Handshake issues can happen when data moves across an unstable network.

Fixing these issues resolves the Cloudflare Error 522. The process requires a multi-stage investigation to figure out what’s causing the problem. You can also apply specific solutions to make sure the website server and Cloudflare communicate with each other smoothly again.

How to Fix the Cloudflare Error 522?

Before diving into solutions, we suggest checking if the website is down for everyone and checking the Cloudflare’s status page .

Prerequisites

Before proceeding with resolving the error, you should have the following:

Once you’ve verified that your website is working, but you’re still seeing the Cloudflare Error 522, here are some simple steps to fix it:

Solution #1: Optimize the Origin Server

It’s crucial to optimize the performance of the server hosting the site to make sure your website runs smoothly. Often, the error happens when the server gets overloaded and becomes slow or unresponsive.

Follow these easy steps to boost your server’s performance and reduce the chances of overloads:

Solution #2: Check the Firewall Settings

When misconfigured, firewalls can sometimes slow down Cloudflare traffic, causing Error 522. To prevent this problem, follow these checks to make sure the connection stays smooth:

Solution #3: Review and Customize DNS/IP Settings

Incorrect DNS configuration is one of the common causes of Error 522.

To review DNS settings under Cloudflare and fix potential issues, select the website on the Cloudflare control panel and do the following:

Solution #4: Check for SSL Certificate Issues

Missing or expired SSL certificates can lead to Cloudflare Error 522 , and you should check these certificates as part of the error resolution process.

Start by verifying that visitors can see the padlock icon in the browser’s address bar that indicates the SSL certificate’s validity. Next, follow these steps:

Step #1. Secure Connection Confirmation

Log into the Cloudflare platform and select the Connection is secure option to confirm the SSL certificate’s validity, as illustrated in the screenshot below:

Step# 2: Detailed Certificate Examination

While the padlock icon provides a basic assurance, it may not reveal the certificate’s expiration date or other issues that might be triggering Error 522. We recommend using an online SSL Checker tool to obtain comprehensive information about the SSL certificate .

Look out for the following issues:

Step #3: Renewal or Installation

Take prompt action for issues, such as expired certificates or certificate chain errors. To rectify these issues, renew the certificate through the respective certificate authority or install the correct certificate.

Problems like weak cipher suites or incorrect SSL configurations need crucial changes to the SSL certification process. Ensure that these aspects are appropriately configured to enhance the overall SSL security to resolve potential sources of Error 522.

Solution #5: Turn on KeepAlive

Enable the KeepAlive header, which maintains a persistent connection between the client and server. This is vital for both Cloudflare and the origin web server.

Cloudflare uses KeepAlive to keep an open HTTP connection, minimizing the need for constant reestablishment and thus affecting inter-server communication. If the KeepAlive header is disabled on the origin server, it can lead to Error 522 due to connection failures.

You should add the following directive to the server configuration file to make the necessary adjustment to the KeepAlive setting:

KeepAlive On

For instance, in the Apache configuration file on Ubuntu (usually located at /etc/apache2/apache2.conf ), follow these steps in the terminal:

# s udo vim /etc/apache2/apache2.conf

Alternatively, if you are using cPanel, use:

# v i /usr/local/apache/conf/httpd.conf

KeepAlive On

# s udo service apache2 restart

Alternatively, use this command if you’re using cPanel as the server control panel:

# service httpd restart

The terminal output should confirm the successful restart of the server or control panel service, ensuring that the KeepAlive setting is active and ensuring a stable connection.

Solution #6: Check the Cloudflare Configuration

Examine the Cloudflare setup to confirm accuracy and address any factors contributing to Error 522.

Start with these steps:

Solution #7: Enable Cloudflare’s Under Attack Mode

If the problem persists after trying the previous solutions, we recommend turning on Cloudflare’s Under Attack mode.

This security feature boosts defense against DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attacks. As a result, the Cloudflare infrastructure blocks a large percentage of harmful traffic from hitting the origin server. This significantly improves the server’s response time .

Here are the steps to enable Cloudflare’s Under Attack mode:

Remember to revert any changes made during testing and troubleshooting to ensure your website is back online and accessible. If you’re experiencing persistent error 522s, investigate the health and availability of your origin server hosting or get dedicated bare metal servers to address the server performance issues.

Solution #8: Contact Cloudflare Support

We recommend contacting Cloudflare Support for professional assistance if the preceding steps prove ineffective. Navigate to the Support section in the top menu and select Contact Cloudflare .

Cloudflare offers two major support delivery modes:

Conclusion

Resolving the Cloudflare Error 522 requires a systematic approach, targeting various potential causes. Following these easy steps in solutions can restore your website’s functionality and enhance its performance.

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Q. What is a Cloudflare Error 522?

A Cloudflare Error 522, often called a “Connection Timed Out” error, occurs when Cloudflare cannot establish a timely connection with the origin server, resulting in a timeout.

Q. What are the common causes of a Cloudflare Error 522?

Common causes include issues with DNS server records , server resources, incoming requests, error messages, and misconfigurations in the original web server. Also, errors may originate from incorrect IP addresses, connection setup problems, and high CPU usage.

Q. What does the error code 522 signify in a Cloudflare context?

Error code 522 indicates a timed-out connection between Cloudflare and the origin server. It typically happens when Cloudflare requests to the origin server go unanswered within a specific timeframe.

Q. How can I fix a Cloudflare Error 522?

To resolve the issue, consider optimizing server resources, checking DNS records, and ensuring the correct IP address is configured. Troubleshoot web server settings, review hosting plans, and validate SSL certificate status . If issues persist, reach out to Cloudflare Support for further assistance.

Q. Are there specific Cloudflare features that might contribute to Error 522?

Yes, problems with Cloudflare features like DNS proxy, IP filtering, and caching can lead to Error 522. Ensure your Cloudflare settings, including the Cloudflare IP addresses, are set up correctly.

Q. How do I prevent Cloudflare Error 522?

To prevent future errors, regularly check and update DNS records, optimize server resources, and monitor error messages. Ensure Cloudflare settings align with your hosting provider’s requirements and consider upgrading hosting plans for increased capacity.

Q. What should I do if I encounter an “Internal Server Error” alongside a Cloudflare Error 522?

An Internal Server Error may indicate issues on the origin server. Work with the server administrator, review hosting plans, and troubleshoot web server configurations to address both Error 522 and Internal Server Error.

Q. How can I speed up the resolution process for a Cloudflare Error 522?

Speed up the resolution by contacting Cloudflare Support via live chat (for Business and Enterprise accounts) or submitting a support ticket. Include detailed information about error codes, server resources, and any troubleshooting steps you’ve taken.

Q. What role does an SSL certificate play in a Cloudflare Error 522?

An outdated or misconfigured SSL certificate can contribute to an Error 522. Ensure SSL certificates are valid, up-to-date, and configured correctly to establish secure connections between Cloudflare and the origin server.