How to Fix HTTP Status Code 304: A Detailed Guide

Have you ever come across the status code 304 error while browsing the internet? Well, let me tell you that you’re not alone. 

This HTTP status code is a common issue that many web users face while accessing a website. 

As a website owner, you don’t want visitors to see the HTTP status code 304 message. 

HTTP status codes are used to communicate information about the status of a website to the client browser. Status code 304 indicates that the requested resource has not been modified since the last request.

In this article, we’ll discuss HTTP status codes, what a 304 status code means, what causes it, and finally, five solutions to fix it.

What Are HTTP Status Codes?

Before we dive into status code 304, let’s first briefly understand what HTTP status codes are. 

HTTP status codes are three-digit numbers displayed on the screen whenever you access a website. 

Every time you visit a website, your browser sends a request to the server hosting it. Whenever the server responds, it sends an HTTP status code informing your browser whether the request was successful.

HTTP status codes are divided into five categories, and they all have a unique three-digit code. The first digit of the code represents the class, which ranges from 1xx to 5xx. 

The 5 HTTP Status Code Categories

• Informational responses (100-199) 
• Successful responses (200-299), 
• Redirect responses (300-399), 
• Client error responses (400-499), and Server error responses (500-599). 

For example, when you try to access a webpage, you might get a status code 200, meaning the web page works correctly. 

Similarly, if you encounter code 404, the requested page is not found. 

What Is HTTP Status Code 304?

HTTP Status Code 304, or “Not Modified,” is a client-side error that occurs when the requested resource hasn’t been modified since the last time it was accessed. 

When this happens, the server checks if the requested resource has changed since the last time the client accessed it. If the resource hasn’t changed, the server will send a 304 status code instead of the entire web page. 

What Causes HTTP Status Code 304?

HTTP status code 304 can stem from many issues, including browser cache, DNS cache, browser extensions, malware, and redirect instructions. The good news is that you can troubleshoot the problem quickly.

The most common reason for the 304 status code is the cached data stored on the browser. 

When you revisit a website, your browser often stores a cached copy of the previous version of the page. If nothing has changed since your last visit, your browser will display the cached version, which is faster to load.

Sometimes, the server has new content available, but your browser still displays the old cached version. In this case, you’ll see the 304 status code error on your screen. 

How To Fix HTTP Status Code 304: Five Solutions

Now that we know what HTTP status code 304 means, let’s check out how we can fix it in five ways.

#1. Clear Your Browser Cache

One of the easiest fixes for HTTP status code 304 is clearing your browser cache. When clearing the cache, it deletes all temporary files stored in your browser, forcing it to fetch data again from the server. 

Here’s how you can clear your browser cache:

• Open Google Chrome and click the three-dots in the top right corner.
• Click on “Settings.”
• Scroll to “Privacy and security” and click “Clear browsing data.”
• Select the time range and items you want to clear (Cache and Cookies), then click “Clear data.”

#2. Reset/ Flush DNS Cache

The DNS cache is a temporary database storing recent domain name resolutions.

 If the DNS cache is corrupted or outdated, it may result in HTTP status code 304 errors. 

To solve this, you need to reset/flush the DNS cache. 

For Windows Users: 

• Type “Windows + R” and type “CMD” to open the command prompt.
• Type “ipconfig /flushdns” in the Windows command and press enter.
• Restart your browser and check whether the status code 304 error persists.

For MAC Users: 

• Press “Command + Space bar” to access spotlight search and type “Terminal”
• Type “sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder” and press enter. 
• It will ask for your password and clear the cache. 
• Restart your browser and check whether the status code 304 error persists.

#3. Disable Browser Extensions

Sometimes, browser extensions automatically update themselves. This may interfere with a website’s data flow, resulting in server response errors.

If you encounter HTTP status code 304 with a particular website, disable all your extensions and check if the issue persists. 

Here’s how you can disable browser extensions in Google Chrome temporarily: 

• Open your browser and click the three-dot menu icon in the top right corner.
• Click “More Tools” and then “Extensions.”
• To disable an extension, click the toggle button on the right side of the extension name.

#4. Run A Malware Scan On Your Browser

A malware infection can sometimes interfere with the browser’s data flows, resulting in HTTP status code 304 errors. If your browser has malware, it could cause HTTP status code 304 errors.

Run a malware scan on your browser to check if a virus is causing this error message to appear. 

#5. Check Your Server Configuration Files (“.htaccess files”)

Faulty or incorrect redirect instructions also cause HTTP status code 304. Make sure that the server is configured correctly and redirects the user to the correct URL.

If you own the website site where HTTP 304 status code is showing up, I suggest you check your server configuration files. 

If your website runs on Apache, your server configuration files are named “.htaccess”. You can find it in your website’s root directory, typically inside the public_html folder. 

The .htaccess files handle many server requests, including redirects. Instead of deleting this section or tampering with the code, temporarily disable it, by adding a “#” in front of every line. 

If you’re unsure how to access your “.htaccess” files, please get in touch with your web hosting provider for technical assistance. 

Conclusion: To Wrap Up

HTTP status code 304 is annoying and can disrupt your browsing experience. I hope this detailed guide helps you understand what causes status code 304 and offers you enough ways to fix it. 

This not modified status code occurs when your browser sends a conditional request to the server, and the server acknowledges that the resource requested has not changed since the last time it was requested. 

Clearing your browser cache, resetting your DNS cache, disabling browser extensions, running a malware scan, and checking your redirect instructions are simple solutions that can help you fix the issue.

 If the status code error persists, I recommend reaching out to your web hosting company for support. 

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