A 401 Error means that a user is unauthorized to access a webpage. It typically means the server requires authentication, but the client has not provided valid credentials.
We have all experienced it—eagerly trying to explore a website, only to be halted by an annoying error message. It can drive users away, causing loss of traffic. The 401 Error also indicates issues that need fixing to keep the site accessible and trustworthy.
And if that is not frustrating, lack of information to resolve this issue can cause more damage.
But rest assured.
Here is a guide to get past the 401-status code, so you can get back to what you were doing without missing a beat.
What is “401 Error” (Unauthorized Access)?
The 401 error is an HTTP status code that indicates the request sent to a website’s server does not include valid authentication credentials. While the web server acknowledge the request, it declines to authorize it.
This error is a client-side issue that occurs when attempting to access a password-protected website without providing valid credentials. It can happen in any browser when visitors fail to provide the correct authentication, due to reasons such as incorrect URLs, outdated browser cache or cookies, or plugin misconfiguration.
As a result, visitors may see different variations of 401 error messages depending on the browser they are using.
What are the variations of 401 authentication error?
When you encounter a 401-response code, your browser will display an error message instead of the intended webpage. These messages help identify the specific type of 401 error you are facing. Common messages include:
- HTTP Error 401
- 401 Authorization Required
- 401 Unauthorized Error
- Access Denied
- Unauthorized
Each variation provides clues about why the authentication failed, aiding in diagnosing and resolving the issue. Here is a detailed list of various 401 error codes and their specific meanings:
401.1: The login attempt failed, typically due to incorrect authentication credentials.
401.2: The login attempt was blocked by server configuration issues, preventing successful authentication.
401.3: Access is denied due to the access control list (ACL) settings, which restrict resource access based on user permissions.
401.501: The client has generated an excessive number of requests or has reached the maximum request limit.
401.502: This error occurs when a client (same IP) sends multiple requests to a single server, reaching the dynamic IP restriction concurrent request rate limit.
401.503: The client’s IP address is on the server’s deny list.
401.504: The client’s hostname is on the server’s deny list.
READ: Common Web Hosting Problems and How to Fix Them
What are the causes of a 401 error?
Some of the most common causes of a 401 error include:
Outdated browser cache and cookies
Expired cache data and cookies can prevent your browser’s requests from going through.
Plugin incompatibility
Incompatible or malfunctioning plugins, especially security ones, can mistakenly block login attempts.
Restricted .htaccess file
Misconfigured .htaccess files on Apache servers can cause 401 errors due to incorrect authentication directives or permissions.
Incorrect URL
Verify that the URL you are attempting to access is accurate.
Session timeout
Your session might have expired. In this case, you will have to log back in to resolve the error.
Misconfigured permissions
Server settings might be incorrectly set, denying access to legitimate users.
Faulty authentication methods
Entering the wrong username or password is a common cause of this error.
How to fix 401 Error?
Though encountering a 401 error can be frustrating, understanding the steps to resolve it can help restore access quickly. A few effective methods given below can help you troubleshoot and fix the 401 error, ensuring a smoother browsing experience.
Verify the URL
Incorrect URLs often cause 401 HTTP status codes. Double-check that the address is correctly typed in your browser’s address bar, especially if it contains special characters or numbers.
Typos in links from other sites can also trigger this error. If you are unsure, start from the website’s homepage or use a search engine to find the correct pages.
Verify authentication credentials
Encountering a 401-error page often indicates an attempt to access restricted resources, such as a password-protected page or using invalid authentication credentials. Consequently, you will be unable to access the desired page.
Ensure that you are logged in with correct and valid user credentials. If you are confident in the accuracy of your authentication details, consider resetting your password.
For users encountering issues with accessing password-protected WordPress sites, familiarity with changing the WordPress admin password is crucial.
Additionally, adjusting your WordPress theme can be done directly through File Manager and phpMyAdmin, bypassing the need to access the admin dashboard.
Disable your WordPress plugins
If you are encountering a 401 error on your WordPress site, the issue may not be with your browser alone—it could be caused by one or more plugins.
Certain plugins, especially those focused on security, may trigger a 401 error if they detect suspicious login attempts, indicating a security threat. Others might simply be incompatible with your current setup. To troubleshoot, deactivate all WordPress plugins simultaneously:
- Navigate to your WordPress dashboard and go to Plugins > Installed Plugins.
- Select all plugins by checking the box at the top.
- From the Bulk Actions drop-down menu, choose Deactivate, then click Apply.
- After deactivating the plugins, reload the page that was displaying the 401 error to check if the issue is resolved. If it is, you can then reactivate each plugin one by one to identify which one is causing the problem.
Once identified, consider replacing the problematic plugin, updating it, or reaching out to the developer for further assistance.
Examine your website’s .htaccess file
If none of the previously mentioned methods resolve the 401 error, it is advisable to inspect your site’s .htaccess file. Password protection often extends beyond your hosting panel. To proceed:
Access your File Manager or FTP client, locate the .htaccess file, and review its code for any misconfiguration or directives causing access issues.
Adjust website security settings
As a website developer, resolving a 401 error and granting client access to web pages can involve adjusting security settings. Here is how you can disable password protection:
- Access your hosting panel through Site Tools.
- Navigate to the Security section.
- Select Protected URLs.
- Click on Manage Protected URLs.
- Delete unnecessary protection settings listed under the Actions column.
READ: What Is a 502 Bad Gateway Error and How to Fix It
Preventing the occurrence of the 401 error
Prevention is indeed better than cure, especially when it comes to avoiding the inconvenience of a 401 error. Here are some best practices to help prevent encountering a 401 error:
- Implement strong and secure authentication mechanisms.
- Keep your systems regularly updated.
- Ensure permissions and rules are accurately configured to prevent unauthorized access to protected resources.
- Maintain thorough documentation of your website’s configurations and security measures.
- Educate users on the importance of securing their login information and updating it periodically.
- Conduct regular testing of your website, particularly after making changes, to ensure smooth operation.
- Use website monitoring tools to promptly detect and address errors like 401 Unauthorized Errors.
- If using APIs, ensure they are secure and require appropriate authentication methods.
Conclusively, preventing or addressing the 401 error is not particularly challenging, once you are familiar with the key solutions.
Still if you feel you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to leave them in the comment section below. We would be happy to help!
FAQs – 401 error
How do 401 and 403 errors differ?
A 401 error indicates unauthorized access typically caused by invalid or missing credentials. On the other hand, a 403 error signifies forbidden access to a page, even with valid credentials, usually due to permissions configured by the website administrator.
What impact does a 401-status code have on server speed and performance?
A 401-status code, which signifies unauthorized access, can significantly affect server speed and performance. When numerous unauthorized access attempts are made, they consume server resources, potentially causing delays in responding to legitimate requests.
How can you resolve a 401 unauthorized access error due to invalid credentials?
If the cached page is outdated or has been altered, it can result in a discrepancy between the stored data and the current server version, leading to a 401 error. In such instances, you can resolve the issue by clearing your browser’s cache and cookies.
