"We Had a Server Error..." on Reddit: What it Means and How to Fix It

If you spend time on Reddit, you’ve probably come across the frustrating message: “We had a server error…”. It often pops up when you’re trying to load posts, vote, or even log in. For many Redditors, this error message can feel confusing, annoying, and sometimes worrying. Does it mean Reddit is down? Did something happen to your account?
The good news is: in most cases, this issue is temporary and fixable.
In this blog, we’ll break down what this error means, why it appears, and what you can do to get back to scrolling smoothly.

What Does “We Had a Server Error…” Mean on Reddit?

When Reddit shows the message “We had a server error…”, it usually indicates that something went wrong in the communication between your device and Reddit’s servers. Think of it as a hiccup in the process that delivers posts, comments, and upvotes to your screen.

Most of the time, the problem isn’t tied to your account. Instead, it’s often a temporary glitch, server overload, or connectivity issue. While frustrating, it rarely causes any damage to your profile, posts, or saved data.

Why Does the “We Had a Server Error…” Message Appear?

Reddit experiences millions of users simultaneously browsing, posting, and commenting across thousands of active communities. When demand exceeds server capacity or technical issues arise, you’ll encounter the “we had a server error…” message. Here are the most common culprits behind this frustrating interruption.

High Traffic Overload

Reddit’s popularity can sometimes work against it. During major news events, viral posts, or peak browsing hours, servers struggle to handle the massive influx of users. Popular subreddits like r/funny or r/AskReddit often experience higher error rates during these traffic spikes.

Scheduled Maintenance and Updates

Reddit regularly performs backend maintenance to keep the platform running smoothly. During these scheduled updates, users may encounter intermittent server errors as systems restart or undergo configuration changes.

Temporary Technical Glitches

Software and hardware are complex, and sometimes unexpected glitches can occur. These can be fleeting issues within Reddit’s infrastructure that cause temporary disruptions in service. Think of it as a brief hiccup in the system’s communication.

Issues with Your Own Internet Connection

Sometimes the problem lies between your device and Reddit’s servers. Internet service provider issues, DNS problems, or routing conflicts can trigger server error messages even when Reddit’s infrastructure is functioning normally.

Cache and Cookie Conflicts

Accumulated browser data can interfere with Reddit’s functionality. Outdated cache files or corrupted cookies may cause the platform to display server errors when attempting to load content or process user interactions.

How to Fix the “We Had a Server Error…” Issue

While the root cause of “We had a server error…” usually lies with Reddit, there are a few things you can try on your end that might resolve the issue, especially if it’s a temporary or localized problem.

1. Refresh the Page

This might seem obvious, but often a simple refresh (usually by pressing F5 or the refresh icon in your browser) can resolve temporary glitches. The server might have recovered in the short time since the error appeared.

2. Check Your Internet Connection

While the error message points to a server-side issue, it’s always worth quickly checking your own internet connection. Ensure you’re connected to Wi-Fi or your data is enabled and working correctly. A stable internet connection is necessary to communicate with Reddit’s servers.

3. Clear Your Browser’s Cache and Cookies

Sometimes, outdated or corrupted data stored in your browser’s cache and cookies can interfere with website functionality. Clearing them might help resolve the “We had a server error…” issue, especially if it’s related to how your browser is interacting with Reddit.

4. Try a Different Browser or Device

If the error persists, try accessing Reddit using a different web browser or a different device (like your phone or tablet). This can help determine if the issue is specific to your current browser or device configuration.

5. Check Reddit’s Status Page (if available)

While Reddit doesn’t always have a publicly accessible real-time status page, they sometimes communicate outages or maintenance through their official social media channels (like Twitter/X) or announcements on the platform itself. Checking these sources might give you insight into whether there’s a widespread issue.

What If the Regular Fixes Don’t Work?

If you’ve tried all the above steps and are still consistently seeing a “server error,” and it seems to be isolated to your account, there’s a small chance it could be account-related.

• Check for a Shadowban: If you suspect you might have been shadowbanned, log out of your account and try to view your profile page. If it says “Sorry, nobody on Reddit goes by that name,” it’s a strong indicator of a shadowban.
• Review Reddit’s Content Policy: Familiarize yourself with Reddit’s rules and community guidelines. Even if you weren’t intentionally violating any rules, a misunderstanding could have led to your account being flagged.
• Contact Reddit Support: If you believe your account has been mistakenly flagged or suspended, the best course of action is to politely and respectfully appeal to Reddit’s administrators. You can usually find a link to appeal through their help center. Explain your situation clearly and concisely. Avoid accusatory language and provide any relevant information.

Use RoxyBrowser to Prevent Suspension on Reddit

Reddit’s algorithms don’t just monitor what you post — they analyze your IP address, browser fingerprint, and activity patterns. If multiple accounts appear linked, even unintentionally, Reddit may flag or suspend them. This makes it risky for anyone managing several profiles from the same device.

RoxyBrowser solves this by giving every account a completely isolated browsing environment. Each profile looks like it belongs to a different, authentic user, keeping your Reddit accounts safe and unlinked. It’s perfectly designed for multi-account management across platforms.

How RoxyBrowser Helps You Prevent Reddit Suspension

• Unique fingerprints for each profile: Reddit can’t connect your accounts through shared browser data.
• Full isolation between accounts: No accidental cross-contamination of cookies, cache, or logins.
• Seamless proxy integration: Assign a different IP to each account to appear truly independent.
• Easy multi-account management: Switch between profiles quickly without risky overlaps.

With RoxyBrowser, you don’t just mask your identity — you build a safer, more reliable way to operate on Reddit without triggering unwanted suspensions.

Conclusion

Troubleshooting technical issues can sometimes be frustrating. Remember to be patient and work through the steps systematically. In most cases, the “We had a server error…” message on Reddit is a temporary glitch that can be resolved with simple steps or will disappear on its own. By following this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to diagnose the problem and get back to enjoying the Reddit community in no time.