What is Instagram’s 5xx server error and how to fix it?
Launched in 2010, it has taken Instagram only a few years to create a furor in the world of social media. With thousands of applications being churned out regularly, we have been completely spoilt for choice. Well aware of this overabundance, social media crawlers have become frivolous, with attention spans lasting between 6 to 8 seconds.
Given the circumstances, the competition that Instagram faces is humungous. But, with its simple yet attractive interface and unique features, it has created a sensation among celebrities, athletes, musicians, artists and novices alike.
From a simple social media platform, Instagram has now evolved into a powerful marketing tool for both budding and established businesses. However, with some technical glitches plaguing Instagram for a while now, businesses that use the application to garner publicity and traction are becoming more and more anxious.
Issues like unsuccessful login attempts and 5xx server errors are robbing businesses of the quality time that they could use to build their clientele by engaging new Instagram followers.
So, what exactly is Instagram’s 5xx server error?
This is exactly what the 5xx server error is—it freezes the servers of an application, making all activity come to a standstill. The good news is that this is not an Instagram-specific problem; it happens to other applications as well, and is therefore not so difficult to resolve.
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Why does Instagram keep running into the 5xx server error?
The two ‘x’s in 5xx, represent error code numbers between 500-511. Each of these codes signify different server errors. Some of these errors occur when maintenance work is being done, while the other errors happen because websites may have been dissolved permanently.
Breaking down each error code will shed some light on what might be causing the 5xx server error to show its ugly face. But before that, we need to know whatHTTP Status Codes are. These are basically the error messages that get displayed on the screen when a server decides to act-up.
1. The 500 Error
This HTTP status code means that the server has encountered a glitch but is not sure what the exact issue is.
2. The 501 Error
This error response stands for the message ‘Not Implemented’. To be clearer, in this kind of an error, the user’s action is not processed or the command is not picked up by the server.
This means that although you are logging in to your Instagram account, the app’s server is not being able to read, process or implement your request.
3. The 502 Error
This is also known as the 502 Bad Gateway Error. For any action taken by the user to be complete, serves need to relay information among each other. In this error, one server relays invalid information to another server.
4. The 503 Error
Also known as the Service Unavailable Error, this message is displayed when the server is extremely busy or is down for upkeep. Instagram receives heavy traffic all the time. Considering that planet Earth has different time zones, a good chunk of the population is always accessing Instagram. Imagine how taxing it might get for the app’s servers to constantly process the sheer number of Instagram likes and Instagram comments.
5. The 504 Error
This message suggests that a server did not get a response from another server in due time. Think of it this way--Chris Hemsworth uploads a post about the second part of The Infinity War. Millions of Instagram followers flock to see that post. The app’s server gets overloaded to process all the Instagram likes and stops to take a break. Relax. It’ll be back up in no time.
6. The 505 Error
Also displayed as HTTP Version Not Supported, this error means that your Web server does not support or will not support the HTTP protocol version stated by the Web browser.
7. The 506 Error
This usually occurs when one is trying to download an app, and can be rectified by clearing the cache from the device.
8. The 507 Error
This means that the server is not able to store the information required to fulfil the user’s command.
9. The 508 Error
This stands for Resource Limit Reached. In simple terms, this error means that your server has exhausted the resources that were assigned to it.
10. The 509 Error
This happens when an overloaded website crosses its bandwidth limit and can no longer give users access to content on it.
11. The 510 Error
Also meaning Not Extended, this issue shows up when certain extensions are not present in the client’s first attempt to connect with a server.
12. The 511 Error
Also displayed as Network Authentication Required, this response signifies that you are being blocked from getting complete access to the Internet.
What could be the assumed reasons for such an error?
Well, such crashes generally keep on taking place every now and then. But, As soon as the customers started to complain about it, there have been various tweets that gathered up the ideas, and Instagram developers and managers claimed that they are working over to fix this problem.
However, why are we always so curious and addicted to applications? If you just wait and think, you would realize that there could be various positive reasons too, of why the Instagram 5xx Server Error came up! Here are some commonly assumed reasons that depict why your Instagram application wasn’t working efficiently!
The server might have got overloaded with actions
There are occasional opportunities when numerous users get over Instagram at a particular time, and the server seems to fail handling all. Thus, its starts showing some errors in functioning or completing the actions that you requested! Thus, the quickness of people n such sites might possibly be one of the causes.
The application might be updating new features
Well, this generally could be added up as a cause too because Instagram keeps on changing and adding new features to its application every now and then. As it requires the server to be more burdened at this time, you should have the patience and wait for the application to get back decently.
Could be a possible server restart
Similar to being overloaded, here too you can face the applications topping for a while. There could be reasons why the developers need to have a server restart and thus, Instagram didn’t work for a while. Again, you just need to be calm and patient enough to discover what the problem was and how will it get sorted.
Well, these are just a few causes which might lead to Instagram 5xx Server Error. However, if we get into the deeper senses and consider the technical algorithms, there could be a quite lot of things that could have come up. Well, all you can do is just have extra mercy on your phone and Instagram and let it breathe for a while!
So, how to fix the Instagram 5xx Server Error?
Well, the only thing that you can do, when a server problem occurs is to stop using the app for a while. Or you can take up any actions like getting out of the app, restarting the Instagram application, restarting your phone, checking whether you have a stable internet connection or not, Choosing with another source providing internet and such many steps. However, still is the problem persists, and then you only have the alternative to wait till the Instagram server rectifies it on its own. This issue isn’t just with Instagram, but it also happens with numerous other apps. If it is due to your phone’s problem, then taking up the above-mentioned methods will be fair enough.
Thus, now, you might be pretty much clear why the Instagram 5xx Server Error arises and how it can be fixed up. In case you are quite techno-savvy, then you might explore more ways to get through it. However, as already mentioned above, the only acceptable way you can get through this problem is by waiting. The app as soon as it restarts will have the probable reasons why it stopped. You may either see a new update of the app or new features that could have got added up. So, be patient enough and get through this Instagram 5xx Server Error!
What can I do to access Instagram and not run into the 5xx Error?
While you wait for the problem to fix itself, you can try to do the following:
If you encounter the 503 Error, you will just have to come back later. Too many people are accessing the app, making it go bonkers.
If you see the 505 Server Error response, update your Instagram profile. You may have missed the latest version update and the old one may have become obsolete.
The 511 Error usually crops up if you are trying to get into Instagram using an open Wi-Fi connection. Get to know the right credentials first and then try to log in.
If all of this fails, try to see if Instagram can be accessed using a different browser, or just sit back and enjoy the lull.
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Conclusion
The Internet is a wonderful and dangerous place. Please change your password if you keep seeing these error messages frequently. And whatever you do, refrain from downloading tools like Instagram private viewer. Malware can be introduced through these shady apps. Keep yourself informed and be safe.
