There are many reasons a website might not load, ranging from cookie and cache issues to a faulty WiFi or ISP problems, and they can be fixed through updates, clearing your cache, checking your extensions, or using a VPN.
I’m a long time tech user with years of experience both working with and fixing internet issues. That gave me in-depth knowledge of the different reasons a webpage might not load, as well as how to get them back up.
This guide takes a further look at the various reasons some websites don’t load on a normal connection, and then breaks down the different and most effective ways to overcome such issues.
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Key Takeaways
- When checking to see why a page won’t load, always look at your own connection first, as well as if the website you’re trying to reach is up.
- There are many programs, from add-ons and anti-virus software, that may affect how well you can reach a web page.
- Flushing your DNS and using a VPN are two great tools you can use when trying to access a page that won’t properly load.
Website Not Loading: Identifying the Problem
The internet is a great tool, but it can be extremely annoying when certain web pages won’t load. Even if you’re able to access the rest of the web, losing the ability to get onto a certain site can sour or ruin your connection’s usability. Luckily, there are ways around that issue.
The first is identifying the problem. There are quite a few reasons you may not have access to a web page, and you won’t be able to fix your problem if you don’t know what’s wrong. That goes double when trying to access a site that won’t load.
The first reason you may not be able to get onto a website is that your internet simply isn’t up and running. It might seem simple, but many times a page won’t load because the computer isn’t connected to the internet or the network is having issues.
If you are online, the website might also just be down. This is an issue that doesn’t happen too often, especially to bigger companies, but it’s still worth checking. Go to Google and search to see if the website you want to access is experiencing problems.
It’s also important to make sure if it’s a browser or bigger network issue. Always check the page in another browser (such as Firefox if you’re using Chrome) or attempt to load it into an incognito window.
If the site loads in either of those scenarios, it’s connected to your browser. In that case, clear your internet’s cache and delete any cookies. Once you check off the above problems, you know the problem is on your end. That’s a critical step in getting you back to normal internet.
Add-Ons or Extra Software
When evaluating why some pages may not load, it’s important to check for any add-ons or similar software that might be affecting just how well pages can load. For instance, specific ad blockers might prevent certain sites from loading. Anti-virus software can cause issues too.
If you have any such programs running on your computer, you might want to turn them off and then see how the page loads. However, if you disable your anti-virus software only do so for a short period of time, as having it off may put you at risk.
It’s a good idea to check any special settings, such as parental controls, as well. Though it’s less likely, any special configurations may mess with certain pages. Disable them and check again just to be sure.
Checking DNS and Using a VPN
Addresses use DNS servers to connect to an IP address, and sometimes that connection can experience issues as well. In such cases, flushing your DNS is a possible fix. To do so on a Windows device, open your command prompt and type ipconfig/flushdns.
If you have a Mac, press command + space to open Spotlight and then search for “Terminal.” From there, type the line and you’re good to go.
sudo dscacheutil -flushcache;sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponderAnother route you can take is to use a virtual private network (VPN). If the website isn’t loading due to parental controls, internet provider restrictions, or simply your locations, a VPN allows you to get around them.
There are many VPNs on the market, and they all range in price and functionality. If you want to use one, do some research and figure out what best suits your needs.
It’s also a good idea to disable the VPN to see if it’s causing the problem. While rare, it can interfere with specific web pages too. Always check just in case.
FAQs
These are some of the most common questions users ask about slow or non-loading websites.
Can Websites Become Blocked On My WiFi?
Yes. IP address blocking can occur when a network is specifically configured to reject access to specific IP addresses. That can happen by accident, or it could be the work of an ISP.
How Can I Tell If Someone’s Using My Router?
If you want to know if someone you don’t trust or authorize is accessing your connection, simply turn off all of your devices. Then, check your router’s signal light. If the light’s flashing, someone is likely on your network. If not, you’re all good.
Does a VPN Stop My WiFi from Blocking Sites?
Using a VPN is a good way to access certain websites that you can’t normally access on your WiFi. Though both regular and premium services work towards that end, premium models give you even further flexibility.
Final Words
There are many reasons a certain website won’t load, ranging from DNS to additional software. Regardless of the reason, as long as you’re able to identify the issue it’s easy to find the cause and get everything back to normal.
Have you ever had issues with specific websites not loading? What did you do to fix it? Let us know in the comments below!
