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How to Fix “Something went wrong. Try reloading” on Twitter

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Twitter is one of the most popular social media platforms, with millions of users worldwide. However, many users have encountered the frustrating “Something went wrong. Try reloading” error message when using the Twitter app or website.

This vague error can occur for a variety of reasons, leaving users confused about how to resolve the issue. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the potential causes of this error and provide actionable solutions to get Twitter working again.

What Triggers the “Something Went Wrong” Error on Twitter?

Before diving into fixes, let’s first understand what causes this unhelpful error message in the first place.

Exceeding Twitter‘s Rate Limits

One of the most common triggers is hitting Twitter‘s rate limits for activities like Likes, Retweets, searches, and more. Twitter strategically implements rate limiting to prevent abuse and reduce strain on its servers.

According to Twitter‘s documentation, some example rate limits include:

  • Home timeline updates: Over 300 per user per day
  • Likes: 1000 per user per day
  • Retweets: 1000 per user per day
  • Searches: 180 per 15 minute window

If you‘re a highly active Twitter user, you may unintentionally exceed these limits, resulting in the “something went wrong” notice.

Twitter Server Issues

Sometimes the “something went wrong” error is on Twitter‘s end entirely. Their servers may be overloaded or experiencing downtime, preventing proper loading of the app or website.

These types of server-related issues tend to resolve themselves as Twitter‘s engineers work to address them. However, users will still find the error annoying in the meantime.

Problems with Your Internet Connection

An unstable or disconnected internet connection can also lead to the vague “something went wrong” message.

If your WiFi drops, or your mobile data faces interruptions, Twitter may fail to load properly. The issue could stem from your device, home network, or cellular provider.

Outdated App or Site Caching Issues

An outdated version of the Twitter app or website caching problems can sometimes cause glitches like the “something went wrong” error.

Twitter is constantly releasing new versions of its app to squash bugs and improve performance. Failing to update can mean you miss out on critical fixes.

Likewise, cached data that becomes outdated may prevent Twitter from loading correctly until you clear it.

Other Device or Account Problems

Less common culprits include device configurations that block Twitter‘s functionality, short-term account issues on Twitter‘s end, and other intermittent technical glitches.

It‘s worth examining your device settings and account status to rule out problems stemming from these areas as well.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide

With the potential causes in mind, we can now walk through various solutions to resolve the “something went wrong” error when it appears:

1. Check Twitter‘s Service Status Page

The first step is to check Twitter‘s status page. This will reveal any ongoing worldwide incidents impacting Twitter services.

If there is an identified issue with timelines, logins, the API, or other services, that‘s likely the cause of your problem.

In these cases, the only option is to patiently wait for Twitter‘s engineers to deploy a fix. Keep checking the status page and try again later.

2. Restart Your Device

If services appear normal, try fully restarting your device. This refreshes things at a system level and re-establishes network connections.

Restarting can resolve transient glitches contributing to the “something went wrong” notice in the Twitter app or site.

3. Update Your Twitter App

Make sure you‘re running the latest version of Twitter‘s mobile app for your device type. Navigate to the App Store (iOS) or Play Store (Android) to check for and install updates.

Updating provides compatibility fixes that may address the root cause of the “something went wrong” error message.

4. Try Twitter‘s Mobile Site

As an alternative to the app, attempt accessing Twitter on your device‘s web browser instead, either via the standard Twitter.com or mobile Mobile.Twitter.com site.

Sometimes switching from the app to the mobile site resolves quirky errors like this.

5. Clear Your Browser Cache

On your device‘s web browser, try clearing stored cookies, cached files, and browsing history. This forces Twitter‘s site to fully reload with no potentially corrupted old data.

On iPhone, go to Settings > Safari > Clear History and Website Data. On Android, tap Chrome‘s Settings > Privacy > Clear Browsing Data.

6. Check Your Internet Connection

Ensure your WiFi or mobile data connection is stable before attempting to reload Twitter. Switch connections or move closer to your router if the current signal is poor.

An intermittently disconnected network connection can definitely interfere with Twitter loading properly.

7. Disable Browser Extensions Temporarily

If accessing Twitter via a web browser, try disabling any installed browser extensions that might conflict with page loading. Then refresh Twitter to see if that resolves the issue.

Extensions like ad blockers can sometimes cause conflicts that prevent pages from displaying correctly.

8. Reset Your Router

If you‘re on WiFi, unplug your router, wait 30 seconds, then plug it back in. Once the router resets and reconnects, open Twitter to see if this clears up any connectivity issues behind the error.

Resetting the router forces it to re-establish network requests and assignments.

9. Update Your Device OS

Make sure your device‘s operating system is updated to the latest stable release. On iPhone, install iOS updates via Settings. On Android, check System Updates in Settings.

OS updates contain networking improvements and app compatibility changes that may fix Twitter quirks.

10. Log Out and Log Back Into Twitter

Temporarily log out of Twitter, exit the app/site, then return and log back in from scratch. This will force Twitter to fully reload your account data.

On the login screen, be sure you don‘t have the "Keep me logged in" checkbox marked.

11. Try Twitter on Another Device

As a test, attempt accessing Twitter from a tablet, computer, or another smartphone on the same network connection. If Twitter loads fine, an issue with your original device may be to blame.

Switching devices helps narrow down where the root cause is coming from.

12. Reset Your Twitter Advertising ID

On iPhone, go to Settings > Privacy > Advertising > Reset Advertising Identifier. On Android, go to Settings > Google > Ads > Reset Advertising ID.

Resetting this ID refreshes your device‘s profile data for delivering targeted Twitter ads. Doing so can resolve odd account conflicts.

13. Contact Your Internet Service Provider

If you continue experiencing connection issues across all devices, contact your ISP or mobile carrier to report network problems that may be interfering with services like Twitter.

Your provider can assist with pinpointing and resolving bandwidth or connectivity issues in your area.

14. Reset Your Twitter Password

As a last resort, try resetting your Twitter account password. On Twitter‘s login page, click "Forgot password?" to initiate a reset.

This forces your account to re-verify your login credentials from scratch. Allow several hours for the change to fully take effect.

15. Contact Twitter Support

If all else fails, you may need to open a complaint ticket with Twitter‘s support team. Provide details on the error and troubleshooting steps you‘ve tried.

They can investigate account or system issues that may require fixes on Twitter‘s end to resolve.

Preventing “Something Went Wrong” Errors Going Forward

Once you‘ve resolved Twitter‘s “something went wrong” error, you can take proactive measures to avoid running into it again:

  • Avoid exceeding rate limits: Check your usage levels and be mindful not to overdo activities like Likes and Retweets in short periods. Spread out your engagement.

  • Keep your apps updated: Enable auto-update options to ensure you‘re always running the latest Twitter app releases as they become available.

  • Use a reliable internet connection: Stick to stable, high-speed WiFi and cellular data connections for accessing Twitter. Avoid slow or intermittent networks.

  • Restart your device occasionally: Make periodically restarting your device a habit. This will minimize the chances of transient technical glitches.

  • Clear browser caches periodically: Set a calendar reminder to periodically clear your browser history, caches, and cookies to prevent conflicts.

By understanding what causes Twitter‘s “something went wrong” error and applying fixes, you can resume tweeting and engaging with the platform interruption-free. Consistently applying best practices will help prevent the frustrating error from returning.

AlexisKestler

Written by Alexis Kestler

A female web designer and programmer - Now is a 36-year IT professional with over 15 years of experience living in NorCal. I enjoy keeping my feet wet in the world of technology through reading, working, and researching topics that pique my interest.