About the Issue
Server errors, or 5xx errors, occur when Googlebot can’t access your site due to various issues such as server overload or misconfigurations. These errors can hinder your site’s performance and affect its ranking on search engines. This guide will walk you through identifying and fixing these issues using Google Search Console.
Checking for Server Errors in Google Search Console
Step 1: Access Crawl Stats Report
- Log in to Google Search Console.
- Navigate to the Settings.
- Open the Crawl Stats Report.
The Crawl Stats Report provides a detailed view of how Googlebot interacts with your site.
Step 2: Review Host Status
Check the Host Status.
- If the status is green, your site is in good health.
- If there’s a problem, investigate further by clicking on the Host Status.
Step 3: Check the URLs manually
You can check the URLs manually via the live test tool after inspecting the URL in Google Search Console to see if the URL is still returning a 5xx status code.
- Alternatively, you can check the status code via Command Prompt (CMD) or terminal. Type the following command to check the status code of the URL:
Command: curl -I https://domain.com
General Guidelines to Fix Server Errors
- Check Host Availability: Regularly monitor the Crawl Stats report to identify persistent issues.
- Reduce Server Load: Optimize dynamic requests and shorten parameter lists.
- Ensure Server Stability: Make sure your hosting server isn’t down or misconfigured.
- Adjust Traffic Handling: Increase your site’s ability to handle traffic if issues persist.
- Verify DNS and Firewall Configurations: Ensure you’re not blocking Googlebot inadvertently.
- Control Crawling and Indexing: Use a robots.txt file and manage Googlebot’s crawl rate.
Types of 5xx Server Errors and Solutions
500 Internal Server Error
This generic error indicates an unexpected server issue.
Troubleshooting Steps:
- PHP Code Mistakes: Always back up your code and review changes before saving.
- .htaccess File Issues: Create a new .htaccess file if necessary.
- Check Error Logs: Identify specific causes in the server’s error logs.
- Disable Plugins and Themes: Deactivate recent additions to isolate the cause.
- Increase PHP Memory Limit: Increase the PHP Memory Limit of your site and test different limits.
- Check File Permissions: Ensure correct file and directory permissions.
- Review Recent Changes: Revert recent modifications to troubleshoot.
- Contact Hosting Provider: Seek assistance if the issue persists.
501 Not Implemented
The server doesn’t recognize the request method.
Troubleshooting Steps:
- Check Request Method: Ensure compatibility between client and server methods.
- Review Server Configuration: Update settings to support required functionality.
- Update Software: Keep software and plugins up to date.
- Consult Documentation: Verify compliance with server and software specifications.
- Contact Server Administrator: Get professional assistance if needed.
502 Bad Gateway
Indicates an invalid response from another server.
Troubleshooting Steps:
- Refresh the Page: Sometimes, the error resolves with a simple refresh.
- Check Network Connectivity: Ensure stable internet connection.
- Clear Browser Cache: Remove cached data and cookies.
- Try Another Browser: Determine if the issue is browser-specific.
- Contact Website Administrator: Seek help for server configuration issues.
- Check Server Logs: Look for clues in the server logs.
503 Service Unavailable
The server can’t handle the request due to overload or maintenance.
Troubleshooting Steps:
- Server Overload: Wait for traffic to decrease or upgrade server resources.
- Maintenance: Wait until maintenance completes.
- Check Server Configuration: Fix any misconfigurations.
- Check for DDoS Attacks: Monitor and implement protection measures.
- Restart Server or Services: Sometimes, a restart resolves temporary issues.
- Contact Hosting Provider: Get professional help if needed.
504 Gateway Timeout
The server didn’t receive a timely response.
Troubleshooting Steps:
- Check Upstream Server: Ensure it is operational and responsive.
- Monitor Server Overload: Optimize server resources or implement load balancing.
- Check Network Issues: Resolve any connectivity problems.
- Review Proxy Configuration: Ensure correct settings.
- Increase Timeout Settings: Allow more time for upstream server responses.
- Implement Retry Mechanisms: Use strategies to handle timeouts gracefully.
- Contact Service Providers: Get professional assistance if necessary.
505 HTTP Version Not Supported
The server doesn’t support the HTTP version used.
Troubleshooting Steps:
- Update Server Configuration: Support the HTTP protocol version used by the client.
- Client-Side Configuration: Ensure client software is up-to-date.
- Check Proxy Servers: Verify they support the HTTP version.
- Firewall Settings: Ensure they don’t interfere with HTTP communication.
- Check Server Logs: Identify specific issues.
- Contact Server Administrator: Get professional assistance if needed.
506 Variant Also Negotiates
Indicates a circular reference in content negotiation.
Troubleshooting Steps:
- Review Content Negotiation Settings: Fix any conflicting directives.
- Adjust Configuration: Resolve the circular reference.
- Check Server Logs: Look for additional information.
- Update Software: Ensure compatibility with content negotiation protocols.
- Consult Documentation: Follow guidelines for troubleshooting.
- Seek Technical Support: Get help from experienced professionals.
507 Insufficient Storage
The server can’t store the representation needed.
Troubleshooting Steps:
- Check Server Storage: Verify capacity and usage.
- Free Up Storage: Remove unnecessary files.
- Optimize Resource Usage: Implement storage quotas and cleanup processes.
- Monitor Storage Usage: Set up monitoring tools.
- Consider Expansion: Add additional disk space if needed.
- Review Application Behavior: Optimize configurations to reduce storage needs.
- Update Software: Keep server software up-to-date.
508 Loop Detected
The server detected an infinite loop.
Troubleshooting Steps:
- Identify the Cause: Review server logs and configurations.
- Check Redirections: Ensure no circular redirects.
- Review Recursive Functions: Modify code to break out of loops.
- Limit Recursion Depth: Set maximum recursion limits.
- Test and Debug: Verify that the error no longer occurs.
- Monitor for Recurrence: Continuously monitor request processing.
- Optimize Performance: Improve system stability and performance.
510 Not Extended
Further extensions are required for the server to fulfill the request.
Troubleshooting Steps:
- Check Request Extensions: Ensure all necessary extensions are included.
- Verify Server Requirements: Understand mandatory extensions.
- Update Client Request: Include required parameters.
- Test Request: Verify that the error no longer occurs.
- Handle Errors Gracefully: Provide informative error messages.
- Update Server Configuration: Accommodate necessary extensions.
- Communicate with Clients: Educate clients on required extensions.
511 Network Authentication Required
The client needs to authenticate to gain network access.
Troubleshooting Steps:
- Authentication Process: Follow network intermediary instructions.
- Handling the Error: Provide clear instructions for users.
- Technical Support: Assist users with authentication issues.
- Retry Request: Reattempt access after authentication.
Conclusion
Server errors can significantly impact your site’s performance and SEO. Regularly monitoring your site’s health and promptly addressing these errors will ensure a smooth experience for users and search engines. Use this guide to troubleshoot and fix any 5xx errors reported in Google Search Console.
