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Error 521

Error 521: web server is down

Error 521 occurs when the origin web server refuses connections from Cloudflare. Security solutions at your origin may block legitimate connections from certain Cloudflare IP addresses.

Common causes

The two most common causes of 521 errors are:

  • Offlined origin web server application.
  • Blocked Cloudflare requests.

Resolution

Contact your hosting provider or site administrator and share the necessary error details to assist in troubleshooting these common causes:

  • Ensure your origin web server is responsive.
  • Review origin web server error logs to identify web server application crashes or outages.
  • Confirm Cloudflare IP addresses are not blocked or rate limited.
  • Allow all Cloudflare IP ranges in your origin web server's firewall or other security software.
  • Confirm that — if you have your SSL/TLS mode set to Full or Full (Strict) — your origin supports HTTPS and/or you have installed a Cloudflare Origin Certificate or a certificate matching the requirements for these modes.
  • Ensure that your origin web server application is actively bound and listening on the port required by your SSL/TLS mode: Port 80 for Flexible, or Port 443 for Full and Full (Strict).
  • Find additional troubleshooting information on the Cloudflare Community.