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Error state

Also called: error page, error message, failure state, 404 page.

What a screen shows when something goes wrong, like a failed load or a missing page. A good one says what happened in plain words and how to fix it.

Ok

Say it in a prompt

If loading fails, replace the content area with an error state that has a short plain-language message, what the user can do next, and a "Try again" button. Keep the header and navigation usable.

Seen on

  • Stripe: The 404 page says it couldn't find the page and offers links to pricing, docs, the API reference, status and support.
  • Apple: The 404 page says the page can't be found and gives a search box and a link to the site map.

You might describe it as

  • page not found screen with links to go somewhere else
  • page that says something went wrong
  • message when the page fails to load with a retry button
  • not found page

Not to be confused with

  • Empty state

    An error state means something broke; an empty state is a normal screen with nothing in it yet.