For millions of users, Reddit is the internet’s homepage. But nothing ruins a scrolling session faster than the vague, frustrating pop-up: “We had a server error…”
This error often appears when you try to log in, post a comment, or access a specific subreddit. Sometimes a refresh fixes it. Other times, it persists for days, effectively locking you out of your account.
Why does this happen? Is Reddit down, or have you been silently banned?
This guide covers the 5 proven methods to fix this glitch, ranging from simple browser tweaks to advanced network solutions for persistent IP bans.
Part 1: Is It Just You? (The Basics)
Before you panic about your account status, rule out the simple technical glitches.
- Check Reddit’s Heartbeat
Sometimes the problem is on their end. Before changing any settings, check if Reddit is experiencing a global outage.
- Check the official Reddit Status page.
- Look at Downdetector to see if user reports are spiking.
Note: If the servers are down, you simply have to wait.
- The “Nuke” Method: Clear Cache
Your browser often holds onto outdated login cookies that conflict with Reddit’s latest update.
- Desktop: Go to Settings > Privacy > Clear Browsing Data. Ensure you select “Cookies” and “Cached images.”
- Mobile App: Go to your phone’s Settings > Apps > Reddit > Storage > Clear Cache.
- Switch Your Network
If you are on Wi-Fi, toggle to mobile data (5G/4G). If the error disappears instantly, your home IP address might be temporarily flagged or unstable.
Part 2: The “Old Reddit” Workaround (And Its Risks)
If the basic fixes failed, there is a well-known trick that bypasses the error 90% of the time: Forcing the Old Interface.
- Go to your address bar.
- Change the URL from www.reddit.com to old.reddit.com.
- Hit Enter.
Why this works: The modern Reddit interface (New Reddit) has stricter security filters and heavier code. The old interface is lighter and often bypasses frontend glitches.
⚠️ Important Warning: Using old.reddit.com is usually a temporary bandage, not a cure. If you can only access Reddit via the old link, it is a strong indicator that your IP address has been flagged by Reddit’s security bots.
If you continue using a flagged IP, Reddit may eventually escalate this to a permanent account suspension or a “Shadowban” (where you can post, but nobody sees your content).
Part 3: The Root Cause – IP Bans and Shadowbans
If you still see “We had a server error” specifically when you try to log in or post, and the Old Reddit trick eventually stops working, you are likely dealing with an IP Ban.
Reddit is aggressive against spam. Your IP might be blocked if:
- You logged into multiple accounts from the same location.
- You are using a free VPN (which uses “dirty” Data Center IPs shared by spammers).
- You posted too frequently in a short time.
To fix this permanently without losing your account, you need to prove to Reddit that you are a legitimate user. This requires a IPhalo secure network infrastructure.
Part 4: The Permanent Fix – Residential Proxies
The only way to escape an IP ban is to change your digital fingerprint. However, simply restarting your router or using a cheap VPN usually isn’t enough in 2025.
Why VPNs Fail: Reddit knows the IP ranges of NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and others. When you switch to a VPN IP, you often just trade one blocked IP for another, resulting in the same “Server Error.”
The Solution: Residential IPs To restore access safely, advanced users use undetectable residential proxies.
- Real ISP Connection: These IPs belong to real carriers (like Comcast or Verizon), not server farms. Reddit sees you as a normal home user.
- Ban Evasion: Because the IP is clean and unique to you, it bypasses the “Server Error” block instantly.
- Multi-Account Safety: If you run marketing accounts, assigning a separate Residential IP to each profile prevents them from being linked and banned together.
Summary
The “We had a server error…” message is a catch-all notification.
- Start with Clear Cache and Network Switching.
- Try Old Reddit as a temporary emergency fix.
- If the error returns, stop forcing it. Your IP is likely compromised.
Don’t risk a permanent account ban by hammering the login button on a flagged connection. Upgrade your privacy and regain access immediately.
Fix your Reddit access nowand get back to browsing without interruptions.
FAQ
Q: Am I shadowbanned if I see this error?
A: Possibly. To check, open an Incognito window and view your profile URL. If it says “User not found” (but you can see it when logged in), you are shadowbanned. This is often triggered by bad IP reputation.
Q: Why does Reddit block VPNs?
A: VPNs allow spammers to automate posts. Reddit blocks known VPN IP ranges to protect the community, which unfortunately catches innocent users too.
Q: Can I just make a new account?
A: If you make a new account on the same IP address that got the “Server Error,” the new account will be banned within hours. You must change your IP (preferably to a Residential one) before creating a new account.
