What is '401 Bad Request'?
"401 Bad Request" is an HTTP response status code error that usually occurs when the request sent by the client can't be authenticated. Similarly, a "401 Unauthorized Error" may indicate that the requested source is restricted and needs authentication but the client was unable to provide it.
The error may also manifest in other forms like, "401 Unauthorized", "Authorization Required", or "HTTP Error 401 - Unauthorized." Users may see the error displayed inside a web browser window.
How can you fix '401 Bad Request'?
Some of the common fixes include:
- Making sure your credentials are correct
Please see our in-depth walk-through solutions below.
1. Make sure your credentials are correct
“401 Bad Request” may appear when you access a website that has a security feature that was not met, such as incorrect username and password. This error may also occur in an application that uses a web-based user interface (UI) such as a router, modem, and firewall. It appears when you access the application using a non-administrative account, using a computer with a MAC address or IP address that has limited access or has no access at all, or accessing the UI in an incorrect way like accessing a router UI using WiFi access.
To avoid this on a website, make sure you input the correct credentials, correct website, and by answering the security features correctly. Check email for any account verification email, reset a password, and any related email for your website account. Contact the webmaster for more information and help, in case you might have been blocked by the webmaster.
For the web-based applications, make sure your account is an administrative account if you are using a normal account ask the administrator's assistance. Also, make sure the website is not blocked by your network administrator. For hardware with a web-based UI, check the manual on how to access it correctly.