HTTP Code: 401 (Unauthorized)
HTTP Status Code Reference
Status Category
4xx — Client Error
Meaning & Definition
The request has not been applied because it lacks valid authentication credentials for the target resource.
Common Causes
- Missing Authorization bearer token headers
- Invalid username or password credentials
- Expired JWT or OAuth authorization session keys
How to resolve HTTP code errors
1. Inspect Logs: Check server logs (e.g. error.log) to locate runtime exceptions or database disconnects.
2. Test Endpoint: Use our Uptime Checker or redirects prober to verify response headers and payload size.
3. Configure Rules: Implement custom redirect rules or error fallback paths below in Nginx/Apache config.
Nginx Configuration Setup
location /secure/ {
auth_basic "Restricted Area";
auth_basic_user_file /etc/nginx/.htpasswd;
}Apache Configuration Setup
<Directory "/secure"> AuthType Basic AuthName "Restricted Area" AuthUserFile /etc/apache2/.htpasswd Require valid-user </Directory>