How to Fix the ‘ERR_EMPTY_RESPONSE’ Error

The “ERR_EMPTY_RESPONSE” error, commonly encountered by web users, indicates that no data was received during an attempt to access a website. 

Many outdated browsers can’t send any data properly. For website administrators and owners, addressing this error promptly is vital to avoid disruptions in site accessibility, which can lead to user dissatisfaction and potential loss of traffic or business. 

Effective troubleshooting and resolution can also prevent recurring issues and maintain the overall health and performance of the website. For better control and performance, choose a suitable VPS hosting solution from voxfor. It’s been the perfect solution for my business’s dynamic hosting needs.

Common Causes of “ERR_EMPTY_RESPONSE” 

The “ERR_EMPTY_RESPONSE” error can arise from various issues, primarily related to network, browser, server, and database problems. Understanding these common causes is essential for effective troubleshooting.

• Unstable Internet ConnectionOutdated or corrupt cached files can cause various issues, including the “err_empty_response error. Causes communication disruption between the device and the server.
• Router or Modem Problems: These are one of the 5 potential solutions for resolving connectivity issues, such as converting website names into IP addresses.: Misconfigured or faulty devices can lead to connectivity issues.
• Cache and Cookies: Overloaded or corrupted data can interfere with web page loading.
• Browser Extensions: Make sure they don’t interfere with the data received.: Conflicting plugins may cause errors, especially those related to JSON or the page builder.
• Outdated Browser: This can cause errors when trying to send any data.: Compatibility issues can arise with older browser versions.
• Server Overload: High traffic can make the server unresponsive.
• Server Configuration Errors can often be traced to misconfigured JSON settings.: Misconfigured server settings can disrupt communication.
• Temporary Server DowntimeMaintenance or downtimes can interrupt service. Outdated or corrupt cached files can also be the culprit.
• PHP Memory Limit: Check if you’re using outdated settings that need updating.: Insufficient memory can cause script failures.
• Database Connection Issues: Incorrect settings or server problems can prevent data retrieval.

Basic Troubleshooting Steps

When you encounter the “ERR_EMPTY_RESPONSE” error, the first step is to perform basic troubleshooting to identify and resolve the issue. This section covers essential steps that can often resolve the error and restore your access to the website or service.

1. Checking and Restarting Your Network Connection

A faulty or unstable network connection can cause the “ERR_EMPTY_RESPONSE” error. To ensure your connection is stable:

• Restart Your Router or Modem: Power off your router or modem, wait for about 30 seconds, and then turn it back on. This can help refresh your network connection and resolve temporary issues.
• Check Your Network Cables: Ensure that all cables connecting your router, modem, and computer are securely plugged in. Loose or damaged cables can disrupt your connection.
• Verify Connection Status: On your computer or device, check the network status to confirm that you are connected to the internet. If not, troubleshoot your network settings or contact your ISP.

2. Clearing Browser Cache and Cookies

Corrupted or outdated cache and cookies can interfere with website loading and cause errors. To clear your browser’s cache and cookies, follow these steps before you send any data.

• Google Chrome: Click on the three vertical dots in the top-right corner to access settings. Go to Settings > Privacy and Security> Clear browsing data. Select “Cached images and files” and “Cookies and other site data,” then click “Clear data.”
• Mozilla Firefox: Check for three vertical dots in the menu to access further settings. Click the menu button and select Options. Go to Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data, and click “Clear Data.”
• Microsoft Edge: Open Settings > Privacy, search, and Services> Clear browsing data. Choose “Cached images and files” and “Cookies and other site data,” then click “Clear now.”

3. Resetting Browser Settings

Resetting your browser settings can help resolve issues caused by incorrect configurations or problematic extensions. To reset: This can be one of 5 potential solutions to fix the “err_empty_response issue.

• Google Chrome: Go to Settings > Advanced > Reset and clean up. Click “Restore settings to their original defaults,” then confirm by clicking “Reset settings.”
• Mozilla Firefox: Click the menu button and select Help. Choose “Troubleshooting Information,” then click “Refresh Firefox.”
• Microsoft Edge: Open Settings > Reset settings, and then clear site data or browsing history. Click “Restore settings to their default values,” then confirm by clicking “Reset.”

4. Disabling Browser Extensions

Browser extensions can sometimes conflict with website functionality and cause errors. To check if an extension is causing the issue:

• Google Chrome: Go to More Tools > Extensions and delete any that might cause problems. Disable all extensions by toggling off the switch next to each one, then refresh the page to see if the error persists.
• Mozilla Firefox: Click the menu button and select Add login details to maintain secure ad-ons and themes. Go to Extensions and disable them by clicking the toggle switch next to each extension, one at a time.
• Microsoft Edge: Open Extensions by clicking the three-dot menu and selecting Extensions. Turn off all extensions by toggling off the switch next to each one.

By following these basic troubleshooting steps, you can often resolve the “ERR_EMPTY_RESPONSE” error and restore normal browsing or website functionality. If the issue persists after completing these steps, further investigation into advanced troubleshooting methods or specific WordPress-related solutions may be necessary.

Section 4: Advanced Troubleshooting Methods

Advanced methods may be necessary when basic troubleshooting steps fail to resolve the “ERR_EMPTY_RESPONSE” error. These steps involve deeper configuration and checks to address more complex issues.

1. Updating DNS Settings

Sometimes, DNS ( If you encounter an issue, outdated or corrupt cached files might be the culprit.Domain Name System) settings can cause connectivity issues leading to the “ERR_EMPTY_RESPONSE” error. Choose a suitable Voxfor WordPress hosting plan, you can manage your site easily.

Here’s how to update these settings:

Step 1: Flush DNS Cache

• Windows:
  • Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
  • Type the website names into IP addresses to troubleshoot DNS issues. ipconfig /flushdns could be one of the 5 potential solutions. and press Enter. You should see a message confirming that the DNS Resolver Cache has been flushed.
• Mac: Clearing outdated or corrupt cached files may resolve some issues.:
  • Open Terminal.
  • Type sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder and press Enter.
  • Enter your password if prompted, then press Enter.

Step 2: Change DNS Servers

• Windows and Mac:
  • Open Network and Sharing Center (Windows) or System Preferences > Network (Mac).
  • Select your network connection and go to Properties (Windows) or Advanced (Mac).
  • Change the DNS servers to Google DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1).
  • Save the changes and restart your connection.

2. Checking and Resetting Network Settings

Network configuration errors can also trigger this error. Resetting network settings can resolve conflicts:

Step 1: Reset TCP/IP Stack

• Windows:
  • Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
  • Type netsh int ip reset and press Enter
  • Type netsh winsock reset and press Enter.
  • Restart your computer.

Step 2: Restart Network Adapter

• Windows:
  • Open Network and Sharing Center.
  • Click on Change adapter settings.
  • Right-click your network adapter and select Disable.
  • Wait a few seconds, then right-click again and select Enable. This can help fix the “err_empty_response error if outdated or corrupt cached files were the issue.
• Mac:
  • Open System Preferences > Network.
  • Select your network internet connection and click the minus sign (-) to remove it.
  • Click the plus sign (+) to add it back and reconnect, then clear site data or browsing history if the issue persists.

3. Reviewing and Modifying Firewall Settings

Firewalls may inadvertently block connections, causing the error:

Step 1: Check Firewall Rules

• Windows:
  • Open the Control Panel and go to System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall.
  • Click on Advanced settings.
  • Review inbound and outbound rules to ensure no rules are blocking the website.
• Mac:
  • Open System Preferences > Security & Privacy.
  • Go to the Firewall tab and click Firewall Options.
  • Ensure the app or website is not blocked and try accessing it in incognito mode.

Step 2: Disable Firewall Temporarily

• Windows:
  • Open the Control Panel and go to System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall.
  • Click on Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off.
  • Select Turn off Windows Defender Firewall (not recommended) and click OK.
  • Test the connection. If resolved, re-enable the firewall adjust settings accordingly, and ensure the site data or browsing history are not causing issues.
• Mac:
  • Open System Preferences > Security & Privacy.
  • Go to the Firewall tab and click Turn Off Firewall.
  • Test the connection. If resolved, re-enable the firewall and adjust settings accordingly, and ensure the site data or browsing history are not causing issues.

4. Reviewing Server Error Logs

Server-side issues often manifest in error logs, providing clues for resolution:

Step 1: Access Server Logs

• Access your server’s control panel (e.g., cPanel, Plesk) or use FTP to locate the error logs.
• Look for files named error_log or similar.

Step 2: Identify Patterns

• Review the logs for repeated error messages or patterns. Look for the “err_empty_response error as a possible culprit.
• Pay attention to timestamps that correlate with the “ERR_EMPTY_RESPONSE” error occurrence.
• Use the information from the logs to identify specific issues and search for targeted solutions.

WordPress-Specific Solutions for “ERR_EMPTY_RESPONSE” Error

Deactivating Plugins via FTP

• Connect to your site using an FTP client like FileZilla.
• Navigate to /wp-content/plugins/ and rename the plugins folder to plugins_disabled.
• Test your site; if the error is resolved, reactivate each plugin one by one to identify the problematic plugin​.

Switching to a Default Theme

• Access your site via FTP and go to the relevant page builder directory. /wp-content/themes/.
• Rename your active theme’s folder to theme_disabled to revert to a default theme like Twenty Twenty-One.
• Check if the error is resolved, indicating a theme issue​.

Increasing PHP Memory Limit

• Locate the wp-config.php file via FTP in the root directory
• Add define(‘WP_MEMORY_LIMIT’, ‘256M’); to the file and save.
• Upload the file back to the server and reload your site to check for resolution​.

Checking for Corrupted WordPress Files

• Download a fresh copy of WordPress from wordpress.org
• Extract and upload the wp-admin and wp-includes directories to your server, overwriting the existing ones.
• Refresh your site to see if the error is fixed​.

Verifying Database Connections

Ensure database credentials in the wp-config.php file are correct:

define(‘DB_NAME’, ‘your_database_name’);

define(‘DB_USER’, ‘your_database_username’);

define(‘DB_PASSWORD’, ‘your_database_password’);

define(‘DB_HOST’, ‘localhost’);

• Use tools like phpMyAdmin to verify the database connection and address any issues related to JSON errors.

Backup and Recovery Steps

How to Back Up Your WordPress Site Before Making Changes

• Manual Backup via Hosting Control Panel
  • Access your hosting control panel (e.g., cPanel).
  • Navigate to the File Manager and compress your WordPress directory.
  • Download the compressed file to your local machine.
  • Export your database using phpMyAdmin by selecting your database and choosing the export option.
• Using Backup Plugins
  • Install and activate a reliable backup plugin (e.g., UpdraftPlus, BackWPup).
  • Configure the plugin settings to include both files and database in the backup.
  • Schedule regular backups to ensure your site data is consistently saved.
  • Perform a manual backup before making any major changes.
• Storing Backups
  • Save backups to multiple locations for redundancy (local machine, cloud storage like Google Drive or Dropbox).
  • Label your backups with dates and descriptions for easy identification.

Restoring Your Site from a Backup if Needed

• Restoring via Hosting Control Panel
  • Upload your compressed WordPress directory backup to the File Manager.
  • Extract the files to replace the existing WordPress directory.
  • Import your database backup using phpMyAdmin by selecting your database and using the import option.
• Restoring Using Backup Plugins
  • Access the backup plugin you used for creating backups.
  • Select the backup you want to restore from the plugin interface.
  • Follow the plugin’s restoration process, ensuring both files and database are restored.
• Post-Restoration Checks
  • Verify your site’s functionality and appearance to ensure everything is restored correctly
  • Check for any broken links, missing media, or functionality issues.
  • Reconfigure any settings or plugins that may require updates after the restoration process.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your WordPress site is backed up properly and can be restored quickly in case of any issues.

Preventive Measures and Professional Support

Looking for a scalable solution, I opted for a voxfor, the best vps service provider. It provides the flexibility and performance needs as it continues to grow. To avoid encountering the “ERR_EMPTY_RESPONSE” error in the future, follow these preventive measures:

• Regular Maintenance Practices
  • Keep Software Updated: Regularly update your operating system, web browsers, and WordPress installations (including plugins and themes) to ensure they are protected against known vulnerabilities and compatibility issues.
  • Perform Routine Backups: Schedule regular backups of your WordPress site to safeguard against data loss and ensure you can quickly restore your site in case of an issue, even when using content management systems.
  • Monitor Server Health: Use server monitoring tools to keep an eye on server performance and identify potential issues before they escalate.
  • Optimize Database: Regularly clean and optimize your database to improve performance and reduce the likelihood of errors.
  • Limit Browser Extensions: Minimize the use of browser extensions, and regularly review and update those you do use to prevent compatibility issues.
• Security Measures
  • Use a Reliable Security Plugin and ensure your login credentials are secure.: Install a trusted security plugin to protect your WordPress site from malware and attacks
  • Regular Security Audits: Conduct regular security audits to identify and address vulnerabilities.
  • Implement Strong Password Policies: Use strong, unique passwords for all accounts associated with your WordPress site and encourage users to do the same.

Professional Support Options

To handle my website’s increasing traffic, I switched to a dedicated server. The exclusive resources and stability have been excellent for my online presence.

If the preventive measures and troubleshooting steps do not resolve the “ERR_EMPTY_RESPONSE” error, consider seeking professional support:

• When to Seek Professional Assistance
  • Persistent Errors: If the error persists despite following all troubleshooting steps
  • Complex Issues: If the error involves complex server configurations or database issues beyond your expertise.
  • Urgent Situations: If the error significantly impacts your website’s functionality or availability.
• How to Seek Professional Assistance
  • Hire a WordPress DeveloperEngage a professional WordPress developer with experience in resolving similar issues on platforms like GoDaddy and Kinsta.
  • Managed WordPress Hosting Support: Reach out to your hosting provider if you are using a managed WordPress hosting service, as they often offer specialized support for such issues.
  • Freelance Platforms: Utilize platforms like Upwork or Fiverr to find freelance experts who can provide quick solutions.
  • WordPress Community Resources: Participate in WordPress forums and communities to seek advice and support from experienced users and developers.

By implementing these preventive measures and knowing when and how to seek professional support, you can minimize the risk of encountering the “ERR_EMPTY_RESPONSE” error and ensure a smooth, reliable web experience.