Http 401 Error: Quick Fix

By Brian Campbell On Mar 9, 2022

Have you ever encountered a 401 Unauthorized Error or Http 401 Error? This article will define error 401 and go over seven solutions to the problem. Assume you try to access a website and receive a 401 Unauthorized Error. Whether you’re the site owner or a visitor, the experience is highly inconvenient and frustrating.

An HTTP error 401 indicates a problem with your authentication credentials. But, before you become enraged or concerned, we’d like to assure you that the issue is only temporary. As luck would have it, there are a few solutions. This article will define error 401 and discuss various solutions to the problem. Let’s get started!

Other causes of 401 Authentication error: This error can also occur in the following forms:

Error	Explanation
401.1	This indicates that the login failed for various reasons.
401.2	This indicates that the login failed due to server configuration issues.
401.3	This error indicates that the login failed due to an ACL (Access-control list) violation on the resource.
401.4	This error indicates that the filter failed to authorize the request.
401.501	This error indicates that the client has generated too many requests, indicating that the maximum request limit is reached.
401.502	This error occurs when a single client (same IP) requests the dynamic IP Restriction Concurrent request rate limit multiple times on a single server.

An Overview of the 401 Error Code

When there is a problem with a request, HTTP 400 status codes get returned. A 401 error occurs when your browser denies you access to the page you’re attempting to visit. As a result, the browser will display an error message instead of the web page. Because 401 errors can occur in any browser, the message displayed may differ.

For example, in Chrome or Edge, you’ll most likely see a paper icon along with a simple message informing you that the page in question isn’t working. At the bottom, it will say “Http 401 Error” and instruct you to contact the site’s owner if the problem persists:

Other times and browsers may display a slightly less friendly warning that is simply a blank page with a “401 Authorization Required” message:

What Causes a 401 Error?

If you see an error code of this format, then you’re dealing with a browser-side problem. While the problem may be occurring within your browser, this does not always imply that it is the culprit, as we will explain later.

401 errors occur when attempting to access restricted resources, such as password-protected pages on your WordPress site. As a result, it’s safe to assume that the problem is related to the authentication credentials.

Incompatibility of Plugins

A plugin incompatibility or error sometimes causes this error. A firewall or security plugin, for example, may misinterpret your login attempt as suspicious, malicious activity and repeat a 401 error to protect the page from the virus.

Outdated Browser Cache and Cookies

One of the most prominent causes of a 401 error in your browser’s cache and cookies out of date, preventing the authorization from being successful. The server will reject the request if your browser does not use valid authentication credentials (or none at all).

Incorrect URL or Outdated Link

It’s also possible that a minor oversight caused the source of the problem. An incorrectly typed URL or an outdated link are common culprits in this category.

How to Fix Http 401 Error: Quick Fixes

Now that we’ve covered most of the basics of the 401 error, it’s time to talk about how to fix it.

Examine the URL for errors.

We’ll start with the most straightforward potential solution. Make sure you use the correct URL. This may appear to be a simple task, but 401 errors can occur if the URL is not valid.

Another possibility can be that the link you used to get to the page in question incorrectly points to the correct URL. For example, it could be outdated or redirecting to a page that no longer exists (and no redirects are in place).

As a result, you should double-check the URL you used. Check that you spelled everything correctly if you typed it in yourself. If you clicked on a link, double-check that it leads to the page you’re looking for or you can also try to visit that page directly through the website.

Delete the Cache from Your Browser

The cache in your browser generally improves your online experience by reducing page loading times. Unfortunately, it can occasionally cause unwelcome interruptions.

This will remove any invalid information that has been locally stored in your browser and may be interfering with the authentication process. If you’re using Google Chrome, go to Settings by clicking on the menu icon in the browser’s upper-right corner. Click on Clear browsing data: under the Privacy and Security section:

A new window will be launched. Make sure to check all three boxes under the Basic tab, then click Clear data:

In other browsers, this process will look slightly different. In Mozilla Firefox, for example, you would click on the library icon in the top-right corner of the browser, then History > Clear Recent History:

Refresh Your DNS

You can also try flushing your Domain Name Server to resolve the 401 error (DNS). While this is a less common problem, it can be a possible cause, so it’s worth a shot if the first two solutions don’t work.

In Windows, click the Start button and type cmd into the search bar. When you press the Enter key, the Command Prompt will appear. Copy and paste the command ipconfig/flushdns, then press Enter once more.

Summary

When your browser and server are unable to communicate or authenticate requests, you may encounter errors such as the 401 error. While this is an annoyance, the message is usually temporary and fixable.