How to Fix HTTP 505 Error: HTTP Version Not Supported?

How to Fix HTTP 505 Error?

To troubleshoot and resolve 505 errors, website administrators and developers can follow these steps:

  • Verify server configuration: Check if the server is correctly configured to support the required HTTP protocol versions.
  • Check HTTP protocol versions: Ensure that the client and server are using compatible HTTP protocol versions.
  • Update server software or modules: Keep the server software and modules up to date to support the latest HTTP protocol versions.
  • Test compatibility between client and server versions: Perform compatibility tests between the client and server to ensure they can communicate properly.
  • Switch to a modern Browser: Try to access your favorite website on a new modern browser and see If the error goes away.
  • No whitespace: It is important to ensure that there is no whitespace after the HTTP version, as it can potentially trigger the 505 error
  • Try a proxy server: If upgrading the server or moving to a supported protocol version is not possible, an alternative approach is to utilize a proxy server that is compatible with the required protocol version. This way, the proxy server will handle all the requests on behalf of the original server and forward the response to the client.
  • Get help from the server admin: If none of the above troubleshooting methods work, the last thing you can do is approach your server admin and get help from them directly.


In general, the key to fixing 505 errors is to ensure that the client and the server are using compatible versions of protocols.


Best Practices to Prevent 505 Errors

It is often said, “Prevention is better than cure,” and it is best to follow preventive practices initially to minimize future issues.

Check out the best preventive steps you can follow.

1. Keep server software up to date: Regularly update the server software and modules to ensure they support the latest HTTP protocol versions. Stay informed about security patches and bug fixes provided by the software vendors.

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2. Ensure compatibility between client and server versions: Before deploying any updates or changes, thoroughly test the compatibility between the client and server. Verify that both ends can understand and handle the same HTTP protocol version.

3. Perform regular testing and monitoring: Implement a testing and monitoring strategy to identify any potential issues related to HTTP protocol compatibility. Regularly test the communication between clients and servers to catch and resolve compatibility problems early on.

4. Utilize version negotiation techniques: Implement version negotiation techniques such as HTTP content negotiation or feature detection mechanisms to establish the most appropriate and compatible protocol version between the client and server.

By following these best practices you can minimize the occurrence of 505 errors and be able to deliver a smooth and reliable user experience.


What is HTTP 505 Error?

A 505 error, also known as HTTP Version Not Supported, is a server-side error that occurs when the server does not support the HTTP protocol version used by the client.

The server understands the request but cannot fulfill it due to the incompatible protocol version. The HTTP 505 error is one such error that is cryptic and perplexing, seemingly appearing out of nowhere. It differs from other server errors like 500 Internal Server Error or 502 Bad Gateway, which indicate different issues.

Understanding 505 errors is essential for web developers, system administrators, and users to diagnose and troubleshoot issues related to communication between clients and servers.

Since there are not many resources available online about the HTTP 505 error. We are providing you with a comprehensive guide, explaining its meaning and the best ways to fix it.


Understanding the 5xx Series of HTTP Status Codes

The 5xx series of HTTP status codes indicate server-side errors. These errors occur when the server encounters a problem fulfilling the client’s request. Common causes of server errors include misconfigurations, software bugs, and overload. The 5xx status codes notify the client that the server is unable to handle the request properly.


Read: 🚩 14 Most Common WordPress Errors and Their Quick Solutions


Causes of a 505 Error

A 505 error can occur due to various reasons:

  • Outdated or unsupported HTTP protocol versions: The server may not support older or obsolete versions of the HTTP protocol, resulting in a 505 error.
  • Incompatibility between client and server versions: The client may be using a newer or unrecognized version of the HTTP protocol, which the server cannot handle.
  • Server misconfiguration or software bugs: Improper server configuration or software bugs can lead to a 505 error when processing HTTP requests.
  • Examples of situations leading to a 505 error: For instance, if a client sends an HTTP/2 request to a server that only supports HTTP/1.1, a 505 error will occur.
  • If there is any whitespace after the HTTP version.
  • If the client is other than a web browser.

How a 505 Error is Handled?

When a server encounters a 505 error, it sends a response to the client indicating the unsupported protocol version. The client may display an error message or take appropriate action based on the received response.

The impact on the user experience can vary depending on the specific application or website. Users encountering a 505 error are advised to check their internet connection, clear their browser cache, and contact the website administrator if the issue persists.

Here is an example for your reference,

HTTP/1.1 505 HTTP Version Not Supported
Server: cloudflare
Date: Mon, 15 Aug 2023 12:22:25 GMT
Content-Type: text/plain
Content-Length: 44
The HTTP protocol version used is not supported.

In the above example, the server responds with a 505 status code, indicating that the HTTP version used in the request is not supported. The response includes a simple text message informing the client that the HTTP protocol version is not recognized or supported by the server.

The Content-Type header specifies the type of content being returned (text/plain in this case), and the Content-Length header indicates the length of the response body.


Wrapping up

To create a smooth, robust, and error-free web infrastructure, it is always recommended to first find out the underlying cause of the error and on the basis of that the right approach to fix it with the right approach.

Simply put, the 505 error code meaning is there is the server does not support or recognize the HTTP protocol version used by the client.

By identifying the causes of these errors, such as outdated protocol versions or server misconfigurations, and following best practices like keeping server software up to date and ensuring compatibility, administrators can prevent and resolve 505 errors effectively.

In addition to that, Regular testing, monitoring, and implementing version negotiation techniques further enhance the ability to handle HTTP protocol version discrepancies.

By addressing 505 errors with the right approach, you can provide your users with a seamless experience, ensure smooth application function, and able to deliver better user satisfaction.

Additionally, please let us know in the comment section below which troubleshooting method helped you fix this issue.


Frequently Asked Questions

How do I fix HTTP error 505?

You can fix HTTP error 505, by following these methods:
1. Verify server configuration
2. Check HTTP protocol versions
3. Update server software or modules
4. Test compatibility between client and server versions
5. Switch to a modern Browser
6. No whitespace
7. Try a proxy server
8. Get help from your server admin

What is 404 and 505 error?

The 404 error occurs when the requested resource is not found, while the 505 error indicates an unsupported HTTP protocol version

What is a 505 gateway error?

A 505 error occurs when the client uses an unsupported HTTP protocol version with the server. It’s different from gateway errors like 502 or 504.


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