No other marathon could be more intense than what ISPs are doing.
Internet service providers are going all out. Working their connections to be faster than the speed of light.
Spectrum – operating in 42 states – is reaching its way to the top.
But none could prepare for an ISP’s formidable foe…
An “internal server error.”
So what does this mean?
Read on to find out…
- Why Spectrum displays “internal server error.”
- 5 sure-fire ways to fix “internal server error” on Spectrum.
- How VPNs may be blocking your server access on Spectrum.
- And so much more…
Why does Spectrum display “internal server error”?
Spectrum displays an “internal server error” because of a misconfiguration in the server’s system. This may be due to incompatible browser settings. Or your router or device isn’t working. It can also be your VPN blocking the connection and having a full cache.
5 ways to fix “internal server error” on Spectrum
#1: Reinstalling or changing your browser
Gone are the days of rummaging through library books. That timeless cranberry pie recipe is in your hands in a snap!
But our good friends, Google and Safari, sometimes like to mess with us.
“C’mon, guys. The party’s tonight! I don’t have much time.”
You may have tweaked some of your browser’s settings – even the ones you didn’t understand.
Then, you forgot about it.
Your trusty browser’s DNS settings may be misconfigured. DNS stands for domain name system. It’s the system that identifies all devices and services – like a never-ending phonebook.
If these settings are messed up, Spectrum can’t work on the browser. Causing the server error.
If you’ve hit that Refresh page button a gazillion times by now…
There are 3 things you can do:
- Reinstall the browser.
- Install another browser.
- Reset the browser’s original settings.
“I’ll give my browser a second chance.”
You may be incredibly loyal to your favorite browser. Uninstalling and putting it back again can make it work.
Note: Before doing this, take note of all your login details and preferred settings. Uninstalling erases all of this.
To uninstall your browser on a Windows PC:
- Close all your browser’s windows and tabs.
- Click the Start Menu.
- Go to Settings.
- Select Apps & Features. Find your browser.
- Click Uninstall.
- If you want to delete your history, check Also delete your browsing data.
- Hit Uninstall.
To uninstall your browser on a Mac device:
- In your dock, look for the browser. And right-click on it.
- Choose Quit.
- Open Finder.
- Go to the folder that has your browser’s application. It may be in your Applications folder. To manually search it, go to File, then Find. Search for your browser.
- Drag your browser to the Trash.
Note: Safari can’t be uninstalled completely. As it’s SIP-locked. This means some of your data may still remain in the device. But taking up only a small space.
If the error is on a phone or tablet, go to your device’s app store. Search for the browser. Then, uninstall.
To reinstall your favorite browser, access the app store. This can be done on all devices. Simply download it from there.
“It’s still not working. Maybe a third chance?”
The issue may come from your browser’s settings. Putting your browser back to its default settings may help.
Each browser has different instructions. Usually, they’re found in the settings as Reset Settings or Clear Data. Check your device’s manual for more information.
Once the original settings are back, try going to a website. Use the same browser. “Internal Server Error” should be gone.
“Okay, my patience has run out.”
The error still hasn’t disappeared? Try using another browser. If you don’t have one already installed, download one from your device’s app store.
#2: Restart your router or modem
So you introduced your older family members to Facebook for the first time.
Now, they can’t stop scrolling.
“Dear, I can’t see the pictures anymore!” Your Nan calls out.
“It’s the Wi-Fi, Grandma.”
And all you did was toggle the Wi-Fi switch. And her face proudly lit up at you. Like you’re a Nobel Prize-winning scientist.
The internal server error may be caused by the router or modem you’re using for Spectrum.
Your device may be incompatible. It may have got caught in some software bugs. Or its simply overheating. Thus, needing a refresh to cool down.
Is your modem or router compatible with Spectrum?
This scenario is possible. Especially if you’re a first-time Spectrum user.
You may haven’t checked if your device works with Spectrum. Identify the model of your modem or router.
Then, see if it is listed here.
Now, to pull the classic trick in the book…
So it’s confirmed. Your modem or router is suitable for Spectrum.
Go to your router or modem. Look for its switch. Then, turn it off. Wait for 30 seconds to a minute.
Once you turn it back on, open your browser. Log on to any website. See if the error still persists.
Giving your router a quick refresh usually solves connection problems.
#3: Disable any VPNs
Maybe you’re someone who consumes so much content – to the point of getting bored of what Netflix or Hulu is offering in your country…
Or you just wanted to keep all your search history and personal info safe.
Most likely, you’ve got a VPN.
“Well, what does a VPN do?”
A VPN hides your IP address. So you can remain invisible when surfing the internet. All your data goes to an encrypted virtual tunnel. This protects you from hackers. Or anyone who wants to fish your info.
It’s a must-have for streaming fans too. As it allows them to access shows and films that aren’t available in their country.
Yes, it’s an amazing tool. But it can also interfere with Spectrum. Especially when you’re trying to go on Spectrum’s portal.
“How does having a VPN hurt my Spectrum connection?”
Think of Spectrum as an exclusive club. Only members can access it. But having a VPN is like wearing a mask to this club. They won’t let you in. Because they can’t recognize you.
To fix Spectrum’s internal server error, disable the VPN.
Disabling a VPN may differ. Depending on your device and which VPN you’re using.
For macOS:
- Go to System Preferences.
- Choose Network.
- Choose your VPN on the left panel.
- Select Disconnect.
Note: You can do this on the app or in your device’s network settings.
For iOS:
- Go to Settings.
- Select General.
- Choose VPN.
- Toggle the VPN status to Not Connected.
For Windows 10:
- Go to Settings.
- Select Network & Internet.
- On the left-side menu, choose VPN.
- Click the VPN that you want to disable.
- Click Disconnect.
Note: These steps apply to most versions of Windows.
For Android:
- Go to Settings.
- Tap VPN.
- Toggle off VPN.
Generally, Spectrum can operate even with a VPN. Once the error is gone, you may re-enable your VPN. Then, check if you can visit the Spectrum portal.
Or better yet, be sure it’s a VPN that works well with Spectrum.
#4: Clear the cache
Your device’s cache is an invisible hero – the one that we didn’t deserve.
It holds temporary files. Making your apps run faster. Your cache works when you open a website for the first time. It saves data. So that the next time you open the website, it loads quickly.
But just like your favorite backpack. It can get crammed in there. Then, all that data gets too heavy for your device to carry. Resulting in your browser not working properly.
An overly stuffed cache can cause an internal server error. Like a barrier stopping your browser and Spectrum to communicate.
“How do we fix this?”
Letting go of all that unnecessary data is simple. It may differ for each browser.
To clear the cache on Google Chrome:
- Open Chrome.
- Click More at the top right. It looks like three stacked dots.
- Select More Tools.
- Select Clear Browsing Data.
- At the top, you can choose a time range. Selecting Last 4 weeks or All time would be preferred.
- Look for Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files. Check the boxes of these two items.
- Click Clear Data.
To clear cache on Safari:
- Go to Settings.
- Select Safari.
- Choose Advanced.
- Select Website Data.
- Tap Remove All Website Data.
“How about my browsing history? Should I clear it too?”
If the problem continues, wiping out your history can help too.
Usually, you can do this along with clearing your cache.
For Safari, make sure you select Clear History and Website Data.
For Google Chrome, check the box that says Browsing History.
#5: Use another device
You: Hello, my beloved smartphone. Could you pull up the Spectrum portal for me?
Your smartphone: …
You: Uhm, bruh?
Your smartphone: What? Spectrum? What’s a Spectrum?
Well, your device may just be under the weather. Not feeling like opening the Spectrum portal. No matter how many times you refresh the page.
It may be just happening on one device. And that the Spectrum connection is working perfectly fine.
“I didn’t do anything wrong!” – Spectrum
If you opened the Spectrum portal on a certain device, try switching devices.
For example, the error persists in your smartphone. So open the portal on your tablet or computer.
No problems on the other device? Go back to the first device you used. Most likely, the error would already be gone.
“But what if the error still appears in the other device?”
Then, the Spectrum connection may be the problem. One last option would be to restart the devices you’re using.
You might also like: Are smartphones a waste of money?
#6: Contact customer support
Cheer up. You’re not the cause of the problem here.
We can only go so far with troubleshooting. Especially if you’re a tech newbie. And all this tech talk makes you lose your head.
Your smartphone, smart TV, router – everything’s fine and dandy. But the internal server error just won’t go away.
The server error on Spectrum may be a widespread case. And you’ve just missed an update or announcement they posted on social media. It could be something that’s happening in your area. To everyone using Spectrum.
Be ready to make one more troubleshooting attempt.
In 2019, many users reported an internal server error. It came when they tried to access their account. Turns out, the issue happened all over North America.
You can check if your issue may be the same thing happening.
Websites like DownDetector and UpDownRadar can inform you of existing issues.
You can also go to the official Spectrum Troubleshooting page.
To see if there’s a server issue in your area:
- Click Check Outages.
- A chat button will appear on the top left of your screen. Open it.
- It will ask you to provide your zip code. Send it in the chat.
- You will receive a message or an explanation.
Also, you can check their Twitter in case they’re talking about working on a current issue.
Spectrum also gives notifications. This may be helpful for future outages.
To turn on server issue alerts:
- Sign in to your Spectrum account.
- In Settings, you’ll see a Notifications sub-tab.
- Under Service Notifications, click Manage.
- Select the drop-down menu to update.
- Select Save.
“I want to speak to the manager!”
Woah. Just hang in there. Maybe getting in touch with customer support would be a better idea.
You can talk with a Spectrum technician about the issue. Open the support page. Then, scroll down to the FAQ section.
Two boxes are offering different options, which are:
- Call Us.
- Chat With Us.
Note: Using the chat option is faster. Just be ready to do the standard troubleshooting that happens in customer support. To save time, tell the support all the fixes you’ve done before contacting them.