HTTP Status Codes Explained: What They Are and Why They Matter?  

Key highlights  

• Understand what HTTP status codes are, what each code means and how the response code tells the user agent what to do. 
• Learn to check HTTP status codes with browser tools, online checkers, command-line utilities or your hosting dashboard. 
• Detect and fix broken links, failed requests and server errors to boost SEO performance and improve user experience.

• Explore the five main categories of HTTP status codes to diagnose issues and apply the correct fix for each type. 

• Uncover ways to use hosting features and best practices to monitor, prevent and troubleshoot status code issues effectively. 

Have you ever clicked on a link and got a “Page Not Found” message instead? That’s your first meeting with HTTP status codes! 

These short numeric codes are your  website’s way of talking to visitors’ browsers. Think of them as basic messages saying “everything’s good” or “oops, something went wrong.” When you know what each code means, you can fix problems before they chase away customers. From the friendly 200 “success” message to frustrating HTTP error codes like 404, this easy HTTP error codes list blog will help you speak your website’s language and keep visitors happy. 

TL;DR 

• What they are: HTTP status codes are three-digit server responses that tell browsers whether web requests succeeded, failed or need redirection.
• Why they matter: Understanding what each code means helps you quickly diagnose site issues, improve user experience and boost SEO rankings.
• Complete coverage: This http error codes list covers all five categories (1xx-5xx) from successful 200 OK to problematic 404 Not Found and 500 Internal Server Error.
• Practical value: Get actionable fixes for common http error codes to keep your website running smoothly and search engine-friendly.
• Bottom line: Master these status codes to prevent visitor frustration and protect your search rankings. Use Bluehost hosting with built-in monitoring and CodeGuard backups to prevent 404s and downtime. 

Overview of the most common HTTP error codes explained 

Code	Meaning	Action	TL;DR
200	OK	No fix needed	Request successful, content served as expected.
301	Moved Permanently	Update links	Content has moved permanently. Update old URLs to new ones.
302	Temporary Redirect	Use only short-term	Redirect is temporary; keep old URLs for the time being.
404	Not Found	Fix or redirect	Page not found, fix the link or create a redirect.
500	Server Error	Check logs, hosting	Internal server error, check server logs for troubleshooting.
502	Bad Gateway	Check server configuration	Server acting as a gateway got an invalid response, troubleshoot config.
503	Service Unavailable	Try again later	Service unavailable, try later or check hosting status.
504	Gateway Timeout	Check server responsiveness	Server did not respond in time; check gateway or hosting.
301 (Permanent)	Moved Permanently	Permanent move, update links	Update URLs to avoid traffic loss and maintain SEO rankings.
304	Not Modified	No action required	Content hasn’t changed, continue using the cached version.

What are HTTP status codes?  

HTTP status codes are three-digit numbers that the server sends as a response code to the user’s user agent. They indicate what the code means for page requests, such as success, redirection or error. They help diagnose issues and keep your website optimized. Every response is part of the official list of http status codes used across the web. 

• Show the status of the request between your browser and the web server. 
• Identify success, redirection, client errors or server errors. 
• Inform browsers and search engines about what happened with a page request. 
• Help developers resolve website issues more quickly. 
• Ensure users get the right content or message instead of a broken page. 

When you visit a page: 

• HTTP status codes 200 confirm the request was successful and the page loaded correctly. 
• A 404 Not Found means the server couldn’t find the requested page. 

 Think of these like the internet’s quick status updates- short messages that instantly tell you and the server what’s happening. 

How to check HTTP status codes?  

You can check HTTP status codes in several quick ways without needing advanced technical skills. These methods help you find whether a page is loading correctly or showing an error. 

1. Check through your browser 

• Open the page you want to inspect. 

• Right-click and choose ‘Inspect’ or press Ctrl+Shift+I (Windows) or Cmd+Option+I (Mac). 

• Go to the ‘Network’ tab. 

• Refresh the page and check the ‘Status’ column to see the HTTP response status codes. 

2. Use online tools 

• Search for ‘HTTP status code checker’ in your browser to find detailed HTTP error codes list and explanations.
• Enter the page URL to instantly see the response code. 
• Many tools show additional details like redirect chains and server response times. 

3. Use command-line tools 

• If you’re comfortable with terminal commands, run: 

curl -I [https://example].[com] 

• The response will show the status code at the top. 

4. Check server logs 

• If you manage your website hosting, you can open server logs from your hosting dashboard. 

• Look for the log entries that include the status code next to each request. 

Why check HTTP status codes regularly? 

• Detect broken links fast: Spot issues like 404 Not Found before users or search engines do. 
• Monitor SEO health: Ensure your important pages return a 200 OK or the correct redirect codes. 
• Resolve errors quickly: Fix issues like 500 Internal Server Error or 403 Forbidden or http status codes 400 when the request is invalid. 
• Enhance site user experience: Immediate troubleshooting means smoother browsing for your visitors. 

What are HTTP status code categories?  

HTTP status codes are grouped into five main categories, each indicating a different type of response from the server. 

Understanding these most common HTTP status codes categories helps you read web server messages faster and respond with the right fixes. 

Category	Code	Meaning
1xx – Informational Responses	100 Continue	The server is ready for the rest of the request to be sent.
	101 Switching Protocols	The server agrees to change the communication protocol.
	102 Processing	The server has accepted the request, but no status was available at the time of the response.
	103 Early Hints	The server sends preliminary headers before the full response.
2xx – Successful Responses	200 OK	The request was successful and the response contains the requested data.
	201 Created	The request succeeded and a new resource was made.
	202 Accepted	The request was received but is not yet completed.
	203 Non-Authoritative Information	The response comes from a third-party source, not the original server.
	204 No Content	The server successfully processed the request but returns no content in the response body.
	205 Reset Content	The server fulfilled the request and instructs the user agent to reset the document.
	206 Partial Content	The server is sending only part of the requested resource.
	207 Multi-Status	The response includes status results for multiple resources.
	208 Already Reported	Used in WebDAV; indicates that members of a DAV binding have already been enumerated in a previous part of the response.
	226 IM Used	The server completed a GET request returning a response that includes one or more instance-manipulations applied to the current resource.
3xx – Redirection Messages	300 Multiple Choices	Several options exist and the client should choose one.
	301 Moved Permanently	The resource has a new permanent location.
	302 Found (Moved Temporarily)	The resource is temporarily at a different location.
	303 See Other	The client should retrieve the resource from another URL using GET.
	304 Not Modified	The resource has not changed since the last request.
	305 Use Proxy (Deprecated)	The resource must be accessed via a proxy server.
	307 Temporary Redirect	The resource is temporarily at another location; method remains the same.
	308 Permanent Redirect	The resource has a permanent new location; method remains the same.
4xx – Client Error Responses	400 Bad Request	The server cannot process the request due to invalid input.
	401 Unauthorized	The request needs valid login or authentication details.
	402 Payment Required	Reserved for future payment-based access control.
	403 Forbidden	The server understands the request but refuses to authorize it.
	404 Not Found	The server cannot find the requested page or resource.
	405 Method Not Allowed	The method used in the request is not permitted for this resource.
	406 Not Acceptable	The requested resource cannot return data in an acceptable format.
	407 Proxy Authentication Required	The client must log in to a proxy before continuing.
	408 Request Timeout	The server waited too long for the request and closed the connection.
	409 Conflict	The request conflicts with the current state of the server.
	410 Gone	The resource is permanently removed and has no forwarding address.
	411 Length Required	The request must specify the content length.
	412 Precondition Failed	A precondition in the request was not met.
	413 Payload Too Large	The request data exceeds the server’s size limits.
	414 URI Too Long	The request URL is longer than the server allows.
	415 Unsupported Media Type	The request format is not supported by the server.
	416 Range Not Satisfiable	The requested range cannot be provided for the resource.
	417 Expectation Failed	The server cannot meet the expectations specified in the request headers.
	418 I’m a Teapot	A playful code meaning the server refuses the attempt to brew coffee with a teapot.
	421 Misdirected Request	The request was sent to a server unable to respond.
	422 Un-processable Entity	The request is valid but contains semantic errors.
	423 Locked	The resource is currently locked and cannot be accessed.
	424 Failed Dependency	A previous request failure prevents this request from succeeding.
	425 Too Early	The server is unwilling to process a request that might be repeated.
	426 Upgrade Required	The client must switch to a different protocol.
	428 Precondition Required	The server requires the request to meet specific conditions.
	429 Too Many Requests	The client sent too many requests in a short time.
	431 Request Header Fields too Large	The request’s headers are too large for the server to handle.
	451 Unavailable for Legal Reasons	The resource is blocked due to legal restrictions.
5xx – Server Error Responses	500 Internal Server Error	The server encountered an unexpected problem while handling the request.
	501 Not Implemented	The server does not support the requested function.
	502 Bad Gateway	The server received an invalid response from another server.
	503 Service Unavailable	The server is temporarily unable to handle the request.
	504 Gateway Timeout	The server did not receive a timely response from another server.
	505 HTTP Version Not Supported	The server does not support the HTTP version used in the request.
	506 Variants Also Negotiate	The server has a configuration error causing negotiation loops.
	507 Insufficient Storage	The server cannot store the needed data to complete the request.
	508 Loop Detected	The server detected an infinite loop in the request.
	510 Not Extended	The request needs further extensions to be fulfilled.
	511 Network Authentication Required	The client must authenticate to gain network access.

Knowing these categories helps you identify whether an issue is temporary, permanent or related to the client or server. This saves time in troubleshooting and improves site performance monitoring. 

Also read: Understanding HTTP Error Codes on Bluehost 

1xx Informational Responses  

What does 1xx status code mean?  

1xx HTTP status codes are informational responses sent by the server to let the browser (client) know the request was received and understood but is still being processed. 

They do not indicate success or failure — they simply tell the client to continue with the request or wait for more information. 

100 Continue  

• The server has accepted the request headers and lets the client know it should send the request body. 
• Commonly used when a request is sent in two parts: headers first, then body. 
• Helps improve efficiency by avoiding sending large request bodies if the server will reject them. 

101 Switching Protocols  

• The server confirms that it will switch to a different protocol as requested in the client’s headers.
• Used mainly when upgrading from HTTP to HTTPS or switching to another protocol like WebSocket. 

102 Processing  

• The request has been accepted but is still in progress. 
• Used mostly with WebDAV (Web Distributed Authoring and Versioning) servers.
• Tells the client the server is working and prevents timeout issues. 

103 Early Hints  

• Sends response headers before the full content is ready. 
• Lets browsers start preloading linked resources (like CSS or fonts) early. 
• Improves page load speed and user experience. 

2xx Successful responses  

What does 2xx status code mean?  

2xx status codes indicate that the client’s request was successfully received, understood and accepted by the server. These responses confirm that the action was completed as intended and the requested content is either delivered or handled as specified. 

200 OK  

HTTP status codes 200 is the most common and recognizable code among all the HTTP codes. It means the request was successful and the server returned the requested resource. It applies to a wide range of HTTP methods like GET, POST, PUT and DELETE, each with a slightly different meaning for this code. 

• GET: Resource retrieved successfully. 
• HEAD: Response includes representation headers without a message body. 
• POST/PUT:  Data processed and returned in the response.
• DELETE: Action performed successfully without content changes in the response body. 
• TRACE: Response body contains the request as received by the server. 

201 Created  

Indicates that a new resource was successfully created as a result of a POST or PUT request. 

• The server includes a Location header pointing to the new resource’s URL. 
• Commonly used when creating new user accounts, blog posts or eCommerce products. 

202 Accepted  

The request has been received but not yet processed. It’s often used for asynchronous operations, such as bulk data imports, where completion may take time. The server does not guarantee the final success of the operation. 

203 Non-Authoritative Information  

• The server successfully processed the request, but the returned content may be from a third-party copy. 
• Often seen when a proxy delivers the response rather than the origin server 

204 No Content  

The request succeeded, but there’s no body in the response. Often used when an operation is performed successfully but no new page or data needs to be returned, such as after a resource deletion. 

• Helps reduce bandwidth usage. 
• Allows the client to remain on the same page without a full reload. 

205 Reset Content  

Tells the client to reset its document view after the request completes. 

206 Partial Content  

Returned when the server delivers only a portion of the requested resource. This happens when a client sends a Range header, such as when resuming a download or streaming media content. 

207 Multi-status  

Part of the WebDAV extension to HTTP. It allows the server to send status information for multiple resources in a single XML response, often used in collaborative environments or batch file operations. 

208 Already Reported  

Another WebDAV status code. It indicates the resource was already mentioned earlier in the same response, preventing duplication in multi-status responses. 

226 IM Used  

• The server fulfilled the request using instance manipulations on the current resource. 
• Mainly used in experimental or advanced caching scenarios. 

3xx Redirection Messages  

What does 3xx status code mean?  

3xx status codes tell the client that it must take further action to complete the request. These usually involve redirecting the client to a different resource or location. The redirection may be temporary or permanent and some codes preserve the original request method while others require a new one. 

300 Multiple Choice  

The resource has more than one possible representation. The server presents multiple options and the client or user must choose one. This is rarely used in modern web applications but may appear in APIs or content negotiation. 

301 Moved Permanently  

The resource has been assigned a new permanent URL redirect. All future requests should use the new address. 

• SEO impact: Passes most link equity to the new page, making it the recommended method for permanent redirects. 
• Example use: Migrating from HTTP to HTTPS or changing a page slug. 

Also read: 301 Redirects: How to Set Up a Permanent Redirect in WordPress 

302 Found (Previously “Moved Temporarily”)  

HTTP status codes 302 indicate a temporary redirect to a different URL, often used during maintenance or A/B testing. 

303 See Other  

Instructs the client to fetch the requested resource at another URL using a GET method, regardless of the original request type. Frequently used after form submissions to prevent resubmission if the page is refreshed. 

304 Not Modified  

A performance-oriented status. It tells the browser its cached copy of the page is still valid, so it doesn’t need to re-download content. This reduces bandwidth use and improves loading speed for repeat visitors. 

305 Use Proxy (Deprecated)  

Indicates the requested resource must be accessed via a proxy specified in the response. Deprecated due to security concerns and rarely used today. 

306 (Unused) 

A reserved code that is no longer in use but remains listed for compatibility reasons. 

307 Temporary Redirect  

Similar to 302 but tells the browser to repeat the request using the same request method it used originally. This is important for forms and API calls where changing POST to GET during the redirect would break the request. 

308 Permanent Redirect  

Works like a 301 but also preserves the original request method and body during the redirect. This ensures actions like form submissions continue to work as expected after a permanent URL change. 

4xx Client Error Responses  

What does 4xx status code mean?  

4xx status codes indicate that the client’s request contains an error, preventing the server from processing it. These errors often occur due to incorrect URLs, missing authentication or unsupported request formats. They help identify issues that need to be fixed on the client side before retrying. 

400 Bad Request  

The server cannot process the request due to malformed syntax, invalid parameters or corrupted data. This can occur when form fields are incomplete or when the query string is incorrect. 

401 Unauthorized  

HTTP status codes 401 indicate the request lacks valid authentication credentials and are common in APIs or admin dashboards requiring user logins. 

• Common in APIs and admin dashboards requiring secure logins. 
• If a search engine encounters this, it won’t index the page. 

Also read: What is a 401 Error? How to Troubleshoot, Fix and Prevent it From Returning 

402 Payment Required  

Originally intended for paid content, this code is rarely used today. Some APIs adopt it to indicate payment is necessary before proceeding. 

403 Forbidden  

The HTTP status codes 403 error means the server understands the request but refuses authorization, even with valid credentials. 

• Common causes: IP blocks, permission restrictions or firewall rules. 
• Unlike 401, providing credentials won’t grant access. 

Also read: 403 Error in WordPress: How to Fix Forbidden Access (2025 Troubleshooting Guide) 

404 Not Found  

One of the most familiar codes on the internet is HTTP status codes 404. It means the server cannot find the requested page or file. This can occur after a content deletion, a page rename or a broken link. From an SEO perspective, too many 404s for important URLs can reduce site trust and visibility, so it’s best to either fix the link or redirect to a relevant page instead of leaving it broken. 

Also read: What Is a 404 Error Code and How to Fix Page Not Found Issues 

405 Method Not Allowed  

The server supports the resource but not the HTTP method used. For example, sending a POST request to a resource that only supports GET. 

406 Not Acceptable  

The server cannot return a response matching the criteria defined in the request headers, such as language or content type. 

407 Proxy Authentication Required  

The request must be sent through a proxy server and authentication with that proxy is required first. 

408 Request Timeout  

The server ended the connection because it waited too long for the client to finish sending the request. 

• Common cause: Slow internet connections or sending large payloads without keep-alive. 

409 Conflict  

The request conflicts with the server’s current state. Often occurs in APIs when two users try to modify the same resource simultaneously. 

410 Gone  

The resource is permanently removed and no longer available. Unlike 404, this explicitly tells search engines the page is gone for good. 

411 Length Required  

Returned when a request is missing the Content-Length header, which specifies the request body size. 

412 Precondition Failed  

A precondition set in the request headers (like If-Match) wasn’t met on the server. 

413 Payload Too Large  

The request entity exceeds the server’s size limit. Common when uploading large files without proper compression 

414 URI Too Long  

Returned when the Request URI exceeds the maximum allowed length, often due to overly long query strings. 

415 Unsupported Media Type  

The format or media type of the request body is not supported for the target resource. 

416 Range Not Satisfiable  

The client requested a portion of the resource that the server cannot provide, often due to invalid range header field values. 

417 Expectation Failed  

The expectations set in the ‘Expect’ request header field were not met by the server 

418 I’m a Teapot  

A playful status code from the Hyper Text Coffee Pot Control Protocol (HTCPCP). It’s not used in real production environments. 

421 Misdirected Request  

The request was sent to a server that cannot produce a valid response for the target resource. 

422 Unprocessable Entity  

The server understands the request but cannot process it due to semantic errors, often in form validation. 

423 Locked  

Indicates the target resource is locked and cannot be accessed or modified until unlocked. 

424 Failed Dependency  

The request failed because another request it depends on also failed. 

425 Too Early  

The server is unwilling to process a request that may be replayed later, usually for security concerns. 

426 Upgrade Required  

The client must switch to a different HTTP protocol version (HTTP/2, WebSocket, etc.) before the request can be processed. 

428 Precondition Required  

The server requires specific preconditions before processing the request, often to prevent conflicting updates. 

429 Too Many Requests  

The client sent too many requests in a short period. 

• Fix: Add rate limiting or exponential backoff in the client logic. 

431 Request Header Fields Too Large  

The server rejected the request because the header fields are too large to process. 

451 Unavailable for Legal Reasons  

The resource is blocked due to a legal request, such as a court order or censorship requirement. 

5xx Server Error Responses  

What does 5xx status code mean?  

5xx status codes indicate that the server encountered a problem while processing a valid request. Unlike 4xx errors, the issue lies entirely on the server side, meaning the client did nothing wrong. These errors can result from temporary overloads, misconfigurations, failed upstream requests or unsupported features. Understanding them helps in diagnosing outages, improving reliability and communicating clearly with users during downtime. 

500 Internal Server Error  

HTTP status codes 500 are a general server error showing unexpected problems that require immediate troubleshooting. It means something unexpected went wrong on the server itself, but the server cannot be more specific about the cause. This could be due to misconfigurations, software bugs or resource limits being exceeded. While users just see a generic error message, server logs usually provide clues for troubleshooting. 

501 Not Implemented  

This indicates the server does not support the functionality required to fulfill the request. This can happen if a requested HTTP method is not implemented on the server. It is rare on most modern servers but may be seen in highly customized environments. 

502 Bad Gateways  

Occurs when a server acting as a gateway or proxy receives an invalid response from the upstream server. This is often a temporary networking issue, misconfigured proxy or an overloaded upstream server. 

Also read: How to Troubleshoot 502 Bad Gateway Errors 

503 Service Unavailable  

Means the server is temporarily unable to handle the request, often due to maintenance, overloading or resource exhaustion. This status suggests the condition is temporary and may resolve shortly. It is best practice to include a ‘Retry-After’ header to inform the client when the service is expected to be available again. 

504 Gateway Timeouts  

Similar to 502, this error occurs when a gateway or proxy server times out waiting for a response from an upstream server. Slow backend services or network issues typically cause this. It signals a fault outside the client’s control. 

505 HTTP Version Not Supported  

The server does not support the HTTP protocol version used in the request. This can happen with legacy clients trying to connect to modern servers or vice versa. 

506 Variants Also Negotiate  

An unusual error indicating a server configuration problem during content negotiation, where the selected variant resource also engages in negotiation, causing a loop. 

507 Insufficient Storage 

Means the server cannot store the representation needed to complete the request. Common in systems with storage quotas or resource limits, like WebDAV servers. 

508 Loops Detected  

Indicates that the server detected an infinite loop while processing a request. This often highlights coding or configuration errors that cause repeated calls. 

510 Not Extended  

The server requires further extensions to fulfill the request. This status is rarely seen and typically involves advanced protocol negotiation. 

511 Network Authentication Required  

Sent when the client must authenticate to gain network access. Commonly seen with captive portals requiring login before full internet access is granted. 

What are HTTP status codes and SEO impact?  

A site with consistently correct status codes gives search engines a clear picture of your content’s availability. In contrast, repeated errors or misapplied redirects can hurt rankings, waste crawl budget and reduce visibility. 

How HTTP status codes affect search rankings?  

• Successful codes (2xx) are a positive signal. Google can easily crawl and index these pages, which helps maintain or improve rankings.
• Client errors (4xx) on key pages signal broken or inaccessible content. Large numbers of 404s can reduce trust and cause ranking drops for related keywords. 
• Server errors (5xx) block both users and crawlers. Frequent downtime from 500-type errors can damage SEO and even cause deindexing if the issues persist. 
• Redirect codes (3xx) can help maintain SEO performance when used correctly but harm it if implemented poorly. 

Google’s handling of different status codes  

Googlebot interprets HTTP status codes in specific ways: 

• 200 OK: Crawled and eligible for indexing. This is the default state every important page should be in.
• 301 Moved Permanently: Passes almost all link equity and updates the indexed URL to the new location.
• 302 Found / Temporary redirect: Kept in the index under the old URL, as Google assumes the change is temporary. Frequent misuse can stall ranking transfers.
• 404 Not Found: The page is removed from the index over time. A small number is normal, but large volumes may flag site maintenance issues. 
• 410 Gone: Treated like a 404, but deindexed faster because Google understands the removal is permanent.
• 5xx Errors: If repeated, Google reduces crawling frequency and may drop pages from the index to avoid wasting resources. 

301 vs 302 redirects for SEO  

Redirect choice matters a lot for rankings: 

• 301 Permanent Redirect: Best choice for moving content permanently. Passes nearly all link signals to the new page and signals to Google to update their index. 
• 302 Temporary Redirect: Should only be used for short-term changes like seasonal campaigns. Google keeps the original URL in the index when this is used, which means the new URL may not gain ranking power. 
• Common mistake: Using HTTP status codes 302s for permanent changes. This risks splitting link equity between the old and the new URL. 

Using the correct redirect type ensures no ranking dilution occurs during site migrations or content reorganizations. 

Also read: How to Redirect a URL (301, 302 & More) – Beginner’s Guide to URL Redirects 

Impact on crawl budget and indexing  

Crawl budget refers to the number of pages Googlebot is willing or able to crawl on your site in a given timeframe. Wasting it can delay important updates being discovered. 

• Excessive 404s or misconfigured redirect chains force Googlebot to use crawl capacity on non-valuable URLs.
• Persistent 5xx server errors may cause Google to slow down crawling to avoid repeated failures. 
• Well‑structured redirects and precise HTTP response status codes help search engines crawl sites more efficiently. 

Also read: SEO Fundamentals: 2024 Beginners Guide 

Common HTTP status code errors and how to fix them  

HTTP status code issues often hide in plain sight but can quietly harm both search rankings and user experience. Below are common, real-world problems you might encounter – with insights into why they happen and how to resolve them. 

1. Recurring 404 Not Found Errors 

Why it’s bad: Broken pages waste link equity and frustrate users, causing higher bounce rates. Google may lower trust in your site’s structure. 

To fix 404 errors:  

• Use Google Search Console to identify broken URLs    
• Update or remove outdated internal links. 
• Customize your 404 page with helpful links 
• Apply 301 redirects for important lost URLs to related live pages. 

2. Misused Temporary (302) Redirects 

Why it’s bad: Using HTTP status codes 302 instead of 301 for permanent changes tells Google the old URL should remain indexed, splitting ranking signals. 

How to fix: 

• Review all redirects in .htaccess in Bluehost cPanel or your CMS. 
• Replace long-term 302s with 301s for SEO continuity. 

3. Redirect Chains and Loops 

Why it’s bad: Multiple hops slow loading, waste crawl budget and can block indexing. 

How to fix: 

• Avoid more than one redirect step. 
• Update old links to point directly to the destination page. 

4. Persistent 5xx Server Errors 

Why it’s bad: Sign of server instability. Google may slow or stop crawling, leading to loss of visibility. 

How to fix: 

• Check server logs for recurring issues. 
• Optimize code or scale hosting resources during traffic spikes. 

5. Soft 404s 

Why it’s bad: A page appears fine to users but Google flags it as low-quality or non-existent. 

How to fix: 

• Return the correct 404/410 status for missing pages. 
• Offer helpful navigation on your error page. 

6. Accidental Blocking with Robots.txt or Noindex 

Why it’s bad: Hides important URLs from Google, even if status codes are correct. 

How to fix: 

• Regularly review your robots.txt and meta tags. 
• Remove disallow/noindex from any page you want indexed 

How can Bluehost hosting simplify managing your website’s HTTP status codes? 

Every client request to your site triggers a status code from the origin server telling the user agent what happened. Bluehost hosting offers tools to monitor, prevent and fix error codes so your response codes stay SEO-friendly. 

1. Built-in monitoring and alerts 

With Bluehost hosting, you can track every response code, from successful HTTP requests to unexpected errors. Real-time alerts help you catch problems like 404 or 503 before they disrupt the requested resource. 

2. Automatic error prevention 

Bluehost optimizes server performance so the origin server requires less manual intervention. This helps avoid delays in request processing and prevents common outages from heavy browser requests. 

3. Custom error pages 

With Bluehost hosting, you can customize error pages in cPanel without coding. Create branded error code pages that match your site’s style. Add helpful links to guide visitors back to important content. This keeps users engaged and builds trust even if the message body cannot show the requested content. 

4. Safe staging environment 

Test changes, redirects and HTTP headers in staging before going live. Prevents malformed request syntax and ensures final responses are correct. 

If you want hosting that prevents downtime and manages errors effectively, choose Bluehost. It delivers fast, reliable pages for every visitor and search engine crawl. Move your site to Bluehost for a complete and performance‑optimized hosting solution that supports healthy status codes and site stability. 

What are the best practices for HTTP status codes?  

When something goes wrong, the server may respond with several HTTP status codes depending on the error type. Knowing the right quick fix helps maintain uptime, protect SEO and keep users happy. Here’s a compact guide on what to do when issues arise so that you get a timely response from both your site and search engines. 

Fixing 404 Not Found errors  

• Identify outdated URLs that generate HTTP status codes 404 using Google Search Console or a crawler. Update or redirect these URLs to improve usability and SEO. 
• Set up a 301 redirect from missing URLs to live pages for relevance and SEO continuity. 
• Restore high-value deleted content if traffic stats show demand. 
• Customize your HTTP status codes 404 page with navigation and a search box – this way the origin web server can still guide the visitor to the right resource even if the page is gone. 

Resolving 500 Internal Server errors  

• Review server logs immediately – as HTTP status codes 500 cases come from an internal configuration error or a coding fault. 
• Undo recent site changes (themes/plugins) that may have broken requests or caused invalid request message framing. 
• Also, clear your cache and restart services from the hosting control panel to force a clean start. 

Handling 503 Service Unavailable errors  

• Display a maintenance notice and add a “Retry-After” header during service windows so visitors and crawlers know when to expect a timely response. 
• Check for background tasks or heavy processes straining the origin web server and optimize or schedule them during low-traffic hours. 
• Scale resources temporarily to handle surges. 
• If multiple services are failing, verify if multiple status codes are being triggered during load tests – it may point to a deeper architecture issue. 

Troubleshooting redirect chains  

• Keep each redirect to a single hop, update links to go directly to the final page, whether for a GET request or another method. 
• Audit regularly to ensure the request header fields evaluated by the server aren’t misconfigured, causing endless loops. 
• Use 301 redirects for permanent moves; 302 only for short-term needs. 
• Manage and monitor them from your Bluehost dashboard with the help of Yoast SEO Premium to quickly edit, add or remove redirects. 

• Bluehost offers a staging environment that lets you test HTTP headers and redirect without disrupting the live site. 

 Advanced HTTP status code implementation  

Knowing what a status code defines is just the start. Advanced use ensures your server processes requests efficiently and delivers a fast, accurate final response to every client request. 

1. Use specific status codes 

Each code means a clear outcome. Always return the most accurate status code. 

For example: 201 Created signals new resource creation, while 202 Accepted means processing is still in progress. 

2. Pair codes with correct HTTP headers 

Match each status code with the right HTTP headers to guide browser requests. Use Accept headers for correct content type or language and cache headers so the origin server controls refresh timing. 

3. Handle conditional and partial requests 

Support HEAD requests or conditional GETs by returning only necessary data. Serve 206 Partial Content for range requests to save bandwidth and speed up delivery of the message body. 

4. Optimize request processing under load 

During high traffic, streamline request processing. Pre-generate common responses, compress the message body and avoid redirect chains to keep each status code clear and direct. 

5. Test before deployment 

Simulate different browser requests and verify the origin server sends correct status codes with matching HTTP headers.  

Check that the final response is consistent across browsers, devices and regions. 

Final thoughts  

You now understand how HTTP status codes keep your site running smoothly. They signal what’s working, what’s redirecting and what needs fixing. With the right tools, you can respond to these codes quickly. This protects your site’s SEO and delivers a seamless experience for your visitors. 

Managing this on your own can be time-consuming — and that’s where we can help. At Bluehost, we make site management easier with built-in Yoast SEO integration for effortless redirect handling, reliable performance and 24/7 expert support to fix issues before they affect rankings. 

Whether you’re handling a 301 redirect, troubleshooting a 404 or ensuring your pages load lightning-fast, we’ve got you covered. 

Take control of your site health today – get started with Bluehost hosting and keep your website error-free, fast and search-friendly. 

FAQs