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If there is one thing that can tip a hungry person trying to order food online over the edge, it is a 502 error on a food delivery app. Unfortunately, these gateway errors can occur on platforms like DoorDash.

A bad gateway error 502 means that one server, like the DoorDash app, received an invalid reaction from another server acting as a gateway. This gateway offers a service that allows the app to load effectively. If there is a break in the communication, then the 502 error message appears.

The 502 message indicates a generic error. It's not the same as seeing “stuck on preparing order,” which can also be generic and frustrating. Because it's generic, it doesn’t give you detailed information on the problem, which can be anything from a server overload or browser issues to firewall blocks or a home-network error.

How To Fix An 502 Error On The DoorDash App

First, ensure that you have the latest DoorDash app. To check, go to your app store and search for the DoorDash app. If you don’t have the most recent version, it will indicate that an update is available. The next option is to check your internet. If you are on Wi-Fi, look to see if the connection is strong. If you run the app using mobile phone data, check that you have sufficient data.  

If your app is the current version and you have a stable internet connection, yet the bad gateway error 502 message still pops up on the Doordash app, try the following:

1. Refresh

Refresh the DoorDash page (PC) or relaunch the app. Yes, this method might mean that you will lose your order progress. Still, it is worth trying if you want the issue resolved.

2. Uninstall And Reinstall

Go to your app store and uninstall the DoorDash app. Once done, reinstall the app and see if it fixed the 502 error.

3. Restart Your Device

Restarting your PC or mobile phone can be surprisingly effective.  

4. Clear Your Browser Cache

Sometimes your device’s browser saves outdated and corrupted files that can cause a 502 error. Considering how often you use your web browsers it might be time for a clean-up. You can do so by going to your device’s privacy and security settings and clicking on ‘Clear Browsing Data.’

5. Clear Your DNS Cache

Your Domain Name System (DNS) cache is where your device stores all the domain names (i.e., addresses) you have visited. Like clearing your browser cache, this DNS cache also needs cleaning to fix a 502 error.

Access your mobile phone’s list of apps in your settings menu. Click on your primary web browser (e.g., Chrome, Safari, etc.) and access its ‘Storage.’ You should then see an option to clear the cache. You can find the steps to clear your DNS cache online for MacBook, Windows, Linus, or Chrome PCs.

6. Disable Your Firewall (Temporarily)

If your device uses antivirus software, which it should, disable it briefly and see if the DoorDash app loads and works correctly.

7. Go Incognito

Suppose the 502 error results from a browser issue on your PC; navigating the DoorDash app incognito might do the trick. Just open your browser on your device and access the three-dots button (top right of the screen). Then click on ‘New Incognito Window’ and access DoorDash again.

8. Contact DoorDash

If all else fails, it might be worth contacting DoorDash’s customer support to fix the problem.

Conclusion

There can be many reasons for a bad gateway error 502 while using the DoorDash app. Troubleshoot the issue by following the steps outlined in the article or contacting DoorDash customer support.