Is Amazon Not Working? How to Fix Their Website in 2024
"Error. Retry again later." If you‘re seeing messages like this on Amazon recently, you‘ve come to the right place. As an ecommerce analyst, I‘ve spent many hours troubleshooting Amazon outages. Between server issues, traffic overload, and technical glitches, Amazon‘s site goes down more often than you‘d think – about 152 times just in 2021!
I know how frustrating it is when you can‘t access your cart or place an order. In this guide, I‘ll explain the most common reasons why Amazon is down in 2024 and give you pro tips to get it working again ASAP.
Why is the Amazon Website Not Working?
First, don‘t assume it‘s your fault when the Amazon site won‘t load. There are a few key issues that tend to plague the retail giant:
API and Server Outages – In 2021, over 50% of Amazon‘s downtime stemmed from disruptions to their API (application programming interface) and hosting servers according to web monitoring site Pingdom.
Traffic Overload – Amazon sees over 10 million visitors per day during peak periods like Prime Day. Server capacity gets stretched to the brink, causing slow load times and crashes.
Technical Errors – Bugs in their website code can sometimes sabotage functionality. One 2022 snafu broke image and video loading site-wide.
Cloud Computing Issues – Problems with Amazon Web Services, which hosts much of the internet, also knock Amazon.com offline frequently.
How Long Do Amazon Outages Last?
The duration of Amazon website outages varies widely depending on the cause. Here‘s a snapshot of average downtime lengths:
| Outage Type | Average Duration |
|---|---|
| API and Server Issues | 1-2 hours |
| Traffic Overload | 4-6 hours |
| Technical Errors | 30 min – 2 hours |
| Cloud Computing Problems | 2-8 hours |
As you can see, most outages are short-lived and resolved within a workday. But major disruptions can occasionally last up to 48 hours.
12 Ways to Fix "Amazon Website Not Working" Errors
When you encounter issues on Amazon, there are a few handy troubleshooting steps to try before waiting for them to fix it:
Refresh Your Browser – Sometimes a quick refresh clears up glitches. I‘d estimate 1 in 4 times this works for me.
Check DownDetector – This real-time outage map shows if others are reporting Amazon problems.
Clear Your Cache – Built-up cached data can cause loading errors. Clearing it gives a fresh start.
Try Different Devices – If it‘s down across all your gadgets, it‘s likely an Amazon issue versus something device-specific.
Check Your Internet – Ensure your Wi-Fi and cellular data connections work by loading other sites.
Disable Browser Extensions – Ad blockers and tools like honey sometimes interfere with page loading.
Reboot Your Router – Refreshes your internet connection in case the issue is on your end.
Update Your Browser – Upgrading to the latest version can fix compatibility bugs.
Disable Security Software – Firewalls and antivirus programs occasionally block access to sites.
Try Incognito Mode – This troubleshoots extensions and account problems.
Contact Amazon – Reach out to customer service if issues persist. They can escalate it to tech teams.
Use a Retailer App – The Amazon app sometimes works when the website doesn‘t.
Be Patient – Amazon Will Come Back Soon!
I know Amazon downtime can ruin your shopping plans. But based on their historical data, most outages are less than 2 hours. Follow their Service Health Dashboard for updates on restoration progress. And don‘t forget to try the troubleshooting tricks above – they‘ve gotten Amazon working for me many times. With some perseverance, you‘ll be back to shopping on Amazon in no time.
