If you face the 504 gateway timeout error on your WordPress site then you can follow some steps given in below to fix the error. This is the error which can make your website inaccessible to the users. It can be the worst thing when it disappears and reappears on its own if the underlying issue is not fixed. In this article, we will show you how to fix the 504 gateway timeout error in WordPress.

What Causes 504 Gateway Timeout Error?

This error is usually caused when a server is unable to connect to an upstream server to complete a request.

For example, When you are using a website firewall like Sucuri, and which is unable to connect to your WordPress server, then you will see a 504 gateway timeout error.

The error page’s appearance and the message may be displayed differently depending on your WordPress hosting company, the proxy server, or the browser you are using. Following are some of the most common 504 gateway timeout error messages.

1. 504 Gateway Timeout
2. HTTP 504
3. 504 ERROR
4. Gateway Timeout (504)
5. HTTP Error 504 – Gateway Timeout
6. Gateway Timeout Error

The most common reason for the error is a proxy server unable to reach the upstream server, it can also be triggered by other hosting configuration issues.

Let’s see how to easily troubleshoot and fix the 504 gateway timeout error in WordPress.

Wait and Reload

Sometimes this error may simply be caused by a temporary glitch on your WordPress hosting servers. Then, Give it a few minutes and then try reloading your website.

When the issue disappears, then you don’t need to take any further steps. However, if the error persists or reappears after a while, then continue reading to troubleshoot and fix the problem.

Turn Off VPN

If you are using a VPN service to browse the web, then try disabling it. Sometimes your VPN server may be unable to get a response from your managed WordPress hosting server, and this will result in 504 gateway timeout error.

When your website reappears, then this means that the VPN server was the main reason. Now if using the VPN is important for you, then you can try switching to a different VPN server. If you are seeing the error after changing servers, then you would want to contact your VPN service provider for support.

Turn off Website Server

When you are using a DNS level website firewall like Sucuri or Cloudflare, then try to disable the firewall temporarily. This will allow you to connect to your WordPress hosting server directly.

when that fixes the error, then your hosting server is blocking the firewall IP addresses which can cause this issue. Even after you will need to contact your firewall service provider to get their list of IP addresses, and then contact your web host to whitelist those IPs.

Sometimes disabling the firewall might show you the actual server error notice. In that case, you should refer to our list of common WordPress errors to fix the specific issue.

Disable Your Network Proxy

When you are connected to the internet through a proxy server, then that server may be not able to get a response from your WordPress website.

Now try to access your website by using a different internet connection or use online services to see if your website is down just for you or everyone.

If it is down just for you, then you need to change your network settings. Now contact with your internet service provider or a network admin to troubleshoot the issue for you.

Change Your DNS Server

Your internet connection uses something which is called DNS servers. These servers will help your computer connect to the different servers on the internet.

If the DNS servers you are using are down or unable to connect to your website, then you could see a 504 gateway timeout error. The easiest way to check this is by changing the DNS servers your device is using.

On Windows computers, you can find them under Control Panel » Network and Sharing Center screen.

On Mac computers, you can find something like Settings » Network. Click on the Advanced button, and then select the DNS tab.

Now,You can change your DNS server address to 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 and apply changes.

Try to visiting your website now. If this solved your error, then you are all done. The problem was with your internet connection and it is now fixed.

Clean Up your WordPress Database

A WordPress database which is corrupt may also trigger a 504 gateway timeout error. Don’t worry, your WordPress data is most likely safe. However, your database may need a little a bit of spring cleaning.

This can be done easily by optimizing your WordPress database use using phpMyAdmin or using a plugin like WP-Sweep. Make sure you backup the WordPress database  before performing any action.

Deactivate WordPress Plugins and Switch to Default Theme

WordPress plugins and themes are less likely to cause a 504 gateway timeout error. However, if a plugin or theme is making too many requests to the server, then it is likely that some of these requests may drop off and trigger a 504 gateway timeout error.

To test this, you need to deactivate all WordPress plugins  via FTP.

After that, visit your website to see if the error has resolved.

If it is done, then one of your plugins was causing the issue. Now you need to activate all plugins one by one until you can reproduce the error. This will help you locate the plugin responsible for the error.

If deactivating plugins didn’t solve your issue, then you would want to check your WordPress theme. You will need to switch WordPress theme via phpMyAdmin .

After switching your theme to the default WordPress theme, visit your website to see if it’s working.

More Troubleshooting

If all the steps fail, and you are still unable to solve the 504 gateway timeout error, then follow the steps in ultimate WordPress troubleshooting guide for beginners.

At last, you need to reach out to your hosting provider for support. They may be able to fix the issue or point you in the right direction.

We hope this article helped you learn how to fix 504 gateway timeout error in WordPress.