Dealing with the “Our CDN was unable to reach our servers” error message can be frustrating for Reddit users. This article provides a comprehensive guide on potential causes and solutions to resolve this issue.
What Does the Error Message Mean
When you attempt to access Reddit and receive the “Our CDN was unable to reach our servers” error, it means that the content delivery network (CDN) servers are having connectivity issues.
A CDN is a distributed network of servers that Reddit uses to deliver content quickly to users. If the CDN servers cannot reach Reddit’s origin servers, you will see this error.
Some potential causes include:
- Network or server issues at Reddit’s end
- Problems with your internet connection or ISP
- Browser cache or cookies needing to be cleared
- Outdated DNS settings
Check Reddit’s System Status Page
The first step is checking Reddit’s system status page to see if they have reported any known issues. This status page shares updates on any ongoing problems.
If Reddit has reported issues accessing the CDN servers, then the problem is on their end and usually gets resolved within hours. All you can do is wait it out in this case.
Confirm Your Internet Connection
Issues with your own internet connectivity can also trigger the CDN error message. Some things to check:
- Reset your router and modem – Turn them off for 30 seconds, then restart your home network equipment
- Check for internet service provider outages – Contact your ISP if they are experiencing regional downtime
- Try a different network – For example, access Reddit over a mobile broadband connection
If Reddit loads normally over another network, then get in touch with your regular ISP about connection problems.
Clear Browser Cache and Cookies
Outdated browser cache and cookie files related to Reddit can sometimes interfere with accessing the CDN servers.
To rule out this cause, clear your cache/cookies in the browser you normally use to access Reddit:
- Chrome – Go to Settings > Privacy > Clear Browsing Data
- Firefox – Go to Options > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data
- Safari – Go to Preferences > Privacy > Manage Website Data
Also, force quit and fully restart your browser after the cache/cookie reset.
Flush Your DNS Network Cache
Inaccurate DNS records and caches can prevent connectivity with Reddit’s CDN. Flushing these caches may resolve the issue:
Windows
- Open Command Prompt
- Type ipconfig /flushdns
MacOS
- Open Terminal
- Type sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder
Router DNS Cache
Many routers also maintain their own DNS caching. Check your router admin interface for options to flush/reset the DNS and reboot.
Try Different Reddit Clients
The issue may be isolated to the specific Reddit platform or app you normally use like:
- i.redd.it on iOS
- Reddit is Fun on Android
Old Reddit in desktop browsers
Test if you can access Reddit successfully using another official client or mobile app. If another Reddit front-end works, it indicates an isolated issue with your usual platform.
Use a VPN Connection
Enabling a VPN app or router service reroutes your web traffic through different pathways before accessing Reddit’s infrastructure.
If Reddit works fine over a VPN, it points to potential ISP throttling or network infrastructure issues in your area affecting access.
Temporary Workarounds
While waiting for the root cause to be resolved either locally or by Reddit, a couple of temporary options include:
- Web proxy – Access Reddit through a public proxy server
- TOR browser – Routes connections through the anonymity network
These reroute your traffic to circumvent network or infrastructure problems.
Contact Reddit Support
If you have tried all troubleshooting steps without resolving the CDN server error, reach out to the Reddit support team and provide specifics on the issue including:
- Exact error message
- Browser and devices impacted
- Troubleshooting steps attempted
- Other sites working fine
This helps them investigate and pinpoint any problems on Reddit’s infrastructure contributing to the connectivity issue.
Enable Notifications for Future Issues
To stay updated on on-site issues, enable notifications from @RedditStatus on Twitter.
You can also subscribe by email for status updates. Being promptly notified of Reddit incidents allows you to avoid frustration over site errors.
Conclusion
The “Our CDN was unable to reach our servers” message can certainly be disruptive to your Reddit experience. However, systematically working through connectivity checks, cache clearing, DNS flushes, VPN usage, and alternate clients helps resolve many occurrences. Getting support involved for ongoing problems is key to getting Reddit access restored.
