What Is The 499 Status Code? And How Can You Fix It?

Website errors are common and can happen anytime to any site.

The 499 status code is an error message you might encounter while browsing. It indicates that the client closed the connection before the server could respond. This error code could lead to a loss in revenue due to a poor user experience and lower search engine ranking.

In this article, I will talk about what status code 499 means and how you can fix it. This error message occurs due to several reasons, and it’s important to know how to deal with it in case you encounter it. 

So, let’s dive into the topic and learn everything you need to know about the 499 status code.

What Does The 499 Status Code Mean, Exactly?

HTTP status codes are three-digit numbers that tell the status of a website. The 1xx codes are informational, while the 2xx codes are success codes. The 3xx codes are redirection codes, and the 4xx and 5xx codes are error codes.

However, the 499 status code is unofficial and not listed in the official HTTP protocol. The Nginx web server uses it unofficially instead of the standard 4xx or 5xx response codes. 

499 Status Code indicates that the client (the browser) closed the connection before the server responded to the request. 

It isn’t an HTTP standard status code defined in any RFC (Request for Comments) nor standardized by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA).

Possible Causes Of 499 Status Code

499 status code can be triggered for several reasons; I’m sharing some possible causes below:

# 1. Browser Extensions

Sometimes, third-party extensions can interfere with the server-client connection, causing the browser’s 499 status code error message.

#2. Antivirus Software

Some antivirus software blocks external connections to the website as a default configuration, which can lead to a 499 error code.

#3. Server Misconfiguration

 A server-side mistake in the configuration of Cloudflare can result in a 499 HTTP error code. Contacting your hosting provider to check server logs can quickly shed light on the issue. 

#4. Bot and Scraper Traffic

If you receive many bot or scraper traffic requests, it can lead to a 499 status code error message.

How To Fix 499 Status Code? (Five Solutions)

Below are five solutions that you can use to fix the 499 error code:

#1. Restart/Reboot Your Router

First, open the website on another network (such as a mobile hotspot) to determine if your network is the issue. 

A quick reboot of your router or modem can fix temporary network disruptions that may prevent communication between a client and server.

Most router manufacturers share reboot instructions on their website for their devices. It typically involves unplugging your router, waiting 30 seconds, and restarting. 

If the error code has disappeared, this was the required simple fix. 

#2. Disable Browser Extensions 

Browser extensions, particularly ad-blockers, can cause a 499 status code error. If you’re experiencing this error, turn off all browser extensions and try to re-access the website.

To disable browser extensions, follow the steps outlined below:

• Click on the three vertical dots on the top right of your Chrome browser.
• Select the “extensions” in the drop-down menu and choose “manage extensions.”
• Toggle off all extensions to disable them.
• Check if the error code persists.

#3. Temporarily Disable Antivirus

Antivirus software can interfere with server communication and cause the 499 status code to appear on your screen.

If your antivirus software is causing issues, then the easiest option is to turn it off temporarily to check whether it resolves the error.

Below is a screenshot from McAfee with instructions on how to turn off real-time scanning.

Note: Switching off your Antivirus temporarily to test a solution is fine, but it isn’t a long-term solution, as your device can be prone to malicious attacks. Make sure you add the website to a safe-to-browse list and switch on your Antivirus scanner. 

#4. Clear Browser Cache And Cookies 

Sometimes, clearing your browser’s cache and cookies will solve the issue as it will help to remove any cached or corrupt data stored in your browser.

To clear browser cache and cookies, follow the steps outlined below:

• Click on the three vertical dots on the top right of your Chrome browser.
• Then, select “More Tools” and click “Clear Browsing Data” from the menu.
• Select the box marked “Cached images and files” and also select “cookies and other site data” in the browser window that will pop up. 
• Select the time range as “All time” and then click the “clear data button.”

Reload the website and check if the error message has been resolved. 

#5. Check Server Configuration

If the website displaying this error code is your site, you need to verify if it may also be a server-side issue. You should check the server logs to know if there was any unusual activity on the website. If you need help with what to do, contact your hosting support team to help you fix the error code.

Conclusion: Final Thoughts

The HTTP 499 error code is an unofficial code specific to the Nginx web server. The code indicates that the client closed the connection before the server could return a response. The error code has several causes, including network congestion and browser issues. 

There are easy solutions to resolve status code 499 by taking specific measures like turning off browser extensions, clearing cache and cookies, or resetting your router. 

I hope this guide helped you understand the 499 status code better. If none of these solutions work, it may be time to contact your hosting provider, such as NameHero, who can provide additional assistance and effectively solve the problem. 

Check out this step-by-step guide if you need to fix error 429. 

If you’re looking for a reliable and secure hosting solution, look no further than NameHero. We are committed to delivering the best website performance and uptime at a fraction of the cost you might be currently paying. Click here to learn more about our web hosting plans!