diff --git a/aqt/sync.py b/aqt/sync.py
index da2d12cb2..d1d14ff8e 100755
--- a/aqt/sync.py
+++ b/aqt/sync.py
@@ -94,6 +94,9 @@ and try again.""")
             return _("""\
 The connection with the server timed out. Please check your network \
 connection and try again.""")
+        elif "502" in err:
+            return _("""\
+AnkiWeb appears to be down. Please try again in a few minutes.""")
         return err
 
     def _getUserPass(self):