Cloudflare | Gateway Time-Out Error Code 504

The 504 Gateway Timeout error via Cloudflare means that Cloudflare was able to connect to your server, but your server took too long to respond (timing out).

As of March 3, 2026, there are no major global Cloudflare outages, though there is scheduled maintenance in several datacenters today, including Paris (CDG), Johannesburg (JNB), and Madrid (MAD). If you are not in those regions, the issue is likely specific to your origin server or the specific site you are trying to visit.


If you are a Website Visitor

The problem is almost certainly on the website’s end, not yours.

  1. Wait and Refresh: Most 504 errors are temporary spikes in traffic. Wait 60 seconds and press Ctrl + F5 (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + R (Mac) to force a fresh reload.

  2. Check “Is It Down”: Use a service like Down For Everyone Or Just Me to see if the site is failing for others. If it is, you just have to wait for the site owners to fix their server.

  3. Disable VPN: Occasionally, a specific VPN node may have a routing issue with Cloudflare. Try toggling it off.

Also Read : When Will Fallout 76 Be Back Online


If you are a Website Owner

This error means your origin server (the one hosting your files) is struggling to process requests within Cloudflare’s default 100-second limit.

Common Cause

Quick Fix

Server OverloadCheck your server’s CPU and RAM usage. If they are at 100%, restart your web service (Apache/Nginx) or the entire server.
Slow Database QueriesIf you use WordPress/WooCommerce, a bloated database can cause scripts to hang. Check your slow query logs.
Firewall BlockingEnsure your server’s firewall hasn’t accidentally blacklisted Cloudflare’s IP addresses. You can find the current list at cloudflare.com/ips.
PHP-FPM/TimeoutIncrease the max_execution_time in your php.ini and the proxy_read_timeout in your Nginx config to match or exceed Cloudflare’s 100s limit.

How to verify the source

Look at the error page itself:

  • If it says “cloudflare” at the bottom: Cloudflare is working, but your server is not responding.

  • If it shows a “Cloudflare Working” icon but an “Origin Error”: This confirms the issue is with your hosting provider (Bluehost, SiteGround, AWS, etc.).

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply