Tackle ERR_EMPTY_RESPONSE WordPress Error Easily with These 12 Solutions
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You’re trying to access your WordPress site, but instead of seeing your page, you are hit with the ERR_EMPTY_RESPONSE WordPress error. Your site isn’t loading, and it’s frustrating.
With each passing second, your concerns grow. Is the site down for everyone? Are potential visitors being turned away at this moment? It’s nerve-wracking to consider that you might be losing valuable traffic.
But don’t worry; we are here to help. This guide will take you through easy steps to understand and fix the problem.
TL;DR: The err_empty_response WordPress error happens when your server doesn’t send data back to your browser, making your site unreachable. Resolve this by checking your internet connection, clearing your cache, and handling your core files carefully to avoid further complications.
Understanding the ERR_EMPTY_RESPONSE WordPress error
When you see the ERR_EMPTY_RESPONSE error, it means your browser tried to connect to your website, but the server didn’t send anything back.
Normally, when you visit a site, the server sends everything you need to see the page, like text and images. But with this error, the server just stays silent, leaving your browser with nothing to display.
This can be really confusing because it’s like hitting a dead end with no clues. The error means there’s a hiccup in the communication between your server and browser. It’s usually due to a network or server problem, not something specific on your website itself.
Unlike a timeout error, which happens when the server takes too long to respond, the ERR_EMPTY_RESPONSE error means there’s no response at all.
The tricky part is that the error doesn’t reveal exactly what went wrong. It’s a general warning, much like the 500 internal server error, which means you’ll need to investigate further to find the root cause.
Basic steps to fix the ERR_EMPTY_RESPONSE WordPress error
Here are some easy steps to help you fix the ERR_EMPTY_RESPONSE WordPress error and get your site back up and running:
1. Check your internet connection
First, make sure your internet is steady. Sometimes, a weak connection can lead to the err_empty_response error. Try another device to see if the problem is with your network. A good connection is key to getting things back on track.
2. Use incognito mode

Try opening your site in incognito mode. This mode doesn’t save your browsing history or cookies, giving you a clean slate. If your site loads here, it might mean cache, extensions, or settings are causing the error.
3. Clear browser cache and cookies

Next, clear your cache and cookies. This gets rid of old or corrupted files that might be causing issues. It also ensures you’re loading the latest version of your site.
Tip: You can quickly do this by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Delete on Windows or Command + Shift + Delete on a Mac.
4. Disable browser extensions

Finally, turn off all your browser extensions. These are small add-ons that sometimes interfere and cause errors. Navigate to the Three dots on the top right of your screen, click on Extensions, and then Manage Extensions.

Switch them off. If your site starts working, turn them back on one by one to find out which one is causing the problem.

Advanced solutions to fix the ERR_EMPTY_RESPONSE WordPress error
If the basic fixes didn’t do the trick, don’t worry—there are more things you can try:
Keep in mind that these methods are a bit more complex than the earlier steps. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully and take your time.
1. Reset network settings
Sometimes resetting your network settings can fix the problem. This helps if there are issues with your IP or DNS.
On Windows, use the Command prompt and type these commands one by one:
netsh int ip reset
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /flushdns
On a Mac, open Terminal and type:
sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder.
2. Flush your DNS cache
Clearing your DNS cache can help with outdated IP addresses that are causing trouble. On Windows, use the Command prompt and type:
ipconfig /flushdns
On a Mac, use Terminal and type:
sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder
3. Disable plugins via FTP
If you think plugins might be the issue, use FTP to access your WordPress files. Go to the /wp-content/plugins/ folder and rename it to something like plugins_dis.

Check your site to see if it works now. If it does, plugins are likely the cause. Rename each plugin folder individually to deactivate them, and then reactivate them one by one while checking your site to figure out which plugin is causing the issue.
4. Switch to a default WordPress theme
Your theme might be causing the error. Try switching to a simple theme like Twenty Twenty-One using FTP. Access your WordPress files via FTP, navigate to the /wp-content/themes/ directory, and temporarily rename your current theme folder.

This will force WordPress to revert to a default theme like Twenty Twenty-One. This can help you determine if design elements are causing the problem.
5. Increase PHP memory limit
Your site might need more memory to function well. Increase the memory limit by adding the following to your wp-config.php file.
define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M');
This gives your site more space to handle data.
6. Verify database connection
Make sure your database details are correct. Check the wp-config.php file for lines like:
define(‘DB_NAME’, ‘database_name_here’);
define(‘DB_USER’, ‘username_here’);
define(‘DB_PASSWORD’, ‘password_here’):
define(‘DB_HOST’, ‘localhost’)

7. Check firewall and security settings
Ensure your firewall isn’t blocking important data. Also, check that your security software allows site access.
8. Contact your web host provider for assistance
If nothing else works, reach out to your web host provider. They can help with server problems and give you insights to solve the issue.
Best practices to avoid the ERR_EMPTY_RESPONSE WordPress Eeror
To ensure your WordPress site runs smoothly and steers clear of the annoying err_empty_response error, consider these helpful tips:
Keep everything updated

Make sure your entire site is updated. Updates often include essential fixes and enhancements that keep your site secure and functioning well.
Choose reliable hosting
Select a reliable hosting provider. Good hosting ensures your site has the necessary support and resources to operate efficiently.
Perform regular backups

Regularly back up your site. This way, if something goes wrong, you can restore your site quickly without losing vital information.
Optimize your database
Occasionally clean up your database. Removing unnecessary data can help your site load faster and work more efficiently.
Monitor performance
Keep track of your site’s performance. Use monitoring tools to detect any issues early and address them before they escalate.
Limit your plugins
Only install the plugins you truly need. Having too many plugins can slow down your site and increase the risk of errors.
Consider using a CDN
Think about implementing a content delivery network (CDN). A CDN speeds up content delivery to users worldwide, improving site speed and reducing errors.
Improve security
Strengthen your site’s security. Use strong passwords, maintain updates, and consider security plugins to protect against potential threats.
Parting thoughts
Keep your WordPress site maintained and updated to avoid errors and keep it running smoothly. Troubleshooting is just part of managing a website, and online communities are there to help when you need it.
Remember to track any changes you make, and use any errors as opportunities to learn and get better at managing your site.
FAQs
How to fix the err_empty_response error?
To fix the err_empty_response error, start by checking your internet connection and clearing your browser cache and cookies. You can also try using incognito mode or disabling browser extensions to see if any of these steps solve the problem.
How do I fix corrupted WordPress?
To fix a corrupted WordPress, restore a backup of your site if you have one. If not, try reinstalling WordPress core files by downloading a fresh copy from WordPress.org and manually replacing the corrupted files via FTP.
Why am I getting a connection refused error?
A connection refused error usually means your server is blocking the connection. This could be due to firewall settings, server overload, or incorrect network settings. Check your server’s firewall and security settings, and ensure everything is configured correctly.
How to fix an ERR connection?
To fix an ERR connection error, first restart your router and device. Clear your DNS cache, and ensure your network settings are correct. You might also want to check if your antivirus software is blocking the connection.
How to fix server connection error?
Fixing a server connection error often involves checking your internet connection and ensuring your server settings are correct. If the problem persists, consult your hosting provider for further assistance. They can help identify and resolve server-related issues.
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