Etsy Not Working?Fix It Fast
When Etsy isn't working, it could be anything from a site-wide outage to a browser cache issue. This guide helps you diagnose what's broken and fix it fast — whether you're dealing with loading errors, app crashes, checkout failures, or login problems.
🔧Quick Diagnosis: Is It You or Etsy?
Before diving into fixes, determine if the problem is on your end or Etsy's:
Check Etsy's Status:
- 1. Visit status.etsy.com to see if Etsy reports any outages
- 2. Search Twitter/X for #etsydown to see if others are reporting issues
- 3. Check downdetector.com/status/etsy for real-time user reports
If Etsy Shows Outage
- Wait it out. Nothing you can do will fix a server-side problem.
If Status Shows 'All Systems Operational'
- The problem is likely on your end. Keep reading for fixes.
Common Etsy Problems & Quick Fixes
Identify your issue and jump to the solution
Site Won't Load
Examples: Blank screen, endless spinner, "can't connect" errors
Pro Tip: Usually fixed by clearing cache or trying a different browser.
App Crashes
Examples: App won't open, freezes mid-use, "something went wrong" errors
Pro Tip: Force close, clear cache, or reinstall the app usually works.
Login Problems
Examples: Wrong password (when it's right), session expired, 2FA issues
Pro Tip: Clear cookies, reset password, or use incognito mode to test.
Checkout Failures
Examples: Payment failed, infinite loading, coupon won't apply
Pro Tip: Try different payment method or switch between mobile/desktop.
Images Not Loading
Examples: Broken image icons, blank product photos, missing banners
Pro Tip: Clear image cache or disable hardware acceleration.
Seller Issues
Examples: Listings won't upload, images fail, payment delays, messages not sending
Pro Tip: Check file sizes, policy violations, and payment schedule settings.
6-Step Troubleshooting Process
Systematic approach to fixing any Etsy problem
Check If It's Etsy or You
Before diving into fixes, determine if the problem is on your end or Etsy's.
- • Visit status.etsy.com to see if Etsy reports any outages
- • Search Twitter/X for "#etsydown" to see if others are reporting issues
- • Check downdetector.com/status/etsy for real-time user reports
- • If Etsy shows an outage, wait it out — nothing you can do will fix a server-side problem
- • If status shows "All Systems Operational," the problem is likely on your end
Try Basic Fixes First
These solve 80% of Etsy problems in under 5 minutes.
- • Clear browser cache (Ctrl+Shift+Delete → Clear cached images and files)
- • Try a different browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge)
- • Disable browser extensions temporarily
- • Check your internet connection (try loading other websites)
- • Restart your router/modem if nothing else loads
Identify Your Specific Problem
Different symptoms require different fixes.
- • Site won't load at all → DNS/connection issue
- • App crashes → App cache or storage problem
- • Can't log in → Cookie/session issue
- • Checkout fails → Payment method or autofill problem
- • Images missing → Image cache or extension blocking
- • Seller upload fails → File size or policy violation
Apply Problem-Specific Fix
Use the targeted solution for your issue.
- • Follow the specific fix in the "Common Problems" section below
- • Test after each fix to confirm it worked
- • If one fix doesn't work, try the next suggested solution
- • Document what you tried if you need to contact support
Advanced Troubleshooting (If Needed)
When basic fixes don't work, try these.
- • Try a VPN (tests if ISP is blocking Etsy)
- • Flush DNS cache (fixes DNS resolution issues)
- • Check firewall/security software settings
- • Try a different device on the same network
- • Scan for malware that might be interfering
Contact Etsy Support
If nothing works, get help from Etsy.
- • Document the problem with screenshots
- • Note browser/app version, device type, operating system
- • List everything you've already tried
- • Go to help.etsy.com → Contact Support
- • Include all technical details for faster resolution
Problem: Etsy Won't Load at All
Blank screen, endless spinner, or 'unable to connect' errors
Symptoms:
- • Blank white screen
- • "Unable to connect" error
- • Endless loading spinner
- • "This site can't be reached"
Check Your Internet Connection
Make sure it's not a general connectivity issue.
- • Try loading other websites (Google, Amazon)
- • If nothing loads, it's your internet, not Etsy
- • Restart your router/modem
- • Switch from WiFi to mobile data (or vice versa)
Clear Browser Cache
Corrupted cache is the most common cause.
- • Chrome/Edge: Ctrl+Shift+Delete → Select "Cached images and files" → Clear data
- • Firefox: Ctrl+Shift+Delete → Check "Cache" → Clear Now
- • Safari: Safari menu → Clear History → All History → Clear History
Try a Different Browser
Isolates if it's browser-specific.
- • If Etsy works in Chrome but not Firefox, it's a browser-specific issue
- • Consider using the working browser or troubleshooting the problematic one
Disable Browser Extensions
Ad blockers and privacy extensions sometimes break Etsy.
- • Temporarily disable all extensions
- • Reload Etsy
- • Re-enable extensions one by one to find the culprit
Check DNS Settings
Sometimes DNS providers block or fail to resolve Etsy.
- • Switch to Google DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4)
- • Or use Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1)
- • Search "how to change DNS [your operating system]" for instructions
Problem: Etsy App Won't Open or Keeps Crashing
App crashes, freezes, or shows 'something went wrong' errors
Symptoms:
- • App crashes immediately on launch
- • App freezes mid-use
- • App won't update listings
- • "Something went wrong" errors
Force Close and Reopen
Simple but effective first step.
- • iPhone: Swipe up and swipe away the Etsy app, then reopen
- • Android: Recent Apps → Swipe away Etsy → Reopen
Clear App Cache
Remove temporary files that may be corrupted.
- • Android: Settings → Apps → Etsy → Storage → Clear Cache (NOT Clear Data)
- • iPhone: Delete and reinstall the app (iOS doesn't have separate cache clearing)
Update the App
Bugs are often fixed in new versions.
- • iPhone: App Store → Updates → Update Etsy
- • Android: Play Store → My apps & games → Update Etsy
Check Device Storage
Full storage causes app instability.
- • If your phone is nearly full, apps behave unpredictably
- • Free up at least 1-2GB of space
Reinstall the App
Last resort for persistent crashes.
- • Delete the Etsy app
- • Restart your phone
- • Reinstall from App Store/Play Store
- • Log back in
Problem: Can't Log In to Etsy
Password errors, session expired, or 2FA issues
Symptoms:
- • "Incorrect password" (when you know it's right)
- • Page reloads but you're not logged in
- • Two-factor authentication not working
- • "Session expired" errors
Reset Your Password
Even if you think you know it.
- • Go to etsy.com/signin
- • Click "Forgot password?"
- • Follow email reset instructions
- • Use a completely new password
Clear Cookies
Corrupted login cookies cause weird behavior.
- • Chrome: Settings → Privacy and security → Cookies → See all site data → Search "etsy" → Remove all
- • Firefox: Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data → Manage Data → Search "etsy" → Remove
- • Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Manage Website Data → Search "etsy" → Remove
Disable Browser Autofill
Autofill sometimes uses wrong credentials.
- • Manually type your email and password
- • Don't rely on autofill for this login attempt
Try Incognito/Private Mode
Tests if it's a cache/cookie issue.
- • Chrome: Ctrl+Shift+N
- • Firefox: Ctrl+Shift+P
- • Safari: Cmd+Shift+N
- • If you can log in via incognito, it's definitely a cache/cookie issue
Fix Two-Factor Authentication Issues
2FA problems need special handling.
- • Make sure your phone's time is correct (2FA codes are time-sensitive)
- • Request a new code
- • Use backup codes if you saved them
- • Contact Etsy support if you've lost access to your 2FA device
Problem: Checkout Not Working
Payment failures, infinite loading, or coupon issues
Symptoms:
- • "Payment processing failed" error
- • Infinite loading at checkout
- • Can't apply coupon codes
- • "Something went wrong" when clicking "Place order"
Try a Different Payment Method
Isolates if it's a payment processor issue.
- • If credit card fails, try PayPal
- • If PayPal fails, try a different card
Update Payment Details
Ensure all information is current.
- • Card expired? Update it
- • Billing address changed? Fix it in Etsy settings
- • Name on card must match Etsy account name (mostly)
Disable Autofill for Payment
Autofilled details are sometimes incomplete.
- • Manually type card number, CVV, expiration
- • Manually type billing address
Check for International Restrictions
Some transactions have regional limits.
- • Some sellers don't ship to your country
- • Some payment methods aren't available in certain regions
- • Read error messages carefully for clues
Try Desktop If on Mobile (or Vice Versa)
Platform-specific bugs are common.
- • Checkout bugs sometimes affect only mobile or only desktop
- • Switch platforms to complete your purchase
Seller-Specific Problems
Listing uploads, payment delays, and messaging issues
Listings Won't Upload - Check Image Requirements
Image files must meet Etsy specifications.
- • Max file size: 10MB per photo
- • Formats: JPG, PNG, GIF
- • Minimum dimensions: 2000px on longest side (recommended)
- • Oversized or corrupt image files fail silently
Reduce Image File Size
Compress images if they're too large.
- • Use an image compressor (TinyPNG, Squoosh)
- • Re-save images at lower quality
- • Convert from PNG to JPG if appropriate
- • Try uploading one photo at a time to identify corrupt files
Check for Policy Violations
Etsy blocks listings that violate policies.
- • Prohibited items (read Etsy Prohibited Items Policy)
- • Trademark/copyright violations
- • Incomplete required fields
Payment Issues - Check Schedule
Understand Etsy's payment timing.
- • New sellers: Etsy holds funds for 3-5 days after delivery
- • Established sellers: Daily/weekly/biweekly deposits depending on settings
- • Go to Shop Manager → Finances → Payment account to verify schedule
- • Verify bank account details are correct
Messages Not Sending - Avoid Triggers
Etsy blocks messages containing certain content.
- • Messages from strangers go to "Message Requests" folder
- • Etsy auto-blocks messages containing contact information
- • Avoid links, emails, phone numbers
- • Rephrase to avoid triggering spam filters
Issue-Specific Error Codes
What error codes mean and how to fix them
| Error Code | What It Means | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| 503 Service Unavailable | Etsy servers are down | Wait and retry later |
| 504 Gateway Timeout | Server took too long to respond | Refresh page, try again |
| 403 Forbidden | Your IP is blocked or you lack permissions | Use VPN or contact support |
| 400 Bad Request | Your browser sent invalid data | Clear cache and cookies |
| ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED | Your network can't reach Etsy | Check internet, try different network |
| ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED | DNS can't find Etsy's servers | Flush DNS cache, change DNS provider |
Advanced Troubleshooting
When basic fixes don't work
Try a VPN
Rarely, ISPs or regional firewalls block Etsy. Use a reputable VPN service, connect to a different region, and try accessing Etsy. If this works, the issue is your ISP or regional restrictions.
Check for Malware
Malicious browser extensions or malware can break websites. Run a malware scan (Malwarebytes, Windows Defender), remove suspicious browser extensions, and reset browser settings to default.
Flush DNS Cache
Corrupted DNS cache can prevent sites from loading. Windows: Open Command Prompt → Type "ipconfig /flushdns". Mac: Open Terminal → Type "sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder".
Try a Different Device
If Etsy works on your phone but not computer, it's device-specific. If Etsy doesn't work on ANY device on your network, it's a network issue.
Check Firewall/Security Software
Overly aggressive firewalls block Etsy. Temporarily disable firewall to test. If this fixes it, add Etsy to firewall allowlist.
When to Wait vs. When to Act
Deciding your next move
Wait It Out If:
- • status.etsy.com shows an outage
- • Many users are reporting issues on social media
- • You see "503 Service Unavailable" errors
- • Etsy displays a maintenance message
Take Action If:
- • Only you are experiencing the issue
- • It's been more than 24 hours
- • The problem prevents critical business operations (sellers)
- • You're getting account-specific error messages
Prevention Tips: Keep Etsy Working Smoothly
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌Don't Do This
- •Don't ignore browser update notifications — Old browsers have more bugs
- •Don't let cache build up for months — Regular clearing prevents issues
- •Don't use too many privacy extensions — They can block Etsy features
- •Don't block all cookies — Etsy requires them to function
- •Don't let device storage get critically low — Causes app crashes
- •Don't edit listings on mobile if desktop works — Mobile has more bugs
- •Don't upload huge image files — Compress before uploading
- •Don't ignore error messages — They provide clues to the problem
✅Do This Instead
- •Update your browser regularly — New versions fix bugs and security issues
- •Clear cache monthly — Prevents cache corruption over time
- •Disable unnecessary extensions — Fewer extensions = fewer conflicts
- •Allow cookies for etsy.com — Required for login and checkout
- •Enable auto-updates for mobile app — Ensures you have bug fixes
- •Keep device storage above 2GB free — Prevents app instability
- •Save listing drafts frequently (sellers) — Prevents lost work
- •Keep backup copies of listing content — Images, text, descriptions
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Etsy troubleshooting.
Reporting Issues to Etsy
When to contact support and how to do it effectively
1. Document the Problem
Before contacting support:
- Take screenshots of error messages
- Note exact steps that reproduce the issue
- Record browser/app version, device type, operating system
- Note time/date when issue occurs
2. Submit a Help Request
- Go to help.etsy.com
- Click "Contact Support"
- Select appropriate category
- Choose email or callback
- Include all documentation from step 1
3. Include Technical Details
Help Etsy support diagnose faster:
- Browser name and version
- Operating system
- Mobile device type (if using app)
- Error codes or messages
- What you've already tried
Response time: Usually 24-48 hours for email support.
Etsy's platform and features change regularly. Check help.etsy.com for the latest official troubleshooting resources. This guide is for informational purposes only.
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