Why is the Reddit app not working?

The Reddit app and website experienced widespread issues due to backend timeouts and global CDN node failures.

What troubleshooting steps can I take for Reddit outages?

Users were advised to try using a VPN, clearing their browser cache, or switching to the old Reddit site.

Was Reddit down recently?

Yes, Reddit experienced a significant outage impacting its services, particularly the mobile application.

Home / Technology / Reddit Down: VPNs and Cache Clears Urged as Site Fails

Reddit Down: VPNs and Cache Clears Urged as Site Fails

20 Dec

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Summary

Reddit users experienced widespread issues, especially on the mobile app.
Troubleshooting involved VPN use, cache clearing, and switching to old site.
Backend timeouts and global CDN node failures were cited as causes.

Reddit Down: VPNs and Cache Clears Urged as Site Fails

Reddit users faced significant disruptions, with many reporting the app not working and widespread site crashes. Mobile users were most affected, accounting for a large majority of reported issues. Troubleshooting suggestions included disabling VPNs, clearing browser caches, and reverting to the old version of Reddit to bypass new site routing problems.

The underlying cause appears to be infrastructure strain, leading to backend timeouts and global Content Delivery Network (CDN) nodes failing to connect with core servers. These failures are often triggered by sudden traffic surges, such as those during viral discussions, or by maintenance activities, causing network bottlenecks.

Despite user reports of comment vanishes and speed test failures, official status trackers remained clear, a common occurrence during unacknowledged technical difficulties. The situation highlighted the reliance on CDN partners and the fragility of large-scale platforms during peak loads.