How to Fix the “Web Server Is Returning an Unknown Error” (Error Code 520)

Encountering a “520 Web Server Is Returning an Unknown Error”? Don't worry, you're not alone! This guide dives into what causes error 520, how to fix it across platforms like WordPress, Cloudflare, and ChatGPT, and provides step-by-step solutions to get your websites and applications back on track.

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What Is a 520 Web Server Error?

The "520 Web Server Is Returning an Unknown Error" message means that your web server isn’t functioning properly. It's essentially a generic error code from Cloudflare (or other CDNs) that indicates your server failed to provide a valid response to the CDN.

Common situations where this error pops up:

• WordPress Websites: Caused by plugins, themes, or server overload.
• Cloudflare Connections: Issues with server-side communication.
• Apps Like ChatGPT or Valorant: Result from backend server misconfigurations.

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Why Does the 520 Web Server Error Happen?

Here are the most common reasons:

1. Server Overload: The server is handling too many requests at once.
2. Firewall Misconfigurations: Firewalls block legitimate requests from Cloudflare or other services.
3. Invalid HTTP Response: The origin server sends a response that isn’t expected by the CDN.
4. Host or Plugin Errors: Faulty plugins or apps may crash the server.
5. DNS Settings Issues: Incorrect domain or DNS configurations.

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How to Fix the 520 Web Server Error

Step 1: Check the Server Status

• Ensure your web server is operational by visiting your hosting provider’s dashboard.
• Restart the server if necessary.

Step 2: Investigate Firewall Settings

• Review firewall logs to see if Cloudflare IPs or other CDN requests are being blocked.
• Whitelist the necessary IP ranges.

Step 3: Clear Cache

• Clear browser, CDN, or server cache to ensure outdated responses aren’t causing conflicts.

Step 4: Check for Faulty Plugins or Applications

• For WordPress: Deactivate all plugins, then reactivate one by one to identify the culprit.
• On other platforms: Review logs to identify scripts causing the error.

Step 5: Verify DNS Settings

• Ensure your domain points to the correct IP address and that DNS records are properly configured.

Step 6: Adjust Cloudflare Settings

• Log into Cloudflare and:
  • Enable "Always Online" mode.
  • Temporarily disable Cloudflare (switch to "DNS only") to confirm the issue is server-side.

Step 7: Contact Hosting or Service Support

• If you’ve exhausted troubleshooting steps, reach out to your hosting provider or Cloudflare support with detailed error logs.

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FAQs

Q1: What does "520 Web Server Is Returning an Unknown Error" mean?
A: It’s a generic error indicating that the origin server didn’t send a valid response to the CDN (like Cloudflare).

Q2: How can I fix a 520 error on WordPress?
A: Disable plugins/themes, clear cache, and review server error logs for clues.

Q3: Why do I see this error on apps like ChatGPT or Valorant?
A: It usually results from server misconfigurations or high traffic causing system overload.

Q4: Is error 520 related to my internet connection?
A: No, it’s a server-side issue that’s independent of your internet connection.

Q5: Can Cloudflare fix error 520?
A: Cloudflare provides tools to help diagnose the issue, but the fix often lies with the origin server.

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