If something isn’t working right on our site, you’re not alone. A hiccup could be a slow page, a missing image, or a broken link. The good news? Most glitches are easy to sort out without calling tech support. Below are the steps I use every time something goes wrong.
First, figure out what’s actually broken. Is the page loading forever? Do you see a "404 Not Found" error? Is a video or image not showing up? Write down exactly what you see – it helps to be specific when you later look for a fix or ask for help.
Often the problem is on your end, not ours. A weak Wi‑Fi signal or a browser that’s out of date can cause the same symptoms. Checking these basics saves a lot of time.
Clear your cache. Your browser stores old files to speed up loading, but those files can become stale. Open your browser settings, find the clear‑browsing‑data option, and wipe cache and cookies. Then reload the page.
Refresh the page. It sounds dumb, but hitting F5 or the refresh button forces the browser to fetch fresh data from our servers.
Switch browsers or devices. If you’re on Chrome, try Firefox or Safari. If you’re on a phone, open the site on a laptop. A different environment often works when the first one doesn’t.
Disable extensions. Ad blockers, script managers, or VPNs can interfere with site scripts. Turn them off for a minute and see if the page behaves normally.
Check your internet. Run a quick speed test. If your connection is spotty, reboot your router or move closer to the Wi‑Fi source.
If these steps don’t solve the issue, it’s probably on our side. That’s when you reach out.
We love hearing from you, especially when something’s broken. Use the “Contact Us” form at the bottom of any page and include:
This info lets our tech team jump straight to the cause without back‑and‑forth emails.
For posting issues – like a comment not saving or a picture failing to upload – the same checklist applies. Clear cache, try a different browser, and make sure the file size meets our limits. If the problem persists, let us know the post title and the time it happened.
Lastly, keep an eye on our social channels. We post real‑time updates when the whole site is under maintenance or when a major bug is being fixed. That way you’ll know whether you should wait or try the steps above.
Technical hiccups are annoying, but they’re usually fixable in a few minutes. Follow these steps, and you’ll be back to reading and debating rugby banter before you know it.
May, 29 2024
NatWest's online banking app experienced a significant outage, leaving users unable to access their accounts or complete transactions. The bank has not yet explained the cause, advising users to check their social media for updates. This incident underlines the necessity for contingency plans in digital services.