOS, Linux)

  1. Update Your Browser
    • Outdated browser versions may not support newer web technologies used by Reddit.
    • Check for updates in your browser’s “About” section and install the latest stable release.
  2. Flush DNS Cache
    • Sometimes stale DNS entries cause your computer to attempt to connect to the wrong server.
    • On Windows: Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run ipconfig /flushdns.
    • On macOS: Open Terminal and run sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder.
    • After flushing the cache, restart your browser and navigate to Reddit again.
  3. Temporarily Disable VPN or Proxy
    • If you are using a VPN, switch it off or choose a different server location.
    • If you connect through a proxy, bypass it temporarily to see if Reddit loads normally.
  4. Try a Different DNS Server
    • Switching to a faster, more reliable DNS can resolve intermittent connection issues.
    • Popular public DNS servers include Google (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) and Cloudflare (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1).
    • On Windows: Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center → Change adapter settings → Right-click on your network → Properties → IPv4 → Properties → Use the following DNS server addresses.
    • On macOS: System Preferences → Network → Advanced → DNS → Click the + button to add new DNS addresses.

Fixes for iPhone and iOS Devices

  1. Update to the Latest iOS Version
    • Outdated operating systems can introduce compatibility issues with apps.
    • Open Settings → General → Software Update. If an update is available, install it and reboot your device.
  2. Clear App Cache (If Supported)
    • Some app versions allow you to clear cached data directly.
    • Open the Reddit app, go to Settings → Advanced → Clear Cache (this option may not be available in older versions).
    • If the option is not present, skip to the next step.
  3. Delete and Reinstall the Reddit App
    • Press and hold the Reddit app icon until it jiggles, then tap the “–” (minus) symbol to uninstall.
    • Open the App Store, search for “Reddit,” and reinstall the official app.
    • Reopen the app, log in, and see if the server error persists.
  4. Disable Active VPN Connections
    • If you are connected to a VPN, disconnect and attempt to load Reddit on standard mobile data or Wi-Fi.
    • If Reddit begins working, try connecting to a different VPN server or choose a provider known for reliable service.
  5. Check for Restrictions or Screen Time Settings
    • If your device is managed by an organization (e.g., a school or corporate mobile device management), certain apps may be restricted.
    • Navigate to Settings → Screen Time → Content & Privacy Restrictions to ensure Reddit is allowed.
  6. Test on Cellular Data vs. Wi-Fi
    • Sometimes Wi-Fi networks have stricter firewalls, while cellular data bypasses those restrictions.
    • Toggle off Wi-Fi and open Reddit using cellular data.
    • Then toggle cellular data off, reconnect to Wi-Fi, and test again. This helps determine if the network itself is at fault.

Fixes for Android Devices

  1. Ensure You Have the Latest Reddit App Version
    • Open Google Play Store → My apps & games → Check for updates next to Reddit.
    • Install any available updates, then relaunch the app.
  2. Clear Cache and App Data
    • Navigate to Settings → Apps → Reddit → Storage → Clear Cache.
    • If issues persist, tap “Clear Data” to reset the app to its initial state. Note: Clearing data will erase your local settings but not your account or posts.
    • Reopen the app, log in again, and test if the error is resolved.
  3. Force Stop and Restart the App
    • In Settings → Apps → Reddit, tap “Force Stop.”
    • Reopen the app from the home screen or app drawer to start a fresh session.
  4. Reinstall the Reddit App
    • Long-press the Reddit icon and select “Uninstall.”
    • Open Google Play Store, search for “Reddit,” and reinstall the official application.
    • Log in and check if you can browse without encountering the server error.
  5. Disable Battery Optimization for Reddit
    • Android’s aggressive battery management sometimes prevents apps from functioning in the background.
    • Go to Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization → Find Reddit → Select “Don’t optimize.”
    • This ensures Reddit can maintain its background processes, such as refreshing your feed and sending notifications.

Network-Related Fixes (Wi-Fi, VPN, and DNS)

  1. Restart Your Router or Modem
    • Unplug the power cable from your router, wait 30 seconds, then plug it back in.
    • After the router reboots, connect your device and try accessing Reddit again.
  2. Switch Between Wi-Fi and Mobile Data
    • If Reddit loads on mobile data but not on your Wi-Fi network, the issue likely lies with your router or ISP restrictions.
    • Conversely, if Reddit works on Wi-Fi but not on mobile data, contact your mobile carrier to check for known network filtering.
  3. Change DNS Settings on Your Device
    • On Windows or macOS, follow the steps previously described to use Google or Cloudflare DNS.
    • On Android: Settings → Connections → More connection settings → Private DNS → Set to “dns.google” or “1dot1dot1dot1.cloudflare-dns.com.”
    • On iOS: Settings → Wi-Fi → Tap the “i” next to your network → Configure DNS → Manual → Add servers such as 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1.
  4. Temporarily Disable Your VPN
    • If you are connected to a VPN, disconnect and test Reddit on a direct connection.
    • If Reddit loads successfully without the VPN, try connecting to another server location or use a different VPN provider altogether.
  5. Use a Wired Connection on Desktop
    • If you have the option, plug in an Ethernet cable directly from your router to your desktop.
    • Wired networks often bypass some of the filtering or interference that affects Wi-Fi, providing a more stable connection to Reddit’s servers.

When You Have to Wait It Out

Sometimes, the error is beyond your control. If Reddit is experiencing a widespread outage—due to a major hardware failure, data center issue, or an unplanned backend problem—there is no quick fix on the user’s side. In these situations, the best course of action is to monitor official and community-driven status updates:

  1. Reddit Status Page
    • Check redditstatus.com for live updates on all services. If engineers are aware of a problem, they post estimated recovery times and details about affected regions.
  2. Downdetector
    • Visit Downdetector’s Reddit page to see real-time user reports. The map and timeline charts indicate surges of reported issues, confirming a widespread outage.
  3. Social Media Channels
    • Follow Reddit’s official Twitter account (@redditstatus) or Discord servers for up-to-the-minute announcements.
    • Check relevant subreddits such as r/redditstatus or r/Outages for community discussions and workarounds.
  4. Alternate Access Methods
    • If Reddit’s main site is impacted but the API is still functioning, third-party clients may still load content (though this is uncommon).
    • Occasionally, Reddit’s mobile application remains accessible when the desktop site is down—or vice versa—so switching platforms can help you stay connected to the community.

Other Similar Errors and Their Causes

While “Server error. Try again later” is perhaps the most frequent complaint, Reddit users also see other variations of generic messages. Knowing how these differ helps you apply the correct fix.

“We Have Encountered an Error. Please Try Again Later.”

This phrase often appears when a specific feature or endpoint fails. For example, attempting to vote on a post, submit a new thread, or access certain account settings might trigger this message if the backend service handling that action is down. The general troubleshooting steps—such as clearing cache or checking status—still apply, but you may also want to test only that specific action (e.g., voting on a different post) to see if it’s isolated.

“Unknown Server Error”

When you submit a comment or attempt to upload media, Reddit’s API might respond with a generic “unknown server error.” This suggests that the server encountered an unexpected condition it could not handle. Often, this points to issues with the API layer. If the official Reddit app reports “unknown server error” while the website works, it may signal a bug in the app or a synchronization problem with your account session.

“Reddit Login Internal Server Error”

Login-related errors can occur if Reddit’s authentication system is experiencing high loads or has misconfigured endpoints. If you see this message repeatedly, try using a different login method (e.g., switching from Google OAuth to native Reddit login) or resetting your password. Clearing cookies and storing a fresh session often solves these login issues.

“Reddit Won’t Load on Wi-Fi” vs. “Reddit Won’t Load on Mobile Data”

Distinguishing between an error that occurs only on Wi-Fi versus only on cellular data can help pinpoint whether the problem is your device or your network. If switching networks resolves the issue, your next step is to troubleshoot the problematic network—possibly by rebooting your router, contacting your ISP, or adjusting firewall settings.

Final Thoughts: Reddit Will Be Back Soon

Reddit has grown into a sprawling community-driven platform, hosting thousands of subreddits on every conceivable topic. With that scale comes complexity—and occasional hiccups in service. When you encounter the server error message telling you to try again later, it can feel like your entire social routine is on hold. However, most of these disruptions are temporary and stem from identifiable causes: traffic surges, code deployments, CDNs, API changes, or local network configurations.

By following the troubleshooting steps above—checking Reddit’s status, clearing caches, adjusting network or VPN settings, and verifying your account—you can usually restore access in just a few minutes. If the problem is on Reddit’s end, staying patient and monitoring official status channels is the best strategy. Whether you’re on a new iPhone, a legacy Android device, or a desktop browser, there is a reliable fix waiting to get you back to your favorite threads, memes, and discussions.

If your issues persist, consider reaching out to Reddit’s support or consulting the r/reddithelp subreddit for personalized guidance. But in nearly all cases, the “try again later” moment will pass soon, and you’ll be right back to upvoting, downvoting, and commenting to your heart’s content.

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