Webpages can return different HTTP status codes in response to requests made by browsers. One of the most common status codes are 4xx errors, designed to inform clients that a problem has arisen on their end.
In this article, we’ll take a look at what 4xx errors are, what causes them and how you can go about fixing each one.
What are 4xx Client Errors?
4xx client errors are status codes that indicate a problem on the client’s side. This can be anything from a missing parameter to an invalid URL. The most common 4xx status code is 404, which indicates that the page could not be found.
Types of 4xx Client Errors and How to Fix Them
While getting to the bottom of 4xx Client Errors is not always simple, they can be fixed relatively easily. The four main types of 4xx Client Errors are:
400 – Bad Request Error
This error indicates that the server was unable to process the request due to an error in the client’s request. There are a few potential causes for this error.
The request might have been submitted in an invalid format or using an unsupported method. Other possible reasons for the 400 error include corrupt browser cache and cookies, DNS Lookup Cache, or simply trying to upload a file that’s too large to a website.
How to Fix It
If invalid cookies are causing the problem, clear your entire browser and DNS cache, or refresh the page for new cookies. Check your URL for any typos, illegal characters, and double %% characters to fix a malformed URL syntax. Compress the file, so it doesn’t exceed the server limit.
401 – Unauthorized Error
This error occurs when the client, or user, is not authorized to access the requested content. There are several reasons this error might occur, the most common being that the client does not have the correct permissions.
How to Fix It
Sometimes, the 401 Client Error can be resolved by simply logging out and then logging back in with the correct credentials. If not, look for any errors in the URL, clear your browser’s cache, flush your DNS, and try deactivating your WordPress Plugins in case of potential incompatibility.
If this does not resolve the issue, the problem likely lies with the server. In this case, it’s best to contact the website’s administrator or technical support team for assistance.
403– Forbidden Error
This error occurs when the server responds to a request with a status code that indicates that the client does not have permission to view the requested resource.
There are several possible causes for this error, including incorrect permissions on the server or client or a misconfiguration in the server’s access control settings. Sometimes, the 403 Client Error may also be caused by an issue with the website’s DNS records.
How to Fix It
Double-check for URL errors and make sure you’re specifying an actual web page file name and extension, not just a directory. In the list of DNS records, find the record with the A label in the Type column and check if it’s correct.
Try clearing your browser’s history, cache, and cookies and reloading the page. Disable WordPress Plugins. If it doesn’t work, contact the website or your internet service provider, as the 403 might be a problem with the host or the result of your IP address being added to a block list.
404 – Not Found Error
A 404 Client Error occurs when a user tries to access a web page that couldn’t be found on the website’s server. This can happen for several reasons, including typos in the URL, outdated links, and deleted pages.
How to Fix It
You can try resolving 404 errors in several ways. Sometimes, simply refreshing the page might do the trick. If not, try clearing your browser’s cache, logging in from another device, or changing the DNS servers. Check for errors in the URL, or search for the page in a search engine or the website’s search function by entering a keyword.
If nothing helps, contact the webmaster or site owner directly, as they might have (re)moved the page without redirecting it.