405 Method Not Allowed: 9 Ways To Fix It

When someone explores your website, it is a good bet that they will easily get annoyed or leave if they see an error page. This can lead to a lot of lost business and sales.

One of the more common errors you should pay attention to is an HTTP response status code called “405 Method Not Allowed”.

In this 405 Method Not Allowed post, we will look at the meaning and significance of that code, its impact on the website experience & how to efficiently prevent it.

Table of Contents

• What Is The HTTP 405 Method Not Allowed Error?
• What Causes The Status Code 405 Method Not Allowed?
• How To Fix The HTTP 405 Method Not Allowed: 9 Ways To Follow
  • 1. Use Appropriate URLs
  • 2. Verify The HTTP Method
  • 3. Verify Resource Permissions
  • 4. Review API Documentation
  • 5. Check The Server-side Logs
  • 6. Check The Server Configuration
  • 7. Consider Web Framework or Content Management Systems Requirements
  • 8. Revert Updates or Uninstall Extensions, Theme, or Plugins
  • 9. Try Other HTTP Methods or Contact To The Support Team
• Conclusion

What Is The HTTP 405 Method Not Allowed Error?

The 405 Method Not Allowed error is under the 4xx Status Response which occurs between a client (also known as a web browser, in most cases) and a server.

When a web browser fails to access the requested page, it will show a warning message indicating that the web server has recognized a client’s request to access the website but rejects the specific HTTP method.

This specifies that the target resource does not support the request method used by the client. In simple words, this means that the server is aware of the HTTP method set out in a request such as GET, POST, PUT, DELETE, etc. However, it does not allow specific methods to be used by the requested resource.

Understanding the different HTTP methods is essential in order to get to know what this HTTP 405 Method Not Allowed means. Different methods have distinct purposes and are suited to interact with web resources in various ways. Below are the most common methods that you can refer to:

• GET: Retrieves the information from a given resource

• POST: Delivers data for processing to an appropriate resource

• PUT: Updates a resource that contains new data

• DELETE: Removes the specified resource

To easily differentiate 405 error from other errors, you should be aware that there are commonly 5 different encountered HTTP response status codes as followings:

• 1xx Status Response Informational: Indicates that the request has been received and the server is continuing the process.

• 2xx Status Response - Success: Indicates that the request is successful.

• 3xx Status Response - Redirection: Indicates that further action needs to be taken to complete the request.

• 4xx Status Response - Client Errors: Indicates that there was an error on the client’s side, such as a malformed request or unauthorized access.

• 5xx Status Response - Server Errors: Indicates that there was an error on the server’s side, such as a server being temporarily unavailable or encountering an unexpected error.

What Causes The Status Code 405 Method Not Allowed?

The server turned into a 405 Method Not Allowed when a client attempts to use an HTTP method that is not allowed or supported for the requested resource. For better understanding, the followings are the examples you can refer to:

• The requested resource does not allow the HTTP method: This method specified in the request has been recognized by the server; however, it is not allowed to be used on the requested resource. For instance, if a client tries to use a method like PUT or DELETE on a resource that only permits the GET or POST requests, the server will respond with a status code 405 Method Not Allowed error.

• Misconfigured server: Unconfigured settings for some HTTP methods limited to specific resources may be present on the server. This could result from a human error, improper server configuration, or security measures in place.

• Inappropriate URL or endpoint: The server will result in the HTTP 405 Method Not Allowed error if a client uses the incorrect URL or Endpoint. Please note that the URL should be carefully double-checked and pointed to the intended resource.

• Developer mistakes: Developers working on web applications or APIs may encounter the 405 Method Not Allowed error if they mistakenly send a request to the wrong endpoint or use an unsupported method for a specific resource.

• Server-side limitations: For security or policy reasons, some servers have restrictions in place that limit or block certain HTTP methods. There are a few possible causes, such as server configuration, security policies, and framework & middleware limitations.

Note that: Depending on how a client interacts with the server, application, or APIs, the exact cause of the status code 405 Method Not Allowed may differ. In a specific context, you can gain additional insight into the cause of an error by examining server log files or looking for documentation and support resources supplied by your server or application.

How To Fix The HTTP 405 Method Not Allowed: 9 Ways To Follow

Given that the 405 Method Not Allowed response code is considered a client-side error, it is best to begin troubleshooting any issues arising from client interactions. However, there is a fact that the web browser or device being used for accessing the application is referred to as ‘client.’

Thus, besides checking client-side elements, you can typically focus on the server-side code, server configurations, and backend components. The logic and functionality of the server that handles data processing, business rules, and communication with databases or other external systems shall be covered.

Following are some recommendations you can try on the browser or device giving you the problems to successfully resolve them.

1. Use Appropriate URLs

Incorrect URLs can sometimes trigger the “405 Method Not Allowed” error. If you input the wrong URL, the browser will result in a page that does not exist.

There are some common cases, such as: using a missing letter or misspelled word in the URL. Generally, many web servers will disallow access to improper URLs. Note that: Double-check that your URL is correct and points to the intended resource.

2. Verify The HTTP Method

As mentioned above, the HTTP response status codes in the 4xx category are often considered client error responses. Thus, double-check the HTTP method you use to access the resource.

Standard methods include GET, POST, PUT, DELETE, etc. The chosen method should match the allowed ones for the requested resource. For instance, if the resource only allows GET requests, ensure you’re not using a POST or PUT method.

3. Verify Resource Permissions

Before attempting to access a resource, verify its permissions. The server may fail to accept some HTTP methods when the permissions are set incorrectly. In order to prevent the 405 Method Not Allowed error resulting from developer mistakes, review of and correction of code are essential.

The developers should thoroughly check their code and verify whether or not they’re targeting the correct endpoints to ensure that each HTTP request is supported by the right HTTP method.

For this purpose, you should inspect the API documentation, and server specifications or communicate with administrators so that your code aligns with the expected behavior of the server. Ensure that the resource will allow you to use your method.

4. Review API Documentation

If you are working with an API, consult the API documentation to ensure you use a valid HTTP approach for your specific endpoint.

For various resources, APIs often contain guidelines or limitations on supported methods. Note that: You have to adhere to the documented requirements.

5. Check The Server-side Logs

Every web application will store the majority form of server-side logs. Application logs are the history of the app’s actions, such as pages requested, installed servers, database results, etc.

The server logs are associated with the hardware used to run this application. Detailed information on the health and status of any connected service or server itself is provided in logs.

6. Check The Server Configuration

Specific restrictions or configuration settings may be introduced on your server to prevent some HTTP methods from being used for this resource. Check server configuration files like the .htaccess file for Apache servers to ensure the HTTP method you want is allowed.

7. Consider Web Framework or Content Management Systems Requirements

Generally, a particular web framework or Content Management System (or CMS) may have specific requirements or configurations related to HTTP methods.

To find out if there are any specific considerations to address the 405 Method Not Allowed error, it is best to check the framework’s documentation or the community forums.

Besides, you better run into cross-origin resource sharing (CORS) limitations when you submit requests from different domains or ports than the server. Make sure that the server’s configuration allows cross-origin requests if needed.

8. Revert Updates or Uninstall Extensions, Theme, or Plugins

The code for your website can be modified when you install a theme, plugin, or extension. Updates to any of these elements may cause server-side changes that may cause any issues.

Try to restore all the recent updates you have done on your website, platform, extensions, themes, modules, or plugins. Or, you can try uninstalling and reinstalling this again if the error message appears.

Caution: these extensions may control the system at all times and will make virtually any changes. This is why, in case you suddenly experience the HTTP 405 Method Not Allowed error, it may be wise to uninstall any new extensions.

9. Try Other HTTP Methods or Contact To The Support Team

In case all else fails, and it is still impossible to resolve the issue, try another browser, or use other HTTP methods if available. Besides, if you are approaching a third-party service or API, contact their support team for any support. According to their system, they may provide you with specific guidance.

Conclusion

The 405 Method Not Allowed error is an HTTP status code under the 4xx response category that indicates a mismatch between the requested HTTP method and the supported methods for a particular resource owing to method restrictions.

It is nearly inevitable that you will be encountered with one or several error messages at some point, whatever the particulars or careful optimization of your website have been done. When you understand this error, you can resolve problems in your interaction with web resources.

Thus, you should address the issue quickly when this happens to retain visitors interested in your website. Ensuring double-checking the requests and ensuring proper server configuration, you can effectively resolve the status code 405 Method Not Allowed and continue browsing the web seamlessly.