One of the most common and annoying errors we face while browsing the web on devices like computers, phones, and tablets is the “400 Bad Request” error.
This error occurs when a web server acquires a request from your browser that it cannot understand. Essentially, it’s the server’s way of saying, “I didn’t get what you’re asking for.”
Although the error message itself isn’t very detailed, its classification as an HTTP 4xx code indicates that it’s a problem on the client side, meaning it originates from your device or browser.
Fortunately, the 400 Bad Request error is typically not severe and doesn’t usually disrupt service. There are various methods to resolve it.
In this guide, we’ll explain what the 400 Bad Request error is, what triggers it, and how you can fix it.
We’ll provide step-by-step instructions to help you address the issue effectively.
By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clear understanding of this error and how to resolve it successfully!
So, let’s dive right in!
What is an HTTP 400 Bad Request Error?
When the web server cannot understand the request that your browser submitted, it will return an HTTP error number 400.
This HTTP 4xx problem comes to a group of issues that are referred to as client errors as the client, which might be the browser or local device, frequently causes them instead of the hosting server.
But occasionally, the 400 poor request error is different from a client problem. That is usually the case when a file is uploaded to a website.
Examples:
The “400 Bad Request” error can show up in different forms, such as:
- Bad Request – Invalid URL
- HTTP Error 400
- HTTP Error 400 – Bad Request
- HTTP Status 400 – Bad Request
- 400 – Bad Request. The server was unable to comprehend the request because of improper syntax. The client must not make the same request twice without changing it.
- Bad Request. This server was unable to comprehend the request that was provided by your browser.
- 400 Bad Request. Request Header Or Cookie Too Large
- Bad Request – Error 400
Encountering this error can be irritating as it prevents access to the website without providing helpful guidance. Let’s explore some of the most common reasons behind it.
What Causes HTTP 400 Bad Request Error?
HTTP 400 Bad Request errors typically arise from issues on the client side, primarily involving your browser or device.
While there are rare instances where network or server problems may corrupt the message en route, the majority of HTTP 400 errors originate from the client.
Common causes of HTTP error 400 include:
- Incorrect URLs: Using URLs that are invalid or improperly formatted can trigger this error.
- Message corruption during transit: Sometimes, the data gets corrupted while being transmitted between your device and the server.
- Data inconsistency: Discrepancies in the browser cache or cookies can lead to this error.
- Browser extensions: Certain browser extensions might interfere with HTTP requests, causing them to fail.
- Uploading oversized files: Attempting to upload files that exceed the website’s size limits can result in a 400 error.
5 Ways to Fix HTTP 400 Bad Request Error
1. Force the Page to Reload
The first thing we usually do when a website doesn’t load properly is to refresh the page.
When a browser experiences a forced refresh, it is instructed to request a fresh copy of the page from the server and disregard any cached copies it may have.
It’s quick, simple, and frequently resolves a lot of the more typical problems.
To force a browser refresh, use one of these key combos.
- Chrome on Windows: Ctrl + F5
- Chrome on Mac: Command + Shift + R
- Firefox on Windows: Ctrl + F5
- Firefox on Mac: Command + Shift + R
- Safari: Command + Option + R
- Microsoft Edge: Ctrl + F5
2. Verify the URL twice
To address the 400 Bad Request error, it’s important to double-check the URL for any potential issues. Here are some common errors to watch out for:
- Typing Mistakes: Spelling errors in the domain name or URL path can cause this error.
For example, typing “www.nestify.com/features” instead of “www.nestify.com/feotures.“
- Incorrect Use of Special Characters: URLs may contain special symbols like the hyphen (–) or percentage (%) for specific formatting purposes. Incorrectly including or omitting these characters can lead to problems.
For instance, “www.nestify.com/%features” consists of an extra percentage, which can trigger a 400 error.
- Badly Encoded URLs: URLs commonly use ASCII character encoding for transferring data on the internet. A typical encoding example is replacing a space with “%20.”
Improper encoding, such as using double percentage characters (%%), can result in syntax errors.
An example of an improperly encoded URL is “www.nestify.com/features%20%%20example.”
If you suspect that the URL is incorrectly encoded, use an encoder/decoder tool to decode the URL back to its original format and then re-encode it with the proper syntax and format.
3. Clear Browser Cache
To address HTTP 400 errors caused by corrupted or improperly loaded cookies, clearing your browser cookies can often fix the issue. Follow these steps to clear your browser cookies:
Access the cookie page of your browser using one of the following shortcuts:
- Chrome on Windows: Ctrl + Shift + Delete
- Chrome on Mac: Command + Shift + Delete
- Firefox on Windows: Ctrl + Shift + Delete
- Firefox on Mac: Command + Shift + Delete
- Safari: Go to Settings > Safari > Clear History and Website Data
- Microsoft Edge: Command + Shift + Delete
Once on the cookie page, delete cookies and cached data.
Retest the URL you’re trying to reach. If the page loads successfully, it indicates that the HTTP 400 error was indeed caused by a cookie issue.
If the page still doesn’t load, proceed to try the next troubleshooting step.
Also read: How To Clear Browser Cache In The Latest Versions of All Major Browsers
4. Deactivate Browser Extension
To troubleshoot HTTP 400 errors possibly caused by browser extensions, consider disabling any recently added extensions or those that may affect web traffic.
Follow these steps to deactivate extensions in various browsers:
- In Chrome: Go to Settings > Navigate to More Tools > Extensions > Toggle off all extensions.
- In Firefox: Go to Settings > Select Add-ons and Themes > Toggle off all extensions.
- In Microsoft Edge: Go to Settings > Choose Extensions >Toggle off all extensions.
- In Safari: Go to Safari > Preferences > Select Extensions > Toggle off all extensions.
For other browsers, the process is likely similar to Chrome or Firefox. Disable extensions using a similar method and then retest the URL to see if the HTTP 400 error persists.
5. Clear DNS Cache
To resolve HTTP 400 errors caused by DNS cache issues, you can flush the DNS cache on your computer. Here’s how to do it:
For Windows:
- Type ‘cmd’ into the Windows search box.
- Right-click the Command Prompt entry in the menu and select “Open as Administrator.”
- Type ‘ipconfig /flushdns‘ and press Enter.
- Retry accessing the website.
For Mac:
- Open Terminal.
- Type ‘dscacheutil -flushcache‘ and press Enter.
- Retry accessing the website.
If the website loads correctly after flushing the DNS cache, it indicates there was likely corruption, old data, or a data mismatch in your DNS cache. You should now be able to access the website as usual.
Also read: The Easy Guide To Clear DNS Cache
Final Say
Solving the HTTP 400 Bad Request error is crucial for seamless browsing and accessing websites without interruptions. By following the fastest troubleshooting methods outlined above, users can quickly identify and address common causes of this error.
Whether it’s refreshing the page, double-checking the URL, clearing browser cookies, deactivating browser extensions, or clearing the DNS cache, these steps can effectively tackle HTTP 400 errors and restore normal browsing functionality.
By understanding and implementing these solutions, users can minimize downtime and enjoy a smoother web browsing experience.
FAQs on HTTP 400 Bad Request
What exactly is an HTTP 400 Bad Request error?
The HTTP 400 Bad Request error is a response code indicating that the server cannot process the request due to invalid syntax or formatting issues in the client’s request. It often occurs when accessing a website or submitting a form.
What are the common causes of an HTTP 400 error?
Common causes include incorrectly formatted URLs, corrupted browser cookies, problematic browser extensions, oversized requests, or DNS cache inconsistencies.
How can I quickly fix an HTTP 400 error?
You can try several quick fixes, such as force refreshing the page, double-checking the URL for errors, clearing browser cookies, deactivating browser extensions, or flushing the DNS cache.
Why should I force refresh a web page?
Force refreshing the page instructs your browser to bypass cached versions and request a fresh copy from the server. This can resolve issues caused by outdated or corrupted cached data.
Is clearing browser cookies safe?
Yes, clearing browser cookies is safe and can help resolve HTTP 400 errors caused by corrupted or outdated cookies. It does not affect your personal data or passwords saved on websites.
