If you're a regular Reddit user, chances are you've come across the frustrating message: “We had a server error. Please try again later.” Whether you're deep into a discussion, scrolling through memes, or just browsing a subreddit, this error can bring everything to a halt.
You’re not alone. Many users have asked:
In this guide, we’ll break down what’s really going on behind this message, why Reddit displays it, and how tools like DICloak can help you avoid it altogether
When you see the dreaded “We had a server error…” message on Reddit, it means something has gone wrong, usually on Reddit’s end. Your activity is suddenly interrupted, and you're left wondering what just happened. It’s a lot like being on a rollercoaster that stops mid-loop. Confusing. Frustrating. And even a little alarming, especially if you were replying to a message or posting a thread.While this “Reddit server error try again later” message is usually due to technical problems, there's another possible reason users should be aware of.
A Reddit user once asked about this issue on RedditHelp, and the official response was surprising:
"Your account appears to have been suspended or shadowbanned. This means your content is still visible for review, but you can no longer send messages or use other features."
So yes — “We encountered an error. Please try again later.” might not always be about broken servers or bad connections. In some cases, it may indicate that your account has been flagged or restricted.
Not exactly. While a suspended or shadowbanned account can trigger certain access issues, it's not the most common cause of the “We had a server error…” message for most users.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
Cause | Frequency | Notes |
---|---|---|
Reddit server outage | Very common | Often affects large groups of users |
Internet connection issues | Common | Weak signals or dropped Wi-Fi |
Account suspension or ban | Less common | May prevent access to features |
App or browser problems | Common | Outdated software or cache conflicts |
In short: if you see “We encountered an error. Please try again later.”, don’t panic — it’s most likely a technical issue, not a punishment. But if the message keeps showing up and you can’t post, message, or comment, it might be worth checking your account status.
Seeing the message “We had a server error” pop up again and again on Reddit can be seriously annoying, especially when you're reading something juicy or trying to post a reply. But why does it happen so often?
Let’s break down the most common reasons Reddit shows errors like “We had a server error” or “We encountered an error. Please try again later.”, and what you can do about them.
Reddit is one of the busiest websites on the internet, with millions of users and nonstop activity across thousands of subreddits. When something major is trending — a news event, a viral meme, or a celebrity AMA — Reddit's servers can get slammed with traffic. The result? A temporary outage or error.
Reddit regularly performs system maintenance to improve performance and security. During these updates, you might see messages like “Reddit server error try again later.” While these downtimes are usually brief, they can interrupt your experience.
Like any large tech platform, Reddit isn't immune to software bugs or configuration errors. A new code deployment might unintentionally introduce issues that cause certain pages or features to fail.
Sometimes, “We encountered an error. Please try again later.” isn't Reddit’s fault at all. The problem could be on your side — a weak Wi-Fi signal, ISP issues, or DNS misconfiguration can block Reddit from loading properly.
Reddit, like many big websites, is a common target for DDoS attacks and other cyber threats that flood servers with fake traffic and take them offline. These attacks can cause widespread outages and repeated “We had a server error” messages for users.
You might be surprised to learn that spam, bots, and rule-breaking users can slow Reddit down. A flood of low-quality posts or abusive behavior may stress the platform’s moderation and spam filters, increasing the chance of performance issues.
If Reddit keeps timing out or showing you “Reddit server error try again later”, especially due to region-based blocks or unstable connections, a privacy tool like DICloak can help. It secures your browsing, optimises your connection path, and minimises disruptions — so you can scroll without stress.
So you’ve seen the infamous “We had a server error” or “We encountered an error. Please try again later.” pop up on Reddit. Now what?
Don’t worry — there are several simple ways to troubleshoot and fix the issue. Whether it’s a glitch on Reddit’s side or a problem with your own device, the steps below can help you get back to scrolling, posting, and commenting in no time.
Sometimes, the easiest fix is the most effective. Just hit F5 or click the refresh button on your browser. This reloads the page and may bypass a temporary server hiccup.
✅ Best for: One-time Reddit server errors caused by momentary lag or high traffic.
Old cache files or cookies can interfere with how Reddit loads, leading to repeated “We had a server error...” messages. Clearing them often resolves the issue.
How to clear cache in Chrome:
How to clear cache in Firefox:
✅ Best for: Persistent errors caused by browser conflicts or outdated site data.
Still seeing “Reddit server error try again later”? Try switching browsers — for example, go from Chrome to Firefox or Safari. Or switch from desktop to mobile (or vice versa).
✅ Best for: Identifying browser or device-specific problems.
Sometimes, Reddit's servers are simply under too much pressure — or undergoing maintenance. In these cases, the “We encountered an error. Please try again later.” message is temporary and will go away once Reddit resolves the issue.
You can check Reddit’s server status on:
✅ Tip: Some users have reported that their accounts were auto-restored after a few weeks. While not guaranteed, it’s worth being patient if you suspect your account was affected.
If nothing works and you're still stuck with the “We had a server error” message, it’s time to contact Reddit support.
When reaching out:
✅ Submit a request to Reddit SupportNow that you understand the common causes of the Reddit server error, you can target the fix that fits your specific situation. Whether it’s clearing your cache or simply waiting for Reddit’s engineers to do their thing, you’re no longer stuck guessing.
For persistent issues tied to location, access blocks, or unstable networks, consider using a tool like DICloak to stabilise your connection and reduce disruptions.
Seeing “We had a server error” doesn’t always mean Reddit is down. In some cases, it could mean your account has been flagged, shadowbanned, or even suspended — especially if you’re using multiple Reddit accounts or engaging in behavior that goes against Reddit’s rules.
To stay safe and avoid disruptions like “We encountered an error. Please try again later.”, follow these best practices:
If you operate more than one Reddit account, managing them manually can increase the risk of suspension due to account linkage. DICloak is a powerful multi-account management tool built to help you use Reddit securely and efficiently.
Here’s how DICloak helps reduce Reddit server error try again later risks and prevent bans:
DICloak's free plan lets you try it risk-free. And if you need more advanced features, consider upgrading to a paid tier.
⚠️ Note: Automation should be used carefully. Reddit monitors user behavior closely, so even with RPA, keep your actions natural and community-friendly.
Outdated browsers or operating systems may lead to compatibility issues and trigger server errors like “We had a server error” or “We encountered an error. Please try again later.”
✅ Tip: Always keep your browser and OS updated with the latest patches and performance improvements.
Using Reddit through the official mobile app is often more stable than using a browser on your phone. The app is optimized for performance, and Reddit tends to push bug fixes to it first.
✅ Bonus: The app may also help you avoid some common web-based loading errors.
One of the biggest reasons for shadowbans and suspensions is ignoring subreddit rules. Reddit has strict policies, and each community may have its own rules in addition to sitewide ones.
✅ Best practices:
Reddit is one of the most dynamic platforms online, but frequent messages like “We had a server error”, “We encountered an error. Please try again later.”, or “Reddit server error try again later” can ruin your experience. Fortunately, most of these issues have clear causes — and even better solutions.
By using tools like DICloak for safer multi-account management, keeping your browser updated, following community guidelines, and knowing when to refresh or troubleshoot, you can minimise disruptions and enjoy Reddit without stress.
Whether you’re a casual lurker or a power user juggling multiple accounts, these best practices will help you stay active, avoid account issues, and stop server errors from getting in your way.
You are running into connectivity issues due to your Internet connection. Try logging out and then back into Reddit, and make sure you are near your Wi-Fi. If you are using the app, it may be corrupted.
Yes, in most cases, you can still access Reddit, but you may need to try a few workarounds. Start by refreshing the page or clearing your browser’s cache and cookies, as these simple steps often resolve temporary glitches. If the error persists, try switching to a different browser or device, or access Reddit through the older version at old.reddit.com, which can sometimes bypass the issue. If none of these methods work, the error may be caused by a widespread server problem on Reddit’s end. In that case, the best option is to wait until Reddit’s technical team resolves the issue.
You don't get a notification if you get shadowbanned, but you can check your status and appeal at https://www.reddit.com/appeals, and if you can appeal, then you're either shadowbanned or suspended; if you can't, your account is fine.
If you've been temporarily banned, your profile won't change and other redditors who view your profile won't know that you've been banned. If you've been permanently banned, there will be a message on your profile letting people who visit it know you've been banned.