# Troubleshooting Cloudflare connections

> Fix Cloudflare connection problems by reading its error pages and checking your site's DNS settings.

Source: https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/add-ons/cloudflare/troubleshooting-cloudflare-connections/

Get help resolving Cloudflare connection issues, including error pages and DNS configuration problems.

### **Note**

For instructions on activating Cloudflare, see the setup guide. For details on configuring Cloudflare, consult the Cloudflare documentation.

### **Cloudflare Error Pages**

A common sign of connection issues is when Cloudflare displays an error page instead of your site. These pages can indicate why your site isn’t loading properly.

#### Common Error Pages:

- **520 Web server is returning an unknown error**: [Details](https://support.cloudflare.com/hc/en-us/articles/200171936-Error-520)
- **521 Web server is down**: [Details](https://support.cloudflare.com/hc/en-us/articles/200171916-Error-521)
- **522 Connection timed out**: [Details](https://support.cloudflare.com/hc/en-us/articles/200171906-Error-522)
- **523 Origin is unreachable**: [Details](https://support.cloudflare.com/hc/en-us/articles/200171946-Error-523)
- **524 A timeout occurred**: [Details](https://support.cloudflare.com/hc/en-us/articles/200171926-Error-524)
- **525 SSL handshake failed**: [Details](https://support.cloudflare.com/hc/en-us/articles/200278659-Error-525)
- **526 Invalid SSL certificate**: [Details](https://support.cloudflare.com/hc/en-us/articles/200721975-Error-526)

### **Site DNS Settings**

Cloudflare requires your domain’s nameservers to route traffic through their network.

**Note:** If connection issues appear within 24 hours of enabling Cloudflare, wait for DNS propagation to complete.

A blank browser page (white screen of death) usually indicates an issue with your site or server—not Cloudflare.

#### **Verifying DNS Configuration**

1. Log in via SSH.
2. Run the following command (replace `example.com` with your domain):

   ```
   dig www.example.com
   ```
3. In the output, check the **AUTHORITY SECTION**:

   - If a hostname containing `cloudflare.com` appears (e.g., `dns.cloudflare.com` or `ns.cloudflare.com`), your DNS is configured correctly.
   - If not, your domain isn’t using Cloudflare.

You can also use `dig` or `nslookup` on your local computer to query `www.example.com`.

> **Note:**
Instructions for using `dig` or `nslookup` on your computer can be found [here](https://www.cloudflare.com/learning/dns/what-is-dns/).

- If `cloudflare.com` appears, your DNS settings work along the path from your computer to Cloudflare and your server.
- If not, the issue is likely with your local network or computer configuration.

### **More Information**

For additional Cloudflare resources, visit [https://www.cloudflare.com](https://www.cloudflare.com/).