Error 401, commonly known as Unauthorized in the world of web technology, is an HTTP response code that appears frequently and carries with it a message that you should be aware of and then resolve.
Error 401 is an often confusing label that appears more often than you would like. This HTTP status code, commonly known as “Unauthorized,” occurs when a user attempts to access a web page or application.
If you have ever encountered this message in your online experience, you should know that it is not a unique error on your device. Error 401 can be a common obstacle in web browsing and can be found in a variety of situations.
It is essential to understand this error, as it occurs in a wide range of contexts and can have various causes. In this article you will not only learn what Error 401 means, but you will also have the knowledge to solve it.
What is Error 401 and how to solve it:
What does Error 401 mean?
The 401 error is an HTTP status code that means Unauthorized. This error occurs when a client tries access a web page or applicationand the web server does not allow access due to the lack of authentication or credentials correct authentication.
Therefore, the 401 error indicates that the client (that is, yourself trying to enter somewhere online) does not have permission to access the requested resource, since the credentials or authentication that are being used are not correct.
The moment the 401 error occurs, the server will send you a page or display a message indicating that access is restricted and that the user must provide valid credentials (username and a password usually) to access the resource.
This type of error, as you may have already assumed, will occur in situations such as accessing secure areas of a website, using a password-protected API, or entering some type of application that requires credentials to start using. function.
In summary, The 401 error is a response from the web server indicating that valid authentication or credentials are required to access an online resourceand occurs when the client does not provide this data correctly in most cases.
Main causes of Error 401
In general terms, When the 401 error appears in front of the screen, it is usually due to the lack of correct credentials to enter a websitebut it can also occur for other reasons, although to a lesser extent, but, even so, it is advisable that you know them.
In ComputerToday We already showed you the main causes of errors such as Error 500 or Error 503, which you will now be able to know about Error 401:
- Incorrect credentials: The most common thing for this 401 Error to be generated is that the user provides authentication credentials (such as a username and password) that are incorrect, either when trying to log in to a platform or when accessing a password-protected resource.
- Expired Session– It may also be the case that the system requires session-based authentication and the user’s authentication has expired. This is when the server may return a 401 Error to indicate that the process needs to be restarted.
- Unauthorized access: Error 401 may appear if the user or client does not have permission to access a resource in question. It may be that this area is restricted to him, that it is not in the access control lists (ACL) or that security policies prohibit access to that user profile.
- Server configuration: There may also be errors in the web server configuration, which can cause a 401 Error.
- Authentication tokens: If the system you want to enter uses authentication tokens (such as JWT tokens), it may be that the one you use has expired or has been revoked, so the server has no choice but to return a 401 Error.
- Lack of authentication in an API: If you’re trying to access an authentication-protected API, you need to include authentication credentials in the request, so if they’re incorrect or incomplete, you’ll see a 401 Error.
- Cache or cookies: Since today’s browsers save local cache and cookies on your device to improve loading speed, when said cache is damaged or has expired, it can prevent you from accessing the page correctly, and Error 401 may appear.
How to fix Error code 401
To solve Error 401 you have several options that you can try and thus try to solve this “cursed sign”.
You have already seen how to solve other errors such as 404 and 403, so this one will not be different. There are several methods you can try to try to make Error 401 disappear:
- Check the URL: The first way to try to solve Error 401 is to make sure that the URL you are trying to access is written correctly. Checks for upper and lower case, forward slashes (/), and any other special characters.
- Correct your credentials: You must ensure that the authentication credentials are correct. Review your username and password or any other type of credentials necessary to access the resource.
- Check upper and lower case: You should pay attention to the upper and lower case letters in the credentials, as they must match exactly what the server has.
- Reset the password: If you do not remember your password or username, use the password reset option provided by the service or platform in question.
- Access restrictions: To fix Error 401, you must ensure that you have the appropriate permissions to access the resource. If the resource is protected by an access control setting, such as an access control list (ACL) or security policy, ensure that you are authorized to access it.
- Verify two-factor authentication (2FA): If you’re using two-factor authentication (2FA), which is quite widespread these days, and you’re having trouble logging in, make sure you’re providing the correct authentication code, a failure that’s more common than you might imagine.
- Check session problems: If you are trying to log into a system that uses user sessions, make sure your session is active and has not expired. Many times this is the problem, the solution being very simple to achieve.
- Check the authentication token: If you are using authentication tokens, such as JWT tokens, make sure the token is valid and has not expired.
- Contact technical support: If you still cannot solve Error 401, then it is best to contact the technical support service of the website or application you are trying to access so that they can provide you with a definitive solution to your problem.
In conclusion, Error 401 is a sign that will remind you of the importance of online security and authentication.
Understanding its meaning and learning how to solve it will be essential for you, since it is an error that appears more often than you would like.
Through credential verification, attention to security policies, and fluid communication with site administrators, you can overcome Error 401 and continue enjoying a more secure and accessible network.