How to Fix ERR_EMPTY_RESPONSE Error

The “ERR_EMPTY_RESPONSE” error means your browser sent a request to the server but did not get any data in return. The error code is -324 within Chromium-based browsers. This happens when the connection opens, but the server does not reply before it closes.

The error is common in web hosting and developer environments. It is caused by several technical issues on both the server and the client side.

Server and Network Causes

Server misconfigurations often cause this error. This includes web servers like Apache, Nginx, or IIS closing the connection without sending headers or content. Causes include:

Apache or Nginx worker process exhaustion can prevent requests from being handled. In Apache, you can check resources with apachectl configtest. In Nginx, check worker_connection settings in nginx.conf for concurrency.

SSL or TLS errors, such as expired certificates, self-signed certificates, or missing Subject Alternative Names, block the initial response and cause the browser to show ERR_EMPTY_RESPONSE. For IIS, you need to check bindings and certificate trust.

Firewall rules or security appliances may block incoming or outgoing packets, preventing the server reply from reaching the browser. In corporate or hosting provider networks, allowlist domains on firewall devices to fix the issue.

Server file corruption (like a bad .htaccess in Apache or faulty plugins in WordPress) may stop the server from completing requests. Using cPanel File Manager with hidden files enabled helps you repair broken .htaccess files. For WordPress, rename the plugins folder by FTP to rule out plugin errors.

Resource limits on shared hosting, like low PHP memory or too many MySQL connections (max_user_connections), stop the server from sending a response during higher traffic.

Cloud hosting misconfigurations, such as bad security group rules or missing NAT translations block responses to users. For example, Azure and AWS both report cases where network group or VM firewall settings drop packets unexpectedly.

CDN or proxy services (like Cloudflare) can fail to connect to the origin server. Turn off the proxy or use bypass mode to test if CDN rules are returning empty responses.

Client-Side and Local Network Issues

Extension conflicts account for many cases, particularly with Chrome. Some ad blockers, VPN extensions, or security tools block requests or change headers, causing the error.

Cached browser data can interfere with connections. Clearing cache removes corrupt files or cookies that stop successful responses. Chrome shortcuts are Ctrl+Shift+Del on Windows and Cmd+Shift+Delete on Mac.

DNS cache problems send requests to outdated IPs. To clear DNS:
For Windows, use the command: ipconfig /flushdns
For macOS, use: sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder
For Linux, use: systemctl restart NetworkManager

VPN and firewall programs sometimes block or disconnect network traffic. Disabling or reconfiguring them restores the connection.

Updating your browser or trying a different browser sometimes clears client-specific faults, especially after browser updates or new extensions have been installed.

HOSTS file entries can override DNS settings, directing requests to invalid or private IPs and causing the error, especially in developer and local testing setups.

Network stack corruption after Windows updates is common. Commands like netsh int ip reset and netsh winsock reset repair the network stack.

Browser Troubleshooting Steps

Disable all browser extensions through the menu (chrome://extensions in Chrome), then test your site. Enable extensions one by one to find which one causes the problem. Most Chrome extension conflicts are with privacy tools and ad blockers.

Switch to incognito mode to see if the error is caused by your cache or cookies.

Clear the browser cache and cookies completely.

Flush DNS cache using system commands.

Update the browser to the latest version.

If using VPN or antivirus software, temporarily disable these to test the connection.

Check Chrome’s internal DNS monitor at chrome://net-internals/#dns.

Server-Side Troubleshooting

Check server logs for abrupt stops, failed scripts, or crashing processes.

For SSL/TLS problems: verify certificate validity and configuration, ensure the certificate matches the domain, and install an intermediate certificate if needed.

Test with curl -v https://yoursite.com from the server terminal. If there is no HTTP response, fix configuration errors or increase resource limits.

With cPanel and WordPress sites, deactivate all plugins and restore the default .htaccess configuration.

Increase PHP memory or change timeout limits for large plugins and scripts.

Purge or bypass CDN caches if you use a reverse proxy or CDN like Cloudflare.

Network Layer and Advanced Fixes

Lower the MTU setting on your router if large packets do not get delivered, or power cycle the router to clear networking issues.

For QUIC or HTTP/3 problems, disable these protocols in chrome://flags/#enable-quic and retest with HTTP/2 or HTTP/1.1.

If you are using a VPN, switch protocols or change servers. Some government or enterprise networks send TCP reset packets to block VPNs.

Check with hosting support about server-side firewalls and security tools like ModSecurity or fail2ban, which may block or drop HTTP requests.

For suspected NIC or hardware-related problems, try a different network interface or cable.

Related Terms

DNS propagation: The time taken for DNS record changes to update globally, sometimes causing no response when old IPs are queried.

TLS handshake: The process between browser and server to start encrypted communication that fails when certificates are expired or misconfigured.

Browser User-Agent: Some server security rules block outdated or unrecognized User-Agent strings.

Real-World Examples and Community Fixes

On hosting forums, a high share of ERR_EMPTY_RESPONSE cases resolve by clearing malformed .htaccess files, upgrading hosting plans to handle more guests, or disabling conflicting plugins. Community solutions on Stack Overflow and Reddit often involve changing browser extensions, adjusting firewall settings, or running DNS flush commands.

Host4Geeks reports that network resets and browser cache clears fix a large part of customer problems. On NameHero, ModSecurity whitelisting solved issues for shared hosting clients who encountered the error during high-traffic days.

This error code is well documented for Chromium and Chrome users in the open-source Chromium Embedded Framework and regularly seen in developer browser logs. Using tools like cURL, browser network tabs, and Wireshark helps pinpoint if the error is client, network, or server-based.

Diagnostic Commands

To flush DNS and reset network settings, use these commands as needed:

Windows DNS flush: ipconfig /flushdns

macOS DNS flush: sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder

Linux network restart: systemctl restart NetworkManager

Windows network stack reset: netsh int ip reset; netsh winsock reset

To check server response: curl -v https://example.com

To trace network routes: traceroute example.com

These steps cover both browser and hosting-server troubleshooting for the ERR_EMPTY_RESPONSE error, with actions and commands confirmed by technical forums, hosting provider helpdesks, and browser developer guides.

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