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Why Is My Website Not Opening? Common Reasons

This guide lists the usual reasons a website cannot be reached, and how to check each one.

Web Hosting2 min read6 steps

Start with a quick check

First find out if the problem is only for you or for everyone. Try opening the site on your phone using mobile data. Ask a friend to try too. If others can see it, the problem is on your side.

Common reasons

1. Your internet is down

Check that other websites open. Restart your router, which is the box that gives you Wi-Fi.

2. The domain has expired

A domain is rented for a time. If you forget to renew it, the site stops working. Log in to your client area, open Domains, and check the expiry date.

3. DNS has a problem

DNS is like a phone book for the internet. It turns a website name into a number. If the nameservers are wrong or a change is still spreading, the site may not load. Changes can take some hours.

4. The hosting account is suspended

A service can be suspended for an unpaid invoice or for breaking the rules. Check the Billing and Services menus in the client area.

5. The server is down or busy

The server may be restarting or have too many visitors. Wait a few minutes and try again.

6. A mistake in your site files

A broken plugin, a wrong .htaccess file or bad code can cause errors such as 500 Internal Server Error. If you changed something just before the problem began, undo it.

7. A full disk or resource limit

If your hosting space is full, or the site uses more than its share of power, it may stop. Check your usage in the control panel.

8. SSL certificate trouble

SSL is the lock that encrypts traffic. An expired certificate shows a big warning page.

9. A firewall or security block

Your own IP address may be blocked after many wrong logins. Ask support to check.

10. Old copies in your browser

Clear your browser cache, or try a private window.

Steps to find the cause

  1. Test the site on another device and network.
  2. Check that the domain has not expired.
  3. Check your service status in the client area.
  4. Note the exact error message or number.
  5. Undo any recent change.
  6. Open a support ticket with the error and the time it began.

Quick recap

  • First check whether only you are affected.
  • Look at domain expiry, DNS and account status.
  • Recent changes to files are a common cause.
  • Write down the error message.
  • Contact support if you are stuck.