How to Fix "We Had a Server Error" on Reddit: Complete 2026 Guide

The "We had a server error..." or "Server error. Try again later" message on Reddit are one of the most common frustrations users face. This comprehensive guide will walk you through troubleshooting steps from basic to advanced solutions.

Before troubleshooting your device, verify if "we had a server error" is on Reddit's end:

1. Visit Downdetector: Check Downdetector for Reddit for outage reports
2. Check Reddit Status: Follow @redditstatus on Twitter/X for official updates
3. Test Different Device: Try accessing Reddit on another device or network

• Refresh the page (F5 or refresh button)
• Close and reopen the app/browser completely
• Log out and log back in to your Reddit account
• Check your internet connection - try loading other websites

Encountering a "We had a server error" message on Reddit can be frustrating, but it's often a local issue that can be resolved with some targeted troubleshooting. The following steps are organized from the quickest and most common fixes to more involved solutions.

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Corrupted cache files or problematic cookies are a primary cause of this error. Clearing them forces the browser to download fresh data from Reddit.

• Chrome, Edge, Brave:

  1. Press
     Copy

     1Ctrl+Shift+Delete

     (or
     Copy

     1Cmd+Shift+Delete

     on Mac) to open the "Clear Browsing Data" panel.
  2. Set the Time Range to "All time".
  3. Check the boxes for "Cached images and files" and "Cookies and other site data".
  4. Click "Clear data".
  5. Pro Tip: You can clear data for a single site in Chrome/Edge by clicking the lock icon in the address bar, then going to "Cookies" -> [site] -> "Remove".

• Firefox:

  1. Press
     Copy

     1Ctrl+Shift+Delete

     to open the "Clear All History" window.
  2. Set the Time range to clear to "Everything".
  3. From the details list, ensure at least "Cookies" and "Cache" are selected.
  4. Click "Clear Now".

• Safari:

  1. Go to Safari > Preferences > Privacy tab.
  2. Click "Manage Website Data...".
  3. Search for
     Copy

     1reddit.com

     in the search bar.
  4. Select all Reddit-related entries and click "Remove". Confirm by clicking "Done".

Extensions, especially ad-blockers (uBlock Origin, AdBlock), privacy scripts (Privacy Badger), and Reddit enhancement tools, can sometimes interfere with Reddit's scripts.

• One-by-One Method (Recommended for Identification):

  1. Navigate to your browser's extensions page:
     • Chrome/Edge/Brave: Type
       Copy

       1chrome://extensions

       in the address bar.
     • Firefox: Type
       Copy

       1about:addons

       .
  2. Disable all extensions by toggling them off.
  3. Reload Reddit. If the error is gone, re-enable your extensions one by one, reloading Reddit each time, to identify the culprit.
  4. Once found, you can remove the problematic extension, update it, or configure its settings to allow Reddit.

• Use Incognito/Private Mode for Quick Check: Extensions are typically disabled in private browsing modes. If Reddit works in private mode, an extension is likely the cause.

This is a quick diagnostic step to rule out cache and extension issues simultaneously.

• Chrome/Edge/Brave: Press
  Copy

  1Ctrl+Shift+N

  .
• Firefox: Press
  Copy

  1Ctrl+Shift+P

  .
• Safari: Press
  Copy

  1Shift+Command+N

  (ensure "Enable Private Browsing" is on in Safari Preferences).

Open Reddit in the new private window. If it loads correctly, you have confirmed the problem lies with your browser's profile (cache, cookies, or extensions).

An outdated browser can have compatibility issues with modern websites.

• Chrome/Edge/Brave: Go to
  Copy

  1chrome://settings/help

  (or
  Copy

  1brave://settings/help

  ). The browser will automatically check for and install updates. Restart the browser if prompted.
• Firefox: Click the menu button (☰) > Help > About Firefox. The update will be downloaded and you'll be prompted to restart.
• Safari: Updates are bundled with macOS. Check for system updates via Apple menu > System Preferences/Settings > Software Update.

Sometimes, the issue is related to your network's DNS cache or a stale TCP/IP stack.

• Flush DNS Cache:

  1. Open Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (Mac).
  2. Type the following command and press Enter:
     • Windows:
       Copy

       1ipconfig /flushdns

     • macOS:
       Copy

       1sudo dscacheutil -flushcache

       (you may need to enter your password)

• Reset TCP/IP Stack (Windows): In an Administrator Command Prompt, run:

  Copy

  1netsh int ip reset

  and then restart your computer.

Your Internet Service Provider's (ISP) DNS might be having issues resolving Reddit's servers. Switching to a public DNS like Google DNS (8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) can help.

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If you're experiencing the error within the official Reddit mobile app, the solutions are different.

1. Force Close and Restart the App:

   • Swipe the app away from your recent apps list and then reopen it.

2. Clear the App Cache (Android):

   • Go to Settings > Apps > Reddit > Storage > Clear Cache. (Note: This option is not available on iOS).

3. Check for App Updates:

   • Visit the Google Play Store or Apple App Store and check if an update is available for the Reddit app.

4. Reinstall the App:

   • As a last resort, uninstall the Reddit app and then reinstall it from the official app store. This gives you a completely fresh start.

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1. See the error? -> Refresh the page. (It might be a temporary glitch).
2. Still there? -> Try Incognito/Private Mode.
   • Works? -> Problem is with your browser profile. Proceed with clearing cache/cookies and disabling extensions.
   • Doesn't Work? -> Problem is likely network-related. Proceed with flushing DNS and checking if the issue is on Reddit's end (check Downdetector).
3. Mobile App? -> Force close the app, check for updates, or reinstall.

Encountering the "We had a server error" message can be frustrating, especially when you're in the middle of browsing your favorite subreddits. This error is often a generic response indicating a communication breakdown between the Reddit app on your phone and Reddit's servers. While sometimes the issue is on Reddit's end, there are several effective troubleshooting steps you can take directly from your mobile device to resolve the problem and get back to scrolling.

If you're using the official Reddit application, follow these step-by-step instructions to troubleshoot the server error.

1. Force Close and Reopen the Application

   Simply minimizing the app and returning to it often isn't enough, as it remains dormant in your device's memory. A "force close" completely shuts down the application, clearing its temporary state and allowing for a fresh start. This can resolve minor glitches and corrupted temporary data that may be causing the connection issue.

   • On iOS (iPhone/iPad): Swipe up from the bottom of the screen (or double-press the Home button on older models) to open the app switcher. Swipe the Reddit app card all the way to the top of the screen to close it. Then, reopen it from your home screen.
   • On Android: Tap the square or three-line button to open your recent apps menu. Swipe the Reddit app card left or right to close it. Alternatively, you can go to
     Copy

     1Settings > Apps > Reddit

     and tap "Force Stop."

2. Clear the App Cache (Android Specific)

   Over time, the app stores temporary data (the cache) to load pages faster. However, this cached data can become outdated or corrupted, leading to conflicts and errors like the one you're seeing. Clearing the cache gives the app a clean slate to work from without affecting your personal data.

   • Navigate to your device's Settings.
   • Select Apps or Application Manager.
   • Find and tap on Reddit from the list.
   • Select Storage.
   • Tap the button labeled "Clear Cache."
   • Important Note: This action does not delete your login information, saved posts, or account data. It only removes temporary files.

3. Check For and Install Application Updates

   Running an outdated version of the app can lead to compatibility issues, especially after Reddit rolls out updates on their server side. Developers frequently release patches that include bug fixes for known problems, including server connection errors.

   • For Apple Users: Open the App Store on your device, tap your profile icon in the top-right corner, and scroll down to see pending updates. If Reddit is listed, tap "Update" next to it.
   • For Android Users: Open the Google Play Store, tap your profile icon, and go to "Manage apps & device." Under updates available, see if Reddit is listed and update it.

4. Perform a Full Reinstallation of the App

   If the steps above fail, a reinstall is the most definitive solution for app-side issues. This process removes the entire application and all its associated data (including any deep-seated corrupted files) and installs a completely fresh, clean version.

   • First, press and hold the Reddit app icon on your home screen and select "Uninstall" or delete the app.
   • Then, restart your phone to ensure your device's memory is cleared.
   • Finally, go to the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, search for "Reddit," and download the official app again. You will need to log back into your account.

By methodically working through these steps, you are likely to resolve the "We had a server error" message and restore full functionality to your Reddit mobile experience.

1. Restart Your Router/Modem

   • Unplug from power for 30 seconds, then restart

2. Check for IP or Account Restrictions

   • Verify Account Status: Visit preddit.com/appeals] for suspensions
   • Check Shadow Ban: Log out and view your profile at [reddit.com/user/YourUsername]. If "Page Not Found" appears, you may be shadow banned
   • Test Different Network: Try accessing via mobile data or different Wi-Fi

Use Case: Only for persistent, identity-based blocks when all other solutions fail.

• Antidetect Browser (AdsPower, GoLogin, Incognition): Creates unique, undetectable browser fingerprints
• Residential Proxies (MoMoProxy, Bright Data): Provides IP addresses from real home internet providers
• For more about AntidectBrowser Combine with Proxy, please view:Integration

If Reddit is blocking your specific IP range or identifying your connection as suspicious, this method provides a completely clean digital identity.

• Complexity & Cost: Requires technical setup and paid subscriptions
• Against Reddit's TOS: May violate terms of service - use at your own risk
• Last Resort Only: Overkill for temporary server errors

If none of these solutions work, the problem is almost certainly on Reddit's servers. In this case, your only option is to wait for them to resolve the issue.