What is an HTTP 401 error and how to fix it?

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What is a 401 error and how to fix it?
Imagine you are trying to update your website , but for some reason you can’t access the backend or, even worse, you can’t even access your WordPress login page due to an annoying HTTP 401 error preventing you from doing so.

An HTTP 401 Authorization Required error indicates that there is a switzerland phone number data authenticating your browser credentials. In this article, we'll break down what it means and what causes it. We'll then look at five ways you can fix the problem so you can get back to your normal publishing schedule.

Let's get started!

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What is HTTP Error 401 Authorization Required?
You may have had the experience of logging into WordPress and accidentally entering the wrong credentials. When this happens, a page appears informing you that you made a mistake, but you can still log in by re-entering the correct username and password.

The 401 error is similar in that it involves trying to log in to a website using incorrect credentials, but on a higher level. If your browser doesn’t properly authenticate with your site’s server, you won’t even get to the WordPress login page .

Instead, you will receive an error page like this:

An example of a 401 http error code
The 401 Authorization Required error means that you can try to access the resource again using the correct credentials. In other words, it is often a temporary problem, unlike an HTTP 403 error where you are explicitly forbidden from accessing the page you are trying to reach.

In some cases, an HTTP 401 error will go away on its own, giving you access to your website again. However, being locked out of your site even briefly is inconvenient. Instead of waiting around hoping your browser will fix the problem, you can take steps to get to the backend faster.

What causes a 401 error code?
Here are some of the most common causes of the HTTP 401 error code :

Bad URL – Sometimes the 401 error code is caused by a bad URL. Make sure the URL of the site you want to access is entered correctly.
Invalid Login Credentials - Some pages on a website require you to log in to access information. If you are not logged in, you will most likely get a 401 error. Make sure that the login credentials you are entering are correct.
Fake Login Requirements – This is rare, but in some cases, a website that shouldn’t require a login will still display a login page. This indicates an admin issue and often results in a 401 error.
DNS Errors : Occasionally, domain name system errors can cause a 401 response.
Security/Firewall Issues – Some WordPress security or firewall plugins can cause a 401 error if they detect malicious activity.
Plugin Issues – A WordPress plugin on your site could be triggering the 401 error code.
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How to Fix HTTP Error 401 in WordPress (5 Methods)
The main problem with a 401 Authorization Required error is that it has multiple potential causes. This makes it difficult to pinpoint which one is affecting your browser.

With this in mind, let’s look at some possible solutions together so that we can overcome it.

1. Clear DNS (Domain Name System) records
In many cases, your computer stores data about the IP addresses and URLs you access most often. This way, it can process future requests more quickly.

Flushing your DNS deletes all that temporary data from your computer. This way, the next time you try to access the problematic URL, it will make a completely new request and re-authenticate.

The process of flushing DNS varies from one operating system (OS) to another. If you are a Windows user, simply open the Command Prompt and type the command ipconfig / flushdns .