Understanding and Addressing Server Error 5XX

What Is a 5XX Server Error?

A 5XX server error, specifically a 500 error, occurs when a website fails to load due to an issue with the server. These errors are often temporary and their frequency can vary, making them seem arbitrary. A 500 error indicates that something went wrong while attempting to load the website, such as:

  • The server was down when the page was crawled.
  • The server took too long to load the page.
  • An issue occurred with server maintenance or security software.

How Does This Error Occur?

Websites consist of files and a database where content and other data are stored. When Google crawls a website, it attempts to load these elements. A 5XX error means that during the crawl:

  • The server was temporarily unavailable.
  • There was a delay in loading the requested page.

Despite the error, these pages often load perfectly fine when accessed later, indicating a temporary issue rather than a permanent problem.

Steps to Address 5XX Server Errors

Here’s how to handle 5XX errors effectively:

  1. Verify the page by clicking on it to ensure it loads properly.
  2. If the page works fine, there’s nothing technically wrong with it.
  3. Go to the Google Search Console and click Validate Fix.
  4. Allow Google to re-crawl the page and resolve the error on its own.

When to Contact a Web Developer

In most cases, you don’t need to involve a developer for 5XX errors. However, notify your developer if:

  • You see a large number of 5XX errors (e.g., thousands of pages).
  • The site remains down for an extended period.
  • The issue persists even after validation and re-crawling.

These situations might indicate a more significant problem, such as server misconfiguration or ongoing maintenance issues.

Common Causes of 5XX Errors

Temporary 5XX errors are often caused by:

  • Server maintenance or updates.
  • High traffic load on the server.
  • Security software like CrowdStrike interfering with page loading.

Key Takeaways

If the number of 5XX errors is relatively low, the best approach is to:

  • Click Validate Fix in Google Search Console.
  • Let Google re-crawl the pages to resolve the issue.
  • Avoid unnecessary stress—these errors are often temporary.

For larger issues or persistent downtime, work with your web developer to identify and resolve the root cause.