What to do when a download fails
A download failed in Lynx? Try these fixes in order, and learn what each common message means, from a slow site to an HTTP 403 error.
Lynx keeps itself up to date, so downloads keep working when sites change. If a download still fails, try these steps in order.
1. Try again
Right-click the download and choose Try Again. Sites sometimes fail for a moment.
2. Check the link
Open the link in your browser. If the video is private, deleted, age-restricted or blocked in your country, Lynx can’t download it either.
3. Common messages
| What Lynx says | What it means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| The site took too long to answer. | The connection dropped or the site is slow | Check your connection, then choose Try Again |
| This video is private. or This needs you to be signed in to the site. | The video isn’t public, or only signed-in viewers can get it | Download only videos you have permission to save. For sign-in sites, use the Lynx extension’s button on that page |
| This video is no longer available. | It was removed, or it’s blocked in your country | Lynx can’t download it |
| There’s no video Lynx can download on this page. | Lynx can’t find a video on that page | Use the link to the video itself. A direct link to a file always works. Videos protected by DRM can’t be downloaded |
| Lynx’s download engine isn’t responding. | Part of Lynx stopped working | Quit Lynx (⌘Q) and open it again |
| The site refused the download. | The site refused the request | Wait a few minutes, then choose Try Again |
4. A large file keeps stopping
Some servers limit how many connections they accept. Lower Settings › Downloads › Parts per file and try again.
5. Contact us
If a site that used to work stops working, send us the link. When the fix is on our side, it usually reaches you within a day through Lynx’s automatic updates.
Updated September 25, 2026