How to fix ERR_EMPTY_RESPONSE

ERR_EMPTY_RESPONSE ("This page isn't working – example.com didn't send any data") means the browser connected, sent its request, and the server closed the connection without returning anything – not even an error page. It usually means a process on the server died while handling the request, or something in between cut the reply.

Before you start

• Check whether the error appears on every page or only one action (a form, checkout, upload).
• Test on another network and in a private window.

Common causes of ERR_EMPTY_RESPONSE

• A PHP process crashing (segmentation fault, memory exhausted at a low level) before output was sent.
• Hitting account resource limits so the request is killed.
• Security rules dropping a request that looks malicious.
• Plain HTTP sent to an HTTPS port or a misconfigured virtual host on a VPS.
• Local VPNs, antivirus or extensions breaking the connection.

How to fix it as a visitor

1. Reload, then try a private window and another browser.
2. Disable VPN, proxy and antivirus web filtering temporarily.
3. On Windows run netsh winsock reset and restart if many sites fail.

How to fix it as a site owner

1. Check the error log in cPanel → Metrics → Errors for crashes or "child pid exit signal" lines at the time of the error. See PHP errors and error_log.
2. Check resource usage in cPanel → Metrics → Resource Usage for faults; see memory limit errors.
3. Disable plugins or recent code changes on the failing page; a single extension can crash PHP.
4. Try another PHP version in cPanel → Software → Select PHP Version or MultiPHP Manager, in case of an incompatible extension.
5. Check security blocks: if only certain form submissions fail, note the time and URL and contact support to review firewall logs.
6. On a VPS, check web server and PHP-FPM logs and dmesg for killed processes.

FAQ

Is ERR_EMPTY_RESPONSE caused by my internet?

Sometimes. If it only happens on one network, the network is the cause.

Why only on one page?

Code on that page crashes PHP or triggers a security rule.

Does clearing cookies help?

Occasionally, if huge cookies make the server drop the request.

Next steps

• Blank page and PHP debugging
• 508 resource limit reached
• Website down checklist