HTTP 523 Origin Is Unreachable: Meaning & How to Fix

Quick answer

HTTP status code 523 (Origin Is Unreachable) means: Cloudflare cannot reach the website's server (the origin is unreachable). Yes, a server error: the website failed to handle the request. Usually only the site owner or host can fix it.

Codes 520–526 are not part of the official HTTP standard; they are returned by Cloudflare's network.

Is it an error?

Cloudflare errors (52x)

Yes, a server error: the website failed to handle the request. Usually only the site owner or host can fix it.

Unofficial codes returned by Cloudflare when it cannot get a valid response from the website's own (origin) server.

Common causes

Network routing problem between the CDN and the server
DNS records pointing to the wrong server

If you are visiting the site

Wait a few minutes before trying again
Contact the website if the problem continues

If you run the website

Check that DNS A/AAAA records point to the correct server IP
Ask your hosting provider to check the server

Frequently asked questions

What does HTTP 523 mean?

HTTP status code 523 (Origin Is Unreachable) means: Cloudflare cannot reach the website's server (the origin is unreachable).

Is HTTP 523 an error?

Yes, a server error: the website failed to handle the request. Usually only the site owner or host can fix it.

How do I fix a 523 error?

If you are visiting the site: Wait a few minutes before trying again; Contact the website if the problem continues. If you run the website: Check that DNS A/AAAA records point to the correct server IP; Ask your hosting provider to check the server.

Cloudflare errors (52x)

HTTP 520 Web Server Returned an Unknown ErrorThe website's server returned an empty, unknown or unexpected response to Cloudflare.HTTP 521 Web Server Is DownThe website's server refused the connection from Cloudflare (the web server is down or blocking Cloudflare).HTTP 522 Connection Timed OutCloudflare timed out while trying to connect to the website's server.HTTP 524 A Timeout OccurredCloudflare connected to the website's server, but it did not respond before the timeout (125 seconds by default).HTTP 525 SSL Handshake FailedThe SSL/TLS handshake between Cloudflare and the website's server failed.HTTP 526 Invalid SSL CertificateCloudflare cannot validate the SSL certificate on the website's server.