What is error Message Error 503 Service unavailable

Error Message

The "503 Service Unavailable" error message can be customized by each website. While this isn't very common, keep in mind that this error may present itself in more ways than the common ones listed below:

• "503: Service Unavailable"
  
• "503: Service Temporarily Unavailable"

•  
• "HTTP Error 503 - Service Unavailable"

The 503 Service Unavailable error displays inside the Internet browser window, just as web pages do.

Cause

The 503 Service Unavailable error is an HTTP status code that means the web site's server is simply not available at the moment. This is usually due to a temporary overloading or maintenance of the server.

Resolution

The 503 Service Unavailable error is a "server-side" error, meaning the problem is not with your PC or Internet connection but instead is a problem with the web site's server.Even though the issue is not yours to troubleshoot or resolve, there are a few things you can do:

1. Retry the web page by clicking the refresh/reload button or trying the URL from the address bar again. Even though the 503 Service Unavailable error is reporting an error on the web site's servers and not your computer, the server error is usually only temporary. Trying the page again will often be successful.
   
   Note: If the 503 Service Unavailable error message appears during the checkout process at an online merchant, be aware that duplicate attempts to checkout may end up creating multiple orders - and multiple charges! Most merchants have automatic protections from these kinds of actions but it's still something to keep in mind.
   
2. Come back later. The 503 Service Unavailable error is a common error message on very popular websites when a huge increase in traffic by visitors (that's you!) is overwhelming the servers.
   
   As more and more visitors leave the website, the chances of a successful page load for you increases.
   
3. If you can't wait any longer for the problem to be resolved or if you'd like to help out, you may want to attempt to contact the webmaster or another website contact and advise them of their server error.
   
   Note: The webmaster of most Internet sites can be reached via email at webmaster@website.com, replacing website.com with the actual website name.

Applies To