Website Not Loading: Troubleshooting Guide

When your website won't load, follow this systematic approach to identify and resolve the issue.

Quick Checks

Is It Just You?

Check if your site is down for everyone:

• Visit downforeveryoneorjustme.com
• Ask someone else to check
• Try a different network (mobile data)

Check Your Domain

1. Is the domain registered and not expired?
2. Are nameservers pointing to BearHost?
3. Has DNS propagated? (check at whatsmydns.net)

Check Your Hosting

1. Log in to your BearHost account
2. Verify your hosting is active (not suspended)
3. Check for any notices or alerts

Common Causes and Fixes

Domain/DNS Issues

Symptoms: Site not found, DNS errors

Fixes:

• Verify nameservers are correct
• Check A record points to your server IP
• Wait for DNS propagation (up to 48 hours)
• Clear your local DNS cache

SSL Certificate Issues

Symptoms: Security warnings, HTTPS not working

Fixes:

• Run AutoSSL in cPanel
• Check certificate expiration
• Verify SSL is installed for correct domain

Server Errors (500, 503)

Symptoms: Internal server error, service unavailable

Fixes:

• Check error logs in cPanel
• Review recent changes
• Check .htaccess for errors
• Verify PHP version compatibility
• Check file permissions

Resource Limits

Symptoms: Slow or intermittent loading

Fixes:

• Check resource usage in cPanel
• Optimise website performance
• Consider upgrading hosting plan
• Remove resource-heavy plugins

Database Connection Errors

Symptoms: "Error establishing database connection"

Fixes:

• Verify database credentials in config file
• Check database server is running
• Repair database tables in phpMyAdmin
• Check database user privileges

Check Error Logs

1. In cPanel, go to Metrics → Errors
2. Review recent error messages
3. Look for patterns or specific files mentioned

Still Down?

1. Clear your browser cache
2. Try incognito/private mode
3. Disable browser extensions
4. Contact BearHost support with:
   • Your domain name
   • Error messages you see
   • Steps you've tried

Our support team is available 24/7 to help resolve hosting issues.