What is HTTP 405 Status Code & How to Fix it

You often encounter different HTTP status codes while browsing the internet and accessing websites. An HTTP status code is a response from a web server to a client’s request to inform whether the request can be fulfilled or not. There are different types of HTTP status codes, such as 400 Bad Request Error, 404 Not Found, etc. In this article, we will discuss the 405 status code. 

The 405 status code is a client error, preventing users from accessing a website’s content. It displays the message Method Not Found, which does not clearly state any cause of the error. Hence, it becomes difficult to diagnose the cause and resolve the error. 

But don’t worry. We have curated this article to introduce you to some effective methods to fix the 405 status code. 

What is the HTTP 405 Status Code?

The HTTP 405 status code, often known as “Method Not Allowed,” denotes that although the server understands the requested HTTP method, it is not supported for the given resource. To put it simply, it means that the client’s interaction with a certain endpoint was conducted via an improper HTTP method.

A server that receives a request using an unsupported method responds with the status code 405. It lets the client know that the requested method is not supported for the specified resource. This error serves as a protection, protecting the server’s operational integrity and potential security flaws.

Error code	405 Method Not Allowed
Error type	Client-side error
Error variations	HTTP Error 405 – Method Not Allowed HTTP 405 Method Not Allowed 405 Not Allowed Method Not Allowed HTTP Error 405
Error causes	Wrong URL entered Issues with platform, theme, or plugin updates Issues of compatibility Updating a database Incorrect permissions

Top 11 Ways to Fix the 405 Method Not Allowed Error

Here are some effective methods to fix the 405 status code: 

1. Investigate the URL 

Reviewing the Uniform Resource Identifier (URL) in extensive detail is one of the first stages in resolving this client-side problem. The insertion of an invalid URL is a significant cause of the 405 Method Not Allowed error. As a result, the browser is unable to view a page that isn’t there.

Verify the URL for any missing letters or typos. Next, check to see if the website loads properly. Although it can appear like a straightforward process, it frequently works.

2. Undo Recent Modifications 

Occasionally, recent changes made to a website might be responsible for the occurrence of the 404 status code. Consider reverting any recent upgrades to your website, platform, extensions, modules, or plugins to fix the problem. Any of these components that have updates made to them may result in server-side changes that result in this error.

Usually, each platform or program provides a unique technique for rolling back recent upgrades. So, learn about it and do it accordingly. 

To avoid this client-side HTTP error on your website: 

• Always thoroughly check your website after any upgrades to ensure its flawless functioning. 
• Maintain a positive user experience. 

3. Check Database Modifications

Database updates can contribute to the confusing 405 Method Not Allowed error. It’s vital to remember that certain extensions may have substantial access rights to your database. The database updates and alterations they made could continue even after you remove extensions. This makes it more difficult to fix the 405 Method Not Allowed problem.

4. Uninstall New Plugins, Themes, and Extensions 

The website’s code may change when you install a new theme, plugin, or extension. This may result in unanticipated problems. It is advised to think about uninstalling the theme, plugin, or extension and then reinstalling it. This can be a potential remedy if you notice the HTTP 405 status code.

5. Analyze Your Server-Side Logs

A web application’s server-side logs are essential for tracking and documenting various actions and occurrences. It is crucial to carefully analyze these logs since any changes or inconsistencies might be responsible for the 405 Method Not Allowed error on your website. You can ensure the quality and integrity of the recorded data by carefully reviewing your server logs.

6. Examine Your Web Server Configuration

If the 405 status code still persists, it is useful to examine your server configuration files. The presence of this error indicates that a certain Uniform Resource Identifier (URI) is blocked by the server settings.

Examine your server’s software to find any unintentional redirection or instructions for processing requests. Find out which server software, namely Apache and NGINX, your website uses before trying to access the configuration files.

Find the .htaccess file in the website’s root directory if using an Apache server. If NGINX is the server operating system, look for the nginx.conf file. Examine the directives with a 405 flag in these files. Restart the server after saving the modifications and restoring the files to their initial condition. You may use this to see if the error gets away.

7. Check Your Code and Scripts

Another suggested method for fixing this error is to carefully study the website’s code and scripts to make sure the coding language is being used correctly.

Replicating the website on a local development computer might be useful for doing a thorough analysis of the code and scripts. This enables you to carry out the careful debugging procedure, simulating the precise conditions that result in the 405 status code. Finding the precise point at which a problem originates is made simpler by doing this.

Determining and fixing any inconsistencies or flaws in the code and scripts reduces the likelihood that the 405 Method Not Allowed error would occur.

Read: 10 Best Free HTML Editors for Windows and Mac

8. Check the .htaccess File

It is recommended to thoroughly review your.htaccess file’s content, and especially look for any lines pertaining to the 405 status code. The 405 Method Not Allowed error message may appear on your website as a result of incorrect .htaccess file updates or setups. The .htaccess file’s correctness and appropriate syntax formatting must be guaranteed in order to avoid this error.

9. Fix File Ownership

Misconfigured permissions might be another reason visitors to your website see the 405 Method Not Allowed. The files and folders on your website each have a unique set of rights. Any configuration errors with these permissions can be fixed by changing the file ownership. You can keep a website that is more secure and operates without hiccups by making sure the right ownership and permissions are in place.

10. Check A Records

It might be helpful to look at your Domain Name System (DNS) records, especially the A records, to fix the 405 errors. An essential kind of DNS record, the A record connects a domain or subdomain to its matching IP address.

Examining your DNS records shows that you are proactive in keeping a well-functioning website. You may use it to find any potential inconsistencies or incorrect setups that can prevent HTTP request routing correctly.

11. Restore Your Website From a Backup

The existence of compatibility problems may occasionally result in the 405 HTTP error. Restoring the website from the most recent backup may be a good option if other troubleshooting techniques have failed. Depending on the platform being used, there are several steps involved in restoring a website from a backup.

Recommended: HTTP Status 200 Explained

Conclusion

When a server returns a 405 Method Not Allowed error, it means that it has received a request from a web browser but has decided to ignore the HTTP method used. As a result, this error prohibits website users from obtaining the intended material.

It is critical to resolve the 405 Method Not Allowed error. This helps your website function well so that users can access and engage with its content. Follow the above steps. We hope at least one on our list will help you.