Quick Summary
Error 502 Bad Gateway indicates that the server you're trying to access is acting as a gateway or proxy and received an invalid response from another server upstream. This generally means that the problem lies with the server you're trying to access, or a network issue between servers.
Common Causes
- Server Overload: The upstream server is experiencing high traffic or is overloaded, causing it to time out or return an invalid response.
- Network Issues: There could be temporary network connectivity problems between the proxy server and the upstream server, preventing them from communicating properly.
- Server Maintenance: The upstream server might be undergoing scheduled or unscheduled maintenance, resulting in temporary unavailability.
- Firewall Issues: A firewall is blocking communication between servers.
- DNS Resolution Problems: The proxy server is unable to resolve the IP address of the upstream server using DNS.
- Application Bugs: A poorly written application may cause a server to return an invalid response.
- Timeout Issues: The upstream server takes too long to respond, causing a timeout on the proxy server side.
Step-by-Step Fixes
Method 1: Try Again Later
Wait a few minutes and try accessing the page again. The problem might be temporary and resolve itself.
Method 2: Clear Browser Cache and Cookies
Clear your browser's cache and cookies. Sometimes, outdated cached data can cause issues.
Chrome: Press Ctrl+Shift+Delete (Windows) or Cmd+Shift+Delete (Mac). Select 'Cached images and files' and 'Cookies and other site data'. Click 'Clear data'.
Firefox: Click the menu button (three horizontal lines) > 'Options' > 'Privacy & Security'. In the 'Cookies and Site Data' section, click 'Clear Data'. Select 'Cookies and Site Data' and 'Cached Web Content'. Click 'Clear'.
Safari: Safari > Preferences > Privacy > Manage Website Data > Remove All.
Method 3: Try a Different Browser
Try accessing the page with a different browser. This helps to determine if the issue is browser-specific.
Method 4: Restart Your Router and Modem
Restarting your network devices can resolve temporary network connectivity issues.
Step 1: Unplug your modem and router.
Step 2: Wait 30 seconds.
Step 3: Plug your modem back in and wait for it to initialize (usually when the lights stop blinking).
Step 4: Plug your router back in and wait for it to initialize.
Method 5: Check DNS Settings
Ensure your DNS settings are correctly configured. You can try using a public DNS server, such as Google's DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare's DNS (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1).
Windows: Go to Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings. Right-click your connection and select 'Properties'. Select 'Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)' and click 'Properties'. Select 'Use the following DNS server addresses' and enter the DNS server addresses. Click 'OK'.
macOS: Go to System Preferences > Network. Select your connection and click 'Advanced'. Click the 'DNS' tab and add the DNS server addresses.
Method 6: Contact the Website Administrator
If the issue persists, the problem is likely on the server-side. Contact the website administrator or their support team to report the problem and inquire about the server status.