How to Fix HTTP 494 Error in Windows And Mac?

What is a 494 Error and What Causes it?

494 is an HTTP status code that primarily occurs on the client side and generally indicates a runtime error occurring in your app or web browser.

This is a new type of 4xx error, and you might encounter it on both Windows and MacOS. However, the 492 Error might indicate different problems in both operating systems.

For example, if you are a Windows user, error 494 might be indicating that either your browser has some issues or there is something wrong with your drivers.

On the other hand, for macOS users, it has been observed that this 494 error generally indicates a Safari error, which can be easily fixed by resetting it.

Read Similar Errors: 🚩 400 Bad Request

How to Fix 494 Error on Windows PC?

Since the majority of the users prefer to use Windows PC, these troubleshooting methods to fix 494 Errors can be very helpful. Let us check them out in detail.

1. Reload or Refresh the Webpage

The first and foremost step you should take is to reload or refresh the webpage as soon as you encounter a 494 Error. Sometimes, these errors can be temporary and easily fixed by simply reloading or refreshing the webpage, possibly due to glitches or server issues.

2. Clear your Browser’s Cache

One of the most common causes of client-side errors is a corrupted browser cache or data. Therefore, it is highly advisable to clear your browser’s cache whenever you encounter a client-side error.

Since Chrome has the majority share among browsers, many Chrome users search the web with the query ‘How do I fix a 494 error on Chrome?’ This information is particularly relevant to them.

Read: 🚩 Browser Market Share & Usage Statistics

To resolve this issue, follow these simple steps:

Go to your Chrome Browser > Settings > Privacy and Security > Clear browsing data > You can uncheck the Browsing History and let cookies and other site data, as well as cache images, be checked > Clear data.

Alternatively, you can directly enter this address into your Chrome browser: chrome://settings/privacy. It will take you to the privacy settings where you can click on “Clear browsing data“.

In the pop-up window, you will see plenty of other options, but you have to choose as follows:

• Select the time range as “All time”.
• Select cookies and other site data as well as Cache images (you can also select browsing history)
• Click on the Clear Data button.

3. Restart your Computer or Internet Router

Sometimes, restarting your computer or Internet Router can freshen up the entire thing and can also resolve the 494 Error.

To Restart Windows 11 PC follow these steps:

• Click on the Start button located at the bottom left corner of the taskbar.
• In the Start menu, click on the Power icon.
• A drop-down menu will appear with several options. Click on the “Restart” option.

To Restart your Internet Router follow these steps:

• Locate the power source of your router.
• Turn off the router by unplugging it or using the power button (if available).
• Wait for about 10 to 20 seconds.
• Turn on the router by plugging it back in or using the power button.
• Wait a few moments for the router to restart.
• Check the lights on the router to ensure it is operational.

Following these steps should help you restart your router successfully.

4. Restore your Browser Settings to Default

Restoring or resetting your browser to its default settings can eliminate any potential browser bugs or errors. Follow these steps to restore your browser settings to default.

Open the Chrome browser on your computer.

Click on the three-dot menu icon located at the top right corner of the browser window.

From the dropdown menu, select “Settings.”Note: You can also access Chrome settings by typing chrome://settings/ in the address bar and press Enter.

Scroll down to the bottom of the Settings page and click on the “Reset settings ” option.

Click on the “Restore settings to their original defaults” option.

A dialog box will appear, asking for confirmation to reset Chrome. Read the information provided and click on the “Reset settings” button.

Note: Resetting Chrome will remove your browsing history, cookies, and other settings. However, your bookmarks and saved passwords will remain intact.

Chrome will begin the reset process, which may take a few moments to complete.

5. Update your Network Drivers

Sometimes corrupt Network Drivers can also trigger some errors and issues such as 494 Error. You can easily fix them by following the steps given below:

Step 1: Press the Windows key + R together, then type “devmgmt.msc” in the Run dialog box and press Enter.

Step 2: Locate the category of the corrupt driver that is causing the issue. You’ll notice a yellow warning triangle next to it. For instance, if your WiFi driver is causing trouble, expand the Network adaptors category, find your WiFi card, and right-click on it. Then, select “Update driver.”

Step 3: Choose the option “Search automatically for drivers,” Windows will search and install any available updates for the driver.

How to fix 494 Error in macOS?

After Windows, the second majority of users prefer macOS, and for them, the 494 error might appear differently. However, you can try any of the troubleshooting methods provided below.

1. Refresh the webpage or Restart Safari Browser

The first thing you need to do is refresh the webpage on your Safari web browser. If that doesn’t resolve the 494 error, close all tabs and completely restart the browser.

This method should work, unless there is a serious bug or malware present.

2. Check for Safari Updates

The best thing about macOS is that it keeps its applications or the core software updated with the latest version available. However, due to some bugs or glitches, it is also possible that your Safari browser may skip the latest updates.

So, you must check Safari updates manually

3. Disable Safari Extensions

The next step you can take is to identify the faulty extension that may be causing the 494 Error. Disable all plugins at once, and then enable them one at a time until the error stops appearing.

This method will help you pinpoint the faulty or corrupt plugin that is causing the error.

To disable plugins in Safari, follow the steps given below:

1. Open Safari, the default web browser on your Mac.

2. Click on “Safari” in the menu bar at the top of your screen.

3. Click on the “Extensions” tab.

4. You will see a list of installed extensions on the left-hand side.

5. To disable an extension, uncheck the box next to its name.

6. Repeat this process for any other extensions you wish to disable or remove.

4. Reset Safari to its default settings

If none of the above methods work, you need to reset Safari and start fresh. To do so, follow these steps:

• Delete the Safari browser history.
• Delete all cookies and cache.
• Remove all installed extensions.

Even after following the above methods, there is still a chance that some traces of Safari might remain.

To completely reset Safari and start from scratch, you can use the Terminal method. This will completely remove all data and restore Safari to its default settings.

Note: Be careful when using the Terminal.

Launch the Terminal and enter the provided code below.

/*Execute each line one at a time.*/
mv ~/Library/Safari ~/Desktop/Safari- date +%Y%m%d%H%M%S;
rm -Rf ~/Library/Cache/*;
rm -Rf ~/Library/Caches/Apple\ -\ Safari\ -\ Safari\ Extensions\ Gallery;
rm -Rf ~/Library/Caches/Metadata/Safari;
rm -Rf ~/Library/Caches/com.apple.Safari;
rm -Rf ~/Library/Caches/com.apple.WebKit.PluginProcess;
rm -Rf ~/Library/Cookies/*;
rm -Rf ~/Library/Cookies/Cookies.binarycookies;
rm -Rf ~/Library/Preferences/Apple\ -\ Safari\ -\ Safari\ Extensions\ Gallery;
rm -Rf ~/Library/Preferences/com.apple.Safari.LSSharedFileList.plist;
rm -Rf ~/Library/Preferences/com.apple.Safari.RSS.plist;
rm -Rf ~/Library/Preferences/com.apple.Safari.plist;
rm -Rf ~/Library/Preferences/com.apple.WebFoundation.plist;
rm -Rf ~/Library/Preferences/com.apple.WebKit.PluginHost.plist;
rm -Rf ~/Library/Preferences/com.apple.WebKit.PluginProcess.plist;
rm -Rf ~/Library/PubSub/Database;
rm -Rf ~/Library/Safari/*;
rm -Rf ~/Library/Safari/Bookmarks.plist;
rm -Rf ~/Library/Saved\ Application\ State/com.apple.Safari.savedState;


After executing the above code, the data will be cleared completely.

Summary

The 494 Error is a rare and new type of HTTP status code that you might encounter while browsing a webpage. However, there is no need to panic. These 4xx errors are mostly client-side errors and can be easily resolved by following simple steps.

However, if nothing works for you, it would be great for you to seek help from professionals or contact your web hosting provider for assistance.

If you have any queries or doubts regarding this post, please let us know in the comment section below.

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