Fix 504 Gateway Time-Out in QuickBooks: Network & Server Solutions

Last Updated on November 21, 2025

Whenever you visit a website, your server sends a request to another server known as the upstream server. This server receives the request and responds with the resources required to load the website in your browser. While doing so, you might end up with a 504 Gateway Time-out error that signifies that your server didn’t receive a quick enough response from the upstream server.

It generally happens when the request times out, and your server can’t load the web page. Well, there are numerous reasons this issue can occur; the two most common are that the server is under heavy load or undergoing maintenance. There might be different variations of the 504 Gateway Timeout error in QuickBooks Online. We have listed all the error forms below:

Apart from the error forms, the QuickBooks error message 504 Gateway Time-out also varies depending on certain factors. It’s important for you to be aware of all these forms, and to help you with that, we have covered the reasons behind the 504 Time-out error and the possible variations in the next section of this blog.

You may face technical difficulties while resolving the 504 Gateway issue. No worries, you can call at +1(855)-510-6487 for professional assistance to resolve this error.

Variations Of The QuickBooks Error 504 Gateway Time-out

Below are some common ways QuickBooks error 504 Gateway Time-out might appear, depending on the server, operating system, or browser you’re using.

1. In Google Chrome, a 504 error will appear as HTTP ERROR 504. The error message that displays is: 

“This site can’t be reached. _____ took too long to respond.”

2. In Windows-based programs, a 504 error will appear as: 

ERROR 504, HTTP_STATUS_GATEWAY_TIMEOUT, or “The request was timed out waiting for a gateway message.” 

3. Here’s how it may appear when using Excel:

“Error 504: Microsoft Excel has encountered a problem and needs to close. We are sorry for the inconvenience.” 

4. During a Windows Update, a Gateway Timeout Error generates a 0x80244023 error code. The message will be:

WU_E_PT_HTTP_STATUS_GATEWAY_TIMEOUT

5. In other operating systems, web servers, or browsers, a 504 error may also result in the following message:

“The proxy server did not receive a timely response from the upstream server.”

These were all the possible variations of the 504 Gateway Time-out error. Now, let’s delve into the next section to know the possible reasons behind it.

Potential Reasons Behind the Gateway Error in the QuickBooks Application

The QuickBooks Gateway error is one of the most frustrating HTTP status codes you may encounter. You must be aware of the causes why this issue occurs; therefore, we have mentioned the most potential cause below:

1. Server connectivity issues
2. DNS Changes
3. Faulty Firewall Configurations
4. Errors in Your Website’s Code
5. Network Connectivity Errors

After discussing all the potential reasons, let’s head to the next section, where we will discuss solutions to fix this issue.

7 DIY Methods to Overcome the 504 Gateway Timeout Error

We have mentioned some proven solutions in this section that should help you resolve the 504 Gateway Time-out error.

Method 1: Try Reloading the Webpage

Whenever you encounter a 504 Gateway Timeout error, wait a few minutes and try reloading the page. Alternatively, you can press the F5 key to refresh/reload the webpage in most browsers. As most 504 errors are caused by temporarily overloaded servers, using this solution should restore your site.

Note: Even though the 504 Gateway Timeout error is reporting an error that is outside of your control, the error might only be temporary. Therefore, simply reloading the page is something you can give a try.

Method 2: Reboot Your Network Devices

Often, issues with your network devices, such as a modem or router, can cause a 504 Gateway Time-out QuickBooks error message. To fix this, try rebooting these network devices. Well, you can switch off these networking devices in any order; what’s important is how you turn them on. Typically, turn these devices on from the “outside-in,” following the connection order from the internet service provider to your main client device.

However, if this doesn’t work, you need to check your proxy settings; for that, we have the procedure in the next solution. 

Method 3: Check Your Proxy Settings

A proxy server sits between your device and the internet. It’s mainly used to enhance online privacy by hiding private information (e.g., device location) from websites and web servers (e.g., using a VPN). While it’s rare for proxy servers to cause a 504 Gateway Time-out error, incorrect proxy server settings can sometimes be the reason. You can disable the proxy server and try reloading the webpage to see if that fixes the error.

Method 4: Change Your DNS Servers

DNS issues on the server-side or the client-side (or both) can also result in 504 Gateway Time-out errors. One common reason is the inability to resolve FQDNs (fully qualified domain names) to IP addresses, or an unresponsive DNS server. It mainly occurs when you’ve just migrated your WordPress site to a new server or host. Therefore, you must wait for the domain’s DNS records to propagate, which may take up to 24 hours.

To fix the client’s DNS issues, you can try to flush your local DNS cache. If you’re using Windows, you can flush the DNS cache by opening the Command Prompt and entering the following directive: ipconfig /flushdns. If it works, it will display a “Successfully flushed the DNS resolver Cache” message on your screen.

Method 5: Fix Faulty Firewall Configurations

A faulty firewall configuration is one of the reasons for a 504 Gateway Time-out error. To fix this, you can temporarily deactivate your firewall. If your device runs on Windows, you can proceed with the following steps:

• Click the Windows icon, then go to your Control Panel
• From there, click on Update & Security > Windows Security > Virus & Threat Protection > Manage Settings
• On this settings page, you can choose to deactivate your firewall

Once you’ve deactivated the firewall, make sure to check if the 504 error is resolved or not. If so, you can either reconfigure your existing antivirus program or switch to a new one. If not, try to reactivate your firewall before proceeding to the next step.

Note: Windows Firewall is blocking QuickBooks and preventing network connectivity. Configure firewall ports and permissions to restore access. Learn how to fix it with this step-by-step guide for smooth QuickBooks performance.

Method 6: Access QuickBooks in an Incognito Window

If you are unable to access QuickBooks in the normal window, you should try to open it in incognito or private mode by pressing the shortcut keys below:

Google Chrome: Ctrl + Shift + N
Microsoft Edge: Ctrl + Shift + N
Mozilla Firefox: Ctrl + Shift + P
Safari for Mac: Command + Option + P

Here, if you can access QuickBooks Online in incognito mode, you should remove the Intuit-specific cache and cookies from your web browser by following the instructions in the next method.

Method 7: Clear the Cache and Cookies from Intuit

One of the reasons for the 504 Gateway Time-out error is a cache buildup in your browser. Since other browsers are working fine, we would suggest you clear the cache and delete the history in Google Chrome. To do so, you must proceed with the following steps:

• Start by opening the Chrome browser
• Next, click on the three dots in the right corner
• Here, select the Delete browsing data option or hit Ctrl + Shift + Del on the keyboard
• If a message appears to delete all browsing data, tap on the Cancel button
• Now, navigate to the third-party cookies section
• Tap on See all site data and permissions, browse for Intuit
• Finally, click on the Remove All button

However, if you use the QBO in a different recommended web browser, check out how to clear the QuickBooks cache and cookies guide.

A Quick View of QuickBooks 504 Gateway Timeout Error

You can go through the table below to see the quick view version of the information we have covered so far in this blog about the 504 Gateway Time-out issue. 

Conclusion

We hope the troubleshooting solutions mentioned in this blog have helped you resolve the 504 Gateway Time-out error without much trouble. Additionally, we have mentioned the common causes of this issue. However, you might still be stuck with the same issue for various reasons. In such a scenario, we suggest you reach out to an expert by calling the Asquare Cloud Hosting Helpline Number at +1(855)-510-6487.

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Oriana Zabell

Oriana Zabell, a professional cloud engineer, has over three years of experience in desktop, online QuickBooks support and troubleshooting. She is currently working as a cloud hosting consultant with Asquare Cloud Hosting. She loves to read and write about the latest technologies such as cloud computing, AI, DaaS, small businesses, manufacturing. When not writing, she is either reading novels or is indulged in a debate with movie fanatics.