Downdetector – Live Outage Tracker for Websites & Apps

If you ever tried to log into your favourite service only to see a spinning wheel, you know how annoying it can be. That’s where Downdetector steps in. It’s a free tool that shows you, in real time, which sites are down, why they’re down, and how many people are affected. No need to waste time refreshing pages or scrolling through forums – the info is right there on a simple map or list.

How Downdetector Works

Downdetector collects reports from users around the world. When you click the "I'm experiencing an issue" button, it adds your report to a live count. The platform also pulls data from social media and server logs to spot spikes in complaints. When the numbers cross a certain threshold, Downdetector flags the service as "outage" and shows a red line on the graph.

The dashboard is split into three parts: a timeline graph, a map of affected regions, and a list of the most reported issues. The timeline lets you see when the problem started and whether it’s getting better. The map highlights which cities or countries are feeling the impact the most. And the list gives you quick links to the services with the highest report rates – think Instagram, PayPal, or your local ISP.

Using Downdetector Effectively

First, bookmark the main Downdetector page so you can check it whenever something feels off. If you work in IT or run a small business, set up email alerts for the services you rely on. You’ll get a notification the moment Downdetector marks an outage, giving you a heads‑up before customers start calling.

Second, pay attention to the "User Reports" number. A handful of complaints might just be a personal glitch, but when the count jumps into the thousands, it’s a clear sign of a larger problem. You can also read the comment section to see if there’s a common error message – that helps you decide whether to restart your router, wait it out, or contact support.

Finally, use the "Historical Data" tab if you need to track recurring issues. Some services have regular maintenance windows that show up as short spikes. Knowing the pattern can save you time and avoid unnecessary panic.

In short, Downdetector is like a weather forecast for the internet. It tells you when the digital storm is coming, how strong it is, and when the sun is likely to break through again. Keep it handy, set alerts for the tools you use most, and you’ll spend less time staring at error screens and more time getting things done.