For developers and users alike, few messages are as simultaneously clear and frustrating as the HTTP 405 "Method Not Allowed" error. This problem occurs when a web client, like a browser, attempts to use an HTTP method that is explicitly forbidden by the server for a specific resource, for instance, trying to submit a form with a POST request to a URL that is only designed to retrieve data with a GET request.
To navigate this issue, this article provides a clear guide to the common causes of a 405 error and delivers actionable solutions for everyone, from quick user checks to developer-level debugging with testing services.
What is HTTP Error 405?
HTTP Error 405, or "405 Method Not Allowed," is a server response indicating that the requested HTTP method is not supported for the target resource. For example, if a user tries to send a POST request to a URL that only accepts GET requests, the server will return a 405 error. This status code is part of the HTTP/1.1 specification and is designed to help clients understand which methods are permitted for a given endpoint.
HTTP methods define the action to be performed on a resource. The most common methods include:
- GET: Retrieve data from a server.
- POST: Submit data to be processed.
- PUT: Update existing data.
- DELETE: Remove data.
A typical scenario for a 405 error is when a form on a website is configured to accept only POST requests, but a user or script tries to access it using a GET request. The server responds with a 405 error to indicate that the method is not allowed.
Common Causes of Error 405
A 405 error occurs when there's a disagreement between the client and server about which HTTP method is appropriate for a given resource. The table below outlines where this miscommunication typically originates.
| Category | Specific Cause | Description |
| Client-Side Issues | Incorrect URL or Method | The user's browser or application uses an HTTP method (like POST) that is not supported by the URL they are trying to access. |
| Browser Misconfigurations | Cached data, outdated browser settings, or interfering extensions can cause the browser to send an incorrect or unexpected type of request. | |
| Server-Side Issues | Misconfigured Web Server | The server software (e.g., Apache, Nginx) has been configured with overly restrictive rules that disallow valid HTTP methods for a resource. |
| Disabled Methods | For security reasons, server administrators may intentionally disable powerful methods like PUT or DELETE on certain parts of a website. | |
| CMS or Plugin Issues | A content management system (like WordPress) or one of its plugins may incorrectly handle or restrict HTTP methods, often due to a bug or conflict. |
How to Fix Error 405: Step-by-Step Solutions
When you encounter a 405 Method Not Allowed error, a systematic approach can help you quickly identify and resolve the issue. The steps below are tailored both for web users who may face this error on websites and for website administrators who must fix it on the server side.
| For Whom | Solution / Step | Description / Action |
| Web Users | 1. Double-Check the URL | Ensure the URL is correct and points to a valid resource. A typo can sometimes trigger this error. |
| 2. Clear Browser Cache | Clear your browser's cached files and data, as a stale cache can cause request conflicts. | |
| 3. Contact Website Admin | If the issue persists, the problem is server-side. Report the error and the action you were trying to perform to the website's administrators. | |
| Website Administrators | Solution 1: Enable HTTP Methods | Check web server configurations (e.g., Apache's AllowMethods or Nginx's limit_except directives) to ensure the required HTTP method (POST, GET, etc.) is enabled for the resource. |
| Solution 2: Check CMS Plugins/Extensions | A recently installed or updated plugin/extension might be causing the conflict. Disable plugins one by one to identify the culprit, then rollback or uninstall it. | |
| Solution 3: Fix Source Code | Review the application's source code for incorrect HTTP method bindings (e.g., a form configured for POST but the server route only accepts GET). Correct the method in both HTML and server-side code. | |
| Solution 4: Web Server Configuration | Check for configuration errors in files like .htaccess (Apache) or server blocks (Nginx). Common issues include incorrect rewrite rules or method restrictions in these files. |
How to Prevent Future Error 405 Issues
Proactive measures can significantly reduce the occurrence of 405 Method Not Allowed errors and improve your site's overall reliability.
1. Balance Security with Usability
Configure your server to allow only the HTTP methods that are essential for your application's function. For instance, disable unused methods like PUT, DELETE, or TRACE on public endpoints if they are not required. This practice hardens your security posture but requires careful planning to ensure legitimate functionality, such as form submissions or API calls, continues to work without interruption.
2. Conduct Regular Audits of Your Systems
Schedule periodic reviews of your server configuration files (e.g., .htaccess for Apache, nginx.conf for Nginx) and any installed CMS plugins or extensions. Updates to this software can sometimes reset or alter method permissions. A regular audit helps you catch these changes proactively before they cause errors for your users.
3. Implement Robust Custom Code
When developing custom applications or APIs, ensure your code clearly defines and validates the allowed methods for each resource. Use strict conditionals to check the request method and return a clear 405 error with an Allow header that lists the permitted methods, rather than allowing a framework's default behavior to cause a conflict.
4. Utilize API Gateways and Routing Rules
For complex applications, especially those with microservices or a dedicated API, employ an API gateway. This layer gives you a central point to manage, route, and restrict HTTP methods for all your endpoints, simplifying security and reducing configuration errors across multiple servers.
5. Maintain Comprehensive Documentation
Keep detailed and up-to-date documentation for your API and web resources. Clearly specify which HTTP methods (e.g., GET, POST) each endpoint accepts. This prevents front-end developers and third-party consumers from attempting to use an incorrect method, which is a common source of 405 errors.
405 Error Code and SEO Implications
Prolonged 405 errors directly harm user experience and SEO. They block user actions and search engine crawlers, which can cause bounce rates to rise and search rankings to fall.
Let’s discover key impacts and solutions:
| Aspect | Impact | SEO-Friendly Solution |
| User Experience | Creates a dead-end, frustrating users and increasing bounce rates. | Implement a custom 405 page with helpful links and a clear explanation to guide users back to your site. |
| Crawlability & Indexing | Wastes crawl budget and can prevent search engines from properly indexing your site. | Fix the server-side misconfiguration causing the error. For permanently moved resources, use a 301 redirect to the correct URL. |
| Site Authority | Signals poor site maintenance to search engines, which can hurt overall rankings over time. | Proactively monitor for 405 errors using tools like Google Search Console and resolve them promptly. |
Final Thoughts on the 405 Status Code
Error 405 demands a clear and methodical approach to resolution. The key steps involve URL verification, cache clearance, and for site administrators, a thorough audit of server configurations, CMS components, and application code.
A prompt response remains key. Quick action restores site functionality for visitors and safeguards your SEO performance. It ensures search engines can properly crawl your content and that users experience smooth interactions with your site. Implement the solutions outlined in this guide to efficiently resolve Error 405, maintain site reliability, and protect your search engine rankings.
Frequently Asked Questions
A 404 (Not Found) error means the server cannot find the requested URL or resource. The page simply doesn't exist at that address. A 405 (Method Not Allowed) error means the URL exists, but the HTTP method used to access it (like GET, POST, PUT) is not supported for that specific resource.
The root cause is a server-side configuration or code issue where a specific URL is accessed with an HTTP verb that has been explicitly disabled or is not implemented for that endpoint. For example, trying to POST data to a form handler that only accepts GET requests.
For website visitors:
- Verify the URL for accuracy
- Clear your browser cache and cookies
- Contact the website administrator if the problem continues
For website administrators:
- Enable the proper HTTP methods in server configuration
- Check for plugin or extension conflicts in your CMS
- Correct HTTP method bindings in your application code
- Review and fix web server configuration files (like .htaccess)
The 4xx and 5xx status code families cover a range of client and server issues. Common related errors include the 403 Forbidden (access denied) and and 409 Conflict (a request conflict with the current state of the resource) on the client side, and server-side issues like the 502 Bad Gateway and 504 Gateway Timeout. For a full comparison, see our guide on 401 vs 403 Errors.
