Fixing HTTP Website Errors: A Step-by-Step Guide

Experiencing website errors can be so annoying in times of need. You feel like cursing at your screen, all of us have done it. Managing a website is a major concern for developers and business owners.

Facing web errors like that can undermine your business objectives and negatively impact the user experience which makes them leave your site, resulting in no overhead.

So we are going to be sharing with you step-by-step solutions for dealing with a website with errors to provide users with a smooth and fluid browsing experience, without going to “connections help”.

The connections help feature asks for your login info, location, camera, cross-site tracking, and third-party cookies. We will save you from entertaining any of that.

What is a Server error (HTTP error codes)?

Now what does server error mean, and what does it entail? It's a friendly way of notifying the user that the issue is not on their end, rather the issue is currently taking place on the server side which needs to be addressed by the technical team.

This term typically appears as “ we had a server error…” And is always accompanied/displayed by a server problem code.

We have simplified those Google server errors by categorizing them from 2xx to 5xx downwards, let's have a look at their code list:

2xx Codes

Some codes bring smiles. If you see any 2xx code on your screen, it means you had a successful response. Your request has been received, processed, and returned with appropriate resources.

Types of 2xx Errors and their Solutions

Let's break down some of the 2xx API Response codes

Error 200

Error 200 means SUCCESS. You requested some documents from the server, and the server replied with those documents. When you receive those files, you will see an HTTP response 200 meaning that everything is functioning well as it should. 

Still, you may see this type of error “HTTP request returns 200 OK but no content in response”. This indicates that you have specified the wrong request parameters or that the API does not have anything to send you. The request will still be processed, but it won't return anything unless you fix it.

How to fix the Status_Code 200: Empty Response?

1. Check the server-side logs to see if it is indeed an empty response or another error.
2. Verify the request you are sending and include all necessary parameters.
3. Test with a different tool (curl, Postman, etc.) to see whether the issue is client-specific
4. Check response headers to find clues about the issue.
5. If all else fails, contact server support or API documentation for assistance

HTTP 201

The HTTP 201 indicates that the request was successful and created a new resource. This resource is created before the response is sent back and is returned in the body of the message. 

Status code 201 response doesn’t fall into the category of an error, so there is no need to “fix” it either.

HTTP 204

The HTTP 204 Status code is quite similar to the 200: Empty response, but there lies a subtle difference.

3xx Redirect

The error code 3xx redirect appears when an old URL is redirected to another new URL. It means that the old URL that you are accessing has now changed its domain name. The server will respond with a certain 3xx status code and ask you to complete a further action/click to redirect you to the updated page.

Types of 3xx Redirects and their Solution

Let’s break down some of the 3xx API response codes and how to fix errors of this kind:

HTTP 302

The HTTP 302: Moved Temporarily is a code indicating that the requested web page has been temporarily moved to a new URL, and you can find this new URL in the location header of the HTTP 1.1 302 response.

How to fix the HTTP 1.1 302 Found Error

Try using fixes to see if it helps:

• Refresh the page
• Clear browser cache and cookies
• Check for if the redirect is valid
• Deactivate all redirect plugins
• Review server redirect configuration
• Make sure that WordPress URL settings are correct

303 HTTP

The 303 HTTP response means that the page you are not being redirected to the requested page but to another page. The simplified version of “303 See Other” is that nothing went wrong but you should use this URL to access the page you want.

This means that the original URL has become invalid and the server wants you to use a different URL to get to your requested page.

How to fix the 303 Status Code?

There is no need to “fix” this response, but you can try to find out what’s causing this 303 redirect

• Checking server configuration files
• Viewing Server Logs
• Debugging the web app

304 Status Code

The 304 Status code indicates that the page you are trying to access has not been updated and you can view the current version from cache. The 304 Code Status is nothing more than a notification that

the cached version of the resource is still up-to-date and is returned to you.

How to fix the Status code 304 HTTP?

Implement these simple fixes, and see if any helps:

• Clear the cache and cookies
• Scan for Malware
• Disable all of the Browser’s extensions
• Flush DNS and Reset TCP/IP
• Try using the Google Public DNS
• Check your server configuration files for invalid redirects

4xx Error

The 4xx error indicates that the requested webpage does not exist or has restricted access or permission rights. As a result of this 4xx issue, you often get to see the message “Page cannot be found” or “Site could not be reached”.

Types of 4xx Errors & their Solution

 Let's break down some of the 4xx API Status codes:

400 bad request

The “400 bad request.” gets displayed because there is a typo or a misspelled word in the URL, wrong request syntax, deceptive request routing, or it could be an issue with the browser caching system

How to fix the 400 HTTP error message?

Try using these fixes:

• Use the correct URL and try again
• Clear browser cache
• Flush DNS cache
• Reduce/Compress file size

If all else fails in removing the 400 - bad request error, you can always go for professional help. (ref CTA)

401 status code

The 401 HTTP status code means that the user is trying to access the website using unauthorized credentials. That's why website owners have customized HTTP code 401 for each user experiencing unauthorized access.

How to Fix the 401 code: Unauthorized?

Here are some easy ways to handle the 401 HTTP response:

• Reopen the webpage with the correct URL
• Re-enter your credentials (carefully this time)
• Request for lost login information in case you forgot
• Clear browser cache

HTTP 402

The HTTP 402, also known as “Payment Required”, means that a client must make payment before accessing the resource he requested for. 402 error code is typically used when the server is programmed to process a transaction before redirecting the user to his/her intended page.

How to fix the 402 status code?

Here is how you can resolve this error:

• Verify payment information
• Use a substitute/alternate mode of payment
• Try contacting the relevant customer service
• Get rid of cache and cookies
• Try updating your browser and payment system
• Validate your documentation

HTTP Return code 403

The HTTP return code 403 means that the user is not allowed to access the webpage he requested. Slightly different from the 401 error, this 403 forbidden Cloudflare message appears when the browser has recognized that the user is logged in with valid credentials, but is not authorized to access a certain page.

How to fix the Cloudflare 403 Forbidden error?

Here is how you can solve 403 errors on website:

• Get your access updated by the website administrator
• Switch to a private browser
• Disable Browser Integrity check for a few minutes
• Create a new server configuration file

Response 404

The Response 404 forbidden message is displayed when the browser cannot find our requested page. Thus, we get to see this infamous “Page not Found” error. If the site owner has deleted or moved that page to a new URL, then it may lead to a 404 error page at our screens.

Your users might be clicking on a broken link, and in order for you to make time for maintenance, or keeping them from going away in frustration, you can at least try customizing this error page into a creative or a funny one.

How to fix the HTTP 1.1 404 not found?

This error is quite easy to deal with. Just use any of these fixes, and it should start working again:

• Enter correct URL 
• Check if server hosting is working as it should
• Delete the cache
• Submit broken links
• Include helpful internal links to guide users to their intended information page

409 Error Code

The 409 Error code is a conflict between the current version of the resource and the client’s request to modify that resource. The HTTP 409 Conflict arises when there are simultaneous updates from different sources creating confusion, and preventing the server from fulfilling your request.

For example, you are trying to comment on a post that has been deleted. The post being deleted and you posting your comment took place simultaneously and henceforth, the 409 conflict arises.

How to Fix the 409 Status Code?

Here are some fixes that you can use:

1. Check the requested URL 
2. Clear your browser cache 
3. Roll back recent browser updates 
4. Uninstall extensions and plugins
5. Check your server configurations

408 Error Code

What’s 408 error code meaning? It means that the server timeout has occurred due to a slow client request. This unused connection is terminated and shut down by the server.

How to fix the 408 error code?

Simply refreshing the page can take care of this problem. Click on refresh or press F5.

HTTP 410 Status Code

However, the HTTP 410 status code is quite similar to 404 error - Page not found, but 401 HTTP means that the page was permanently removed. The resource is intentionally made unavailable to the users.

But what does 410 Bad Gateway mean exactly? It indicates the page you are trying to access is no longer available and is removed by the website owner for some reason.

How to fix the Response 410 Gone HTTP?

Here is how to fix 410 HTTP:

• Inform users about the gone page (by customizing it)
• Update the link to the resource
• Redirect users to a similar information page 
• The URL structure should be kept consistent
• Check regularly for broken links
• Try using Version Control

 HTTP 419

The HTTP 419 indicates issues related to session timeout or when the Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) token is a mismatch. This HTTP 419 status code impacts both the user experience and the SEO performance of a website.

A CSRF token is a unique, large random value assigned by CSRF secure applications for every user session. It prevents privacy attacks when a user performs a sensitive action like submitting a form. A user must include the correct CSRF token while doing such tasks online.

How to Fix the HTTP 419 response?

Sometimes the user keeps the webpage open for too long and the token expires. Just refresh the page or re-send the form. If that doesn’t help, try using these fixes:

• Verify the CSRF token
• Check your Session Configuration in Load Balancer
• Clear browser cache and cookies
• See the Server time and Timezone

429 Status Code

The 429 Status Code: Too Many Requests means that a user has sent too many requests within a short amount of time. The reasons for the 429 HTTP code response are when you try to log in with the wrong credentials or a hacker is trying to endanger your website.

How to Fix the 429 HTTP Status Code?

• Wait for a few seconds before you send another request
• Clear Browser cache
• Flush the DNS cache
• Use Exponential Backoff Strategy

HTTP 499

The HTTP 499 response (although not a standard HTTP status code) indicates that the user closed the connection before the server could send a response, and is returned by the Nginx server.

Status 499 code can also be a result of poor internet connection, Timeout settings, Scripting errors, or misconfiguration of CDN.

How to Fix the Cloudflare 499?

Resolving Cloudflare 499 is super easy, just try any of these fixes:

• Reload the Page
• Clear the browser cache
• Disable VPN or proxy connections
• Try accessing the website on other devices or networks

4xx Errors vs 5xx Errors

Let us take a look at 400 vs 500 errors, and where they originate from.

5xx Error

The 5xx error message indicates problems that are tied to the back end of your website. Your request made to the server is not being processed because of some unclear situation and is stopping the server from responding.

Types of 5xx Errors & their Solution

Let's break down some of the 5xx API Status codes:

500 Internal Server Error (Response code 500)

Google Error 500 indicates that an uncertain problem is preventing the server from fulfilling your request and is displayed when no other error code is suitable. Often resulting in the message “No resource with given URL found” on our screen

How to Fix the Response code 500: Internal server error?

HTTP 500 code occurs due to several reasons but mainly include coding issues, server overload, or inadequate server resources to entertain your request.

Check your server logs, identify the error message, and fix the code. If there are insufficient server resources, upgrade your hosting plan.

Or, 

1. Reload the page or paste the URL in a new tab
2. Clear the browser’s cache
3. Delete the browser’s cookies
4. Check for Database connectivity issues

Things to remember:

This error code presents itself in many ways, but the context remains the same. So you might see it like HTTP result code 500, HTTP 500 code, or 500 error, etc.

Cloudflare Error 502

The “Cloudflare Error 502” means that Cloudflare cannot establish a valid connection with the website’s origin server.

Exceeding number of live users can cause severe overboard, resulting in this “502 bad gateway Cloudflare” issue. Or it could be that you are yet connected to an interim device (not the main server) that needs to fetch all the bits needed to load your page.

How to fix the Error code 502 Cloudflare?

Here are some fixes, any one of them might work if the shoe fits:

1. Reload the Page
2. Check for site status
3. Try using a different browser 
4. Enable incognito mode
5. Open the site on another device (smartphone, tablet, etc)
6. Flush DNS cache

HTTP Response Code 503

The same goes for HTTP response code 503 which gets displayed when the server is too busy or the site is under maintenance.

How to fix the 503 HTTP Status Code?

It's generally a temporary issue and might fix itself after some time. So try refreshing the page, or deactivating CDN for a while

1. Reload the Page
2. Check for site status
3. Try using a different browser 
4. Enable incognito mode
5. Open the site on another device (smartphone, tablet, etc)
6. Flush DNS cache

Error Code 520 Cloudflare

Error code 520 Cloudflare is a one-for-all response when there is an unexpected issue from the server side. The HTTP 520 response can also be displayed when your request does not contain the required data the website expects.

There are a variety of reasons for this particular Cloudflare 520 response, the most common one is that a program/CRN job/ resource is utilizing more resources and the server is not able to respond to all requests appropriately.

How to Fix the Cloudflare Error 520?

Apply these fixes to see what works in your case:

• Try paying Cloudflare
• Clear all DNS records
• Restart your PHP, Apache Web Server, and Nginx Web Server
• Check your headers and cookies
• Disable the .htaccess
• Review the server error logs
• Validate this HTTP response with cURL Command
• If all else fails, try contacting Cloudflare Support

Get the Best Solutions for these Website Errors with WebDigitalSphere

Solving some of these HTTP problems takes an extensive knowledge of web development and search consoles. If you don’t know the complexities of web servers and how to resolve them, we have got you covered. WebDigitalSphere provides connections help for WordPress, Cloudflare, Nginx, and all other server errors.

We have a team of Webmasters, architects, developers, QA, and DevOps to save you from costly website errors and optimize your browsing experience.