Proxy Error 408 Janitor AI | Steps to Fix It

A “Proxy Error 408” on Janitor AI, or generally an HTTP 408 Request Timeout error, means that the server (or a proxy server in front of it) did not receive a complete request from your client (your browser/device) within the time it was prepared to wait.

Essentially, the connection timed out because your device didn’t send the data quickly enough, or the server wasn’t ready to receive it.

Why does a 408 Error occur on Janitor AI?

• Slow or Unstable Internet Connection: This is a very common cause. If your internet connection is poor, the data takes too long to reach Janitor AI’s servers.
• Server Overload/Congestion: While a 408 is client-side, extremely high traffic on Janitor AI’s servers can make them slow to acknowledge incoming requests, leading to your client timing out.
• Network Interference: Issues on your local network, Wi-Fi interference, or even ISP problems can delay data transmission.
• Client-Side Software/Browser Issues:
  • Browser Cache/Cookies: Corrupted or outdated browser data.
  • Browser Extensions: Certain extensions can interfere with network requests.
  • “TCP pre-connect” (Browser Feature): Browsers sometimes pre-connect to servers to speed things up, but if no actual request follows promptly, the connection might time out and later trigger a 408 when the browser tries to use that now-closed connection.
• Firewall or Security Settings: Your local firewall or antivirus might be overly aggressive and blocking or delaying legitimate requests from your browser to Janitor AI.
• API Key Issues (if using an external API like OpenAI or OpenRouter): If your API key for the LLM model Janitor AI uses (e.g., DeepSeek proxy through OpenRouter) is invalid, expired, or out of credits, it can cause timeouts as the system struggles to process the request. OpenRouter’s documentation explicitly lists 408 as “Your request timed out.”

Also Read : Tennessee Code 15C-16.003

✅ Steps to Fix It

1. Check Internet Connection

A weak or unstable connection can cause timeouts.

• Try switching to a different network.

• Restart your router if needed.

2. Disable Proxy or VPN

If you’re using a proxy, VPN, or Tor:

• Turn it off and try again.

• Some proxies/VPNs may cause throttling or blocks.

3. Clear Browser Cache & Cookies

• Open browser settings → Clear history → Select cached images and files + cookies.

• Restart the browser and try again.

4. Try a Different Browser or Device

• Use Chrome, Firefox, or Edge.

• Try accessing Janitor AI on mobile or another computer.

5. Check Janitor AI Server Status

The issue could be on their end:

• Visit https://janitorai.com/

• Or check their Discord server or social media for outage updates.

6. Use Correct API Settings

If you’re using Janitor AI with an external API (like OpenAI or Kobold):

• Ensure the API key is valid.

• Double-check the request settings in the Janitor AI API configuration.

7. Flush DNS

Sometimes DNS issues cause these errors:

• On Windows: open Command Prompt and run:

  ipconfig /flushdns


• Restart your browser afterward.

Start with the easiest and most common fixes (refresh, internet check, browser cache, and checking Janitor AI’s status). If those don’t work, systematically try the other solutions.