24/12/2013
It can be incredibly frustrating when your favourite online retailer is playing hard to get. If you're trying to snag the latest trends from ASOS and finding yourself staring at an error message or a stubbornly blank page, you're probably wondering: "Is ASOS down?" This guide is here to help you get to the bottom of it and, more importantly, get you back to your online shopping spree as quickly as possible.

Checking ASOS Website Status
Before you start tinkering with your computer, it's always wise to determine if the problem lies with ASOS itself or with your own connection. We've performed checks on the ASOS website using our servers. The results are displayed in the graph above, showing the response time over the last few checks. A smaller blue bar indicates a faster response time, meaning the site is likely running smoothly. If you see no bar for a specific period, it suggests that ASOS.com may have been down or unreachable at that time, possibly due to server overload, maintenance, or network issues.
When a website like ASOS is inaccessible, several factors could be at play:
- Server Overload: High traffic, especially during sales or new product launches, can overwhelm ASOS's servers, leading to temporary outages.
- Scheduled Maintenance: Websites often undergo routine maintenance to update systems, fix bugs, or improve performance. This usually happens during off-peak hours, but can sometimes cause brief disruptions.
- Network Issues: Problems with internet infrastructure, either on ASOS's end or with your Internet Service Provider (ISP), can prevent you from connecting.
- Technical Glitches: Like any complex system, websites can experience unexpected technical errors that cause them to go offline.
Troubleshooting Access Issues: When ASOS is UP, but You Can't Connect
If our checks indicate that ASOS is operational, but you're still unable to access the site, the issue is likely on your end. Here's a step-by-step troubleshooting process:
Your web browser is your gateway to the internet, and sometimes it needs a little nudge.
- Force a Full Refresh: Often, a simple refresh isn't enough. A full refresh forces your browser to re-download all the website's files, bypassing any cached data that might be causing conflicts. Try pressing CTRL + F5 (or Command + Shift + R on a Mac) simultaneously. This is a quick fix for many temporary display issues.
- Clear Cache and Cookies: Over time, your browser stores temporary internet files (cache) and website data (cookies). While these are designed to speed up browsing, they can sometimes become corrupted or outdated, preventing you from accessing the latest version of a website. Clearing them ensures you're getting a fresh connection.
Instructions for Clearing Cache and Cookies:
| Browser | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Google Chrome | Go to Settings > Privacy and security > Clear browsing data. Select "Cookies and other site data" and "Cached images and files." Choose a time range (e.g., "All time") and click "Clear data." |
| Mozilla Firefox | Go to Options > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data > Clear Data. Ensure both "Cookies and Site Data" and "Cached Web Content" are checked, then click "Clear." |
| Microsoft Edge | Go to Settings > Privacy, search, and services > Choose what to clear. Select "Cookies and other site data" and "Cached images and files." Choose a time range and click "Clear now." |
| Safari (macOS) | Go to Safari > Preferences > Privacy > Manage Website Data. Find ASOS (if listed) and click "Remove." Then, go to Safari > Clear History > Clear All History. |
Fixing DNS Problems
The Domain Name System (DNS) acts like a phonebook for the internet, translating human-readable website names (like ASOS.com) into computer-readable IP addresses. Your ISP typically provides your DNS service, but sometimes these can be slow or outdated.

- Flush Your Local DNS Cache: Your computer also keeps a local cache of DNS information. Clearing this ensures you're retrieving the most up-to-date information from your ISP's DNS servers.
How to Flush DNS:
- Windows: Open Command Prompt as an administrator (search for "cmd" in the Start menu, right-click, and select "Run as administrator"). Type the command
ipconfig /flushdnsand press Enter. You should see a confirmation message. - macOS: Open Terminal (Applications > Utilities > Terminal). The command varies slightly by macOS version, but a common one is
sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder. You'll need to enter your administrator password.
- Use an Alternative DNS Service: If flushing your DNS doesn't help, or if you suspect your ISP's DNS servers are the issue, consider switching to a public DNS service. OpenDNS and Google Public DNS are excellent, free alternatives that can often provide faster and more reliable connections. You'll need to change your network settings to use these services. Instructions vary by operating system, but you can typically find them in your network adapter settings.
ASOS Android App Issues
If you're experiencing problems with the ASOS Android app, the approach to troubleshooting is slightly different:
- Check App Permissions: Ensure the ASOS app has all the necessary permissions enabled in your phone's settings.
- Update the App: Make sure you have the latest version of the ASOS app installed. Go to the Google Play Store, search for ASOS, and check if an update is available.
- Clear App Cache and Data: Similar to browser cache, the app's cache can sometimes cause issues. Go to your phone's Settings > Apps > ASOS > Storage and tap "Clear cache." If that doesn't work, you can also try "Clear data" (this will likely log you out and reset app settings).
- Reinstall the App: As a last resort, uninstall the ASOS app and then reinstall it from the Google Play Store.
ASOS Customer Service Feedback
Sometimes, even after troubleshooting, you might need to reach out to ASOS directly. Customer service experiences can vary. Some users report efficient service, while others encounter difficulties, as seen in the feedback provided regarding return processes and lack of direct contact options like live chat or responsive email support. If you're facing persistent issues with orders, returns, or the app, and self-help isn't resolving the problem, it's important to keep trying to contact their support channels. Look for any available contact forms on their website or social media channels where they might offer assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How do I know for sure if ASOS is down for everyone?
While our checks provide an indication, the best way to confirm is to ask friends who also shop at ASOS or check social media platforms like Twitter. Often, if a major outage occurs, users will be discussing it online.
Q2: I cleared my cache and cookies, but ASOS still won't load. What else could it be?
It could be your internet connection itself. Try loading other websites to see if they work. If they don't, the problem is likely with your ISP. If other sites work fine, try restarting your router and modem.

Q3: Can I access ASOS using a different browser?
Yes, trying a different browser (like Chrome if you usually use Firefox, or vice versa) is an excellent troubleshooting step. This helps determine if the issue is specific to your primary browser's settings or extensions.
Q4: What if ASOS is down for maintenance?
If ASOS is down for scheduled maintenance, there's nothing you can do but wait. They usually try to do this during quieter periods, but sometimes it's unavoidable. You can often find announcements about planned maintenance on their social media pages.
We hope this guide helps you get back to enjoying ASOS. Happy shopping!
If you want to read more articles similar to Is ASOS Down? Troubleshooting Guide, you can visit the Automotive category.
