How to tell if Airbnb is actually down

When you cannot load Airbnb or see an error message, the problem might be on Airbnb's end, your internet connection, or your device. The fastest way to know which one is to check a website status tracker that monitors Airbnb's servers in real time. Downdetector and IsItDownRightNow show live reports from other users experiencing the same outage, plus a map of which regions are affected. If hundreds of people report the same error at the same time, Airbnb's servers are down. If only a handful report it, the problem is likely on your side.

You can also test your own connection by opening a different website — Google, Wikipedia, or your email — in the same browser. If those load fine but Airbnb does not, Airbnb is down or blocking your access. If nothing loads, your internet is the problem. Restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plug it back in and wait two minutes for it to reconnect.

Key Takeaways

  • Check Downdetector or IsItDownRightNow to see if other users are reporting the same Airbnb outage at the same time.
  • Test your internet by opening a different website in the same browser — if it loads, Airbnb's servers are down; if it does not, your connection is the problem.
  • Restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then wait two minutes after plugging it back in.
  • Clear your browser cache and cookies, or try a different browser or device, to rule out a local problem with your account or device.
  • If Airbnb is down, check their official Twitter account or status page for updates on when service will return.

Clear your browser cache and try a different browser

Cached data — old versions of web pages stored on your computer — can sometimes prevent a page from loading correctly, even when the site is working. Clear your cache by going to your browser settings. In Chrome, click the three-line menu in the top right, select Settings, then Privacy and Security, then Clear Browsing Data. Make sure "Cookies and other site data" and "Cached images and files" are both checked. Set the time range to "All time" and click Clear Data.

After clearing your cache, try loading Airbnb again in the same browser. If it still does not work, open Airbnb in a different browser — if you normally use Chrome, try Firefox or Safari. Different browsers store data separately, so this tells you whether the problem is specific to one browser or affects your whole device. If Airbnb loads in a different browser, the issue is with your original browser, not with Airbnb's servers or your internet.

Try accessing Airbnb from your phone or a different device

If Airbnb works on your phone but not your computer, or vice versa, the outage is not global — it is specific to that device. This usually means a software glitch on that device, not a problem with Airbnb's servers. Restart the device by turning it completely off and back on. For a phone, hold the power button until you see the shutdown screen, then slide to power off. Wait 10 seconds, then turn it back on.

If you have access to another person's device, try logging into Airbnb there. If it works on their device but not yours, the problem is definitely on your device. If it does not work on their device either, and they are on the same internet connection as you, restart your router. If it does not work on their device but they are on a different internet connection, Airbnb's servers are down in your region.

Check Airbnb's official status page and social media

Airbnb does not have a dedicated status page like some other services do, but they post outage updates on their official Twitter account, @AirbnbHelp. Search for recent tweets mentioning "outage," "down," or "service disruption." If Airbnb is aware of a problem, they usually post within 30 minutes and give an estimated time for when service will return.

You can also check the Airbnb Help Center by searching "Airbnb status" or "Airbnb down" — sometimes they post a banner at the top of their help pages during outages. If you cannot access the website at all, try the Airbnb mobile app instead. Apps sometimes work when websites are down because they use different servers or connection methods.

What to do if you have a booking during an outage

If you need to contact your host or modify a reservation while Airbnb is down, use the Airbnb mobile app if the website is not working. The app often stays online longer than the website during partial outages. If both are down, wait until service returns — most outages last between 30 minutes and two hours. Airbnb's servers are usually back online within that window.

If you have an urgent issue — your check-in is in a few hours and you cannot reach your host — try calling Airbnb's phone support. The number is on your confirmation email or in the app under Help. Phone support can sometimes reach hosts directly even when the website is down. Keep your reservation number and booking dates handy when you call.

Outages are usually brief, but here is what causes them

Airbnb outages typically happen when the company deploys a software update, experiences a surge in traffic that overwhelms their servers, or has a hardware failure in one of their data centers. Most outages last under an hour. Longer outages — lasting several hours — are rare and usually mean a serious problem with their infrastructure, not just a routine update.

You cannot prevent Airbnb outages, but you can prepare for them. Save your host's contact information and your reservation details somewhere outside Airbnb — in your email, a note app, or a text message to yourself. That way, if the site goes down right before your trip, you still have the information you need to reach your host or get to your accommodation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do Airbnb outages usually last?

Most outages last between 30 minutes and two hours. Airbnb's engineering team prioritizes getting the site back online quickly because every minute of downtime affects bookings and host earnings. If an outage lasts longer than four hours, it usually means a serious infrastructure problem, and Airbnb will post updates on their Twitter account.

Can I still message my host if Airbnb is down?

No — Airbnb's messaging system is part of the website and app, so it goes down with everything else. If you need to reach your host urgently, use the phone number or email address from your confirmation email if you saved it. Otherwise, wait for the site to come back online.

Will an outage affect my reservation or payment?

No. Outages do not cancel reservations or charge you twice. Your booking remains exactly as it was before the outage. If you were in the middle of making a payment when the outage happened, the transaction either went through completely or did not go through at all — it will not be partially charged.

What if Airbnb is down and I cannot check in?

Contact your host directly using the phone number or email from your confirmation email. If you do not have that information, wait for Airbnb to come back online — most outages are resolved within an hour or two. If your check-in time is passing and the site is still down, call Airbnb's phone support line for help reaching your host.

Is there a way to know before Airbnb goes down?

No — Airbnb does not announce maintenance windows in advance the way some services do. You cannot predict outages, but you can reduce the impact by saving your host's contact details and reservation information outside of Airbnb before you travel.