Reddit Down? Upstream Connect Error

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Post on Nov 21, 2024

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Reddit Down? Troubleshooting Upstream Connect Errors

Are you seeing an "upstream connect error" when trying to access Reddit? You're not alone! This frustrating message often pops up when something is preventing your device from connecting to Reddit's servers. Let's troubleshoot this issue and get you back to browsing your favorite subreddits.

Understanding the "Upstream Connect Error"

The "upstream connect error" on Reddit (and other websites) generally indicates a problem with the connection between your device and Reddit's servers. It's not necessarily a problem on Reddit itself, but rather a hurdle in the path of your connection. Think of it like a traffic jam on the road to Reddit; the destination is fine, but the journey is blocked.

Several factors can cause this:

• Internet Connectivity Issues: This is the most common culprit. A poor internet connection, temporary outage, or problems with your router or modem can all prevent you from connecting to Reddit.
• DNS Problems: Your Domain Name System (DNS) translates website names (like reddit.com) into IP addresses that your device understands. Problems with your DNS settings can prevent this translation, leading to connection errors.
• Firewall or Antivirus Interference: Overly restrictive firewalls or antivirus software might be blocking Reddit's access.
• Browser or App Issues: Outdated browser extensions, corrupted browser cache, or problems with the Reddit app itself can also cause this error.
• Reddit Server Issues (Less Likely): While less frequent, it's possible that Reddit is experiencing temporary server problems. Checking Reddit's status page (if available) can help determine this.

Troubleshooting Steps:

Let's work through some solutions to resolve your "upstream connect error":

1. Check Your Internet Connection:

• Restart your router and modem: Unplug both devices, wait 30 seconds, plug the modem back in, wait for it to fully power up, then plug the router back in. This simple step often resolves temporary connectivity issues.
• Check your internet speed: Use a speed test website (like Ookla's Speedtest.net) to see if you're getting the internet speed you're paying for. Slow speeds might still allow browsing, but might trigger errors.
• Check other websites: Try accessing other websites. If you can't reach any websites, the problem is likely with your internet connection, not specifically Reddit.

2. Check Your DNS Settings:

• Try a different DNS server: Your internet service provider (ISP) likely provides a DNS server, but using a public DNS server like Google Public DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1) can sometimes improve connectivity. You'll need to change these settings in your device's network settings. Instructions vary depending on your operating system.
• Flush your DNS cache: This clears any outdated or corrupted DNS entries. The commands for this vary depending on your operating system (search online for "flush DNS cache [your OS]").

3. Check Firewalls and Antivirus Software:

• Temporarily disable your firewall and antivirus: See if Reddit works. If it does, you'll need to configure your security software to allow Reddit's access. Remember to re-enable them afterward.

4. Check Your Browser or App:

• Clear your browser cache and cookies: This removes temporary files that might be causing problems.
• Update your browser and Reddit app: Ensure you're using the latest versions.
• Try a different browser or app: If you're using a browser, try accessing Reddit through a different one (like Chrome, Firefox, or Edge). If you're using the app, try accessing Reddit through a browser.
• Disable browser extensions: Extensions can sometimes interfere with website access. Try disabling them temporarily to see if that resolves the issue.

5. Check Reddit's Status:

While less likely, it's always a good idea to check if Reddit is experiencing any widespread outages. Look for official announcements or reports on social media.

If none of these steps work, contacting your internet service provider for assistance is the next logical step. They can help diagnose any problems with your internet connection. Remember to provide them with details about the error message you're seeing.