504 Gateway Timeout-error occurs when server acting as a gateway fails to receive a timely response from an upstream server.
What is a 504 Gateway Timeout Error?
The 504 Gateway Timeout status code signals that one server did not get a response from another server in the communication chain.
Why is a 504 Gateway Timeout Error Important?
It directly impacts website availability, user trust, and SEO. Search engines encountering repeated 504 errors may crawl less, lowering ranking visibility.
Best Practices for Fixing 504 Gateway Timeout
- Check server logs for connectivity issues
- Optimize database queries and reduce heavy scripts
- Restart servers or adjust firewall settings
- Use a Content Delivery Network (CDN) for faster responses
- Contact hosting provider if persistent
Example of a 504 Gateway Timeout Error
If a WordPress site’s server takes too long to fetch database content during high traffic, users may see a 504 Gateway Timeout.
