How to Tell if a Website Problem Is the Website, Your Browser, or Your Device

Introduction

When a website won’t load, freezes, shows errors, or behaves strangely, it’s easy to assume your internet is broken. But website problems usually fall into one of three categories:

• The website itself is having an issue

• Your browser is causing the problem

• Your device is causing the problem

This guide gives you a simple way to figure out where the problem is—so you don’t waste time fixing the wrong thing.

The Fastest Way to Identify the Source

If you only do one thing, do this:

1. Try the website on another device (phone or tablet)

2. Try it on another browser (Chrome, Edge, Firefox)

3. Try it in a Private/Incognito window

These three checks quickly show whether the issue is the website, your browser, or your device.

Signs the Problem Is the Website

The issue is likely the website if:

• The website won’t load on any device

• You see the same error on multiple devices and browsers

• The site is down for others too

• The issue started suddenly (and you didn’t change anything)

What to do next:

• Wait and try again later

• Check the site’s homepage (in case one page is broken)

• Avoid entering sensitive information if security warnings appear

• Contact the site owner or hosting support if it’s your website

Signs the Problem Is Your Browser

The issue is likely your browser if:

• The website works in one browser but not another

• The site loads in Incognito/Private mode but not regular mode

• The page freezes or reloads only in one browser

• Clearing cache improves the issue

What to do next:

• Clear browser cache and cookies

• Disable extensions (ad blockers, script blockers)

• Update the browser

• Restart the browser and try again

Signs the Problem Is Your Device

The issue is likely your device if:

• Multiple websites feel slow or unresponsive

• Your computer is lagging overall

• The browser freezes frequently on different sites

• Restarting the device improves performance

What to do next:

• Close unused apps and tabs

• Restart your device

• Run system updates

• Try the same website again with only one tab open

What If It Works on Mobile but Not Desktop?

This is very common and usually points to:

• Browser extensions on desktop

• Desktop browser cache issues

• Display settings or compatibility problems

Mobile browsers often run “cleaner,” with fewer add-ons, which is why mobile may work when desktop doesn’t.

When to Stop Troubleshooting

Stop troubleshooting and wait (or seek support) when:

• The problem appears on every device and browser

• You suspect the website is down or unstable

• You see repeated security warnings

• The website is not yours to fix

Sometimes the smartest action is simply to try again later.

Final Tip

Most website problems are not permanent. The key is to test quickly, determine where the issue lives, and avoid making unnecessary changes.