Question 3

Subject: Workers not applied

Customer Query: I've just added a Worker on the Cloudflare Dashboard for my website: it works in the debugger but doesn't work when I query the site. Why is that? Is there anything to activate or anything I could check?

Response

Hi there,

Thanks for reaching out. I understand your Worker is functioning as expected in the debugger but not when you try to access your site directly, that can definitely be frustrating, but we'll figure it out together.

Here are a few common things to double-check:

  • Route Configuration — Make sure your Worker route pattern actually matches the URLs you're testing. Workers only run on requests that match a defined route.
  • Environment — Are you working in the right environment? (e.g., Production vs. Preview) It's easy to accidentally test in one and expect results in the other.
  • Browser Cache — Sometimes cached responses can cause confusion. Try testing in an incognito/private window or clearing your cache to see if that makes a difference.
  • Deployment Status — Head to your Cloudflare dashboard and confirm that the Worker is fully deployed and active on the right zone.

Here's a useful resource that outlines some known Worker quirks and common pitfalls:
🔗 Troubleshooting Known Issues with Workers

If you're able to share your Worker code and the route you've configured, I'd be happy to take a closer look and help pinpoint the issue.

Looking forward to getting this resolved for you!

Best regards,
Aviv
Cloudflare Support

Thought Process

When a customer reports that a Worker functions in the debugger but not in production, there are several common issues to check. My approach is systematic, covering the most frequent causes first.

I would use these tools to diagnose the issue:

  • Cloudflare Dashboard: To verify Worker configuration and routes
  • Developer Tools: To check for any errors in the console or network tab
  • Incognito Mode: To test without cache interference
  • Worker Logs: If available, to see if the Worker is executing at all

My response aims to guide the customer through self-diagnosis while offering to provide more detailed help if they share their specific configuration. The reference to documentation helps them understand common pitfalls and resolve the issue more quickly.

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