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Website not loading? 10 fixes to try

Updated 31 October 2026

If our checker says a site is up but it still won’t open for you, the problem is somewhere between your screen and the internet. Work through these fixes in order — the quickest and most likely are first.

1. Reload the page properly

A normal refresh may show an old, saved copy. Press Ctrl + Shift + R on Windows or Cmd + Shift + R on a Mac to load a fresh one.

2. Check the address

Look carefully for typos, a missing letter or the wrong ending (.co.uk instead of .com). Try typing just the main address, without anything after the first slash.

3. Try a private window

Private (or “incognito”) windows start without your saved cookies and with most extensions switched off. If the site works there, the problem is something stored in your normal browser.

4. Turn off extensions and ad blockers

Ad blockers, privacy tools and other add-ons sometimes break pages. Switch them off one at a time and reload.

5. Clear the site’s cookies and saved files

In your browser’s settings, find the privacy or site data section and remove the saved data for that one website. You may need to sign in again afterwards.

6. Try another browser or device

If the site works on your phone but not your laptop, the problem is on the laptop. If it fails everywhere in your home, read on.

7. Switch networks

Turn off Wi-Fi on your phone and use mobile data. If the site loads, your home or work network — or your broadband provider — is the likely cause. Workplace and school networks often block certain sites on purpose.

8. Turn off your VPN or proxy

VPNs route your connection through other countries, and some websites block or limit VPN traffic. Disconnect and try again.

9. Restart your router and device

Switch your router off, wait about 30 seconds, switch it back on and give it a couple of minutes. Restart your computer or phone too. It’s a cliché because it works surprisingly often.

10. Fix DNS problems and check the clock

If you see messages like “DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN” or “server IP address could not be found”, follow our guide to fixing DNS problems. If you see security or certificate warnings on lots of sites, check that your device’s date and time are correct — a wrong clock can make secure sites refuse to load.

Still stuck?

Run a fresh check. If the result has changed to Mixed or Down, the site is having problems after all and you’ll need to wait. If it’s still Up and nothing above has helped, contact your broadband provider — they can see problems on their network that you can’t.