HTTP

HTTP 205 Reset Content vs 521 Web Server Is Down

HTTP 205 (Reset Content) is a 2xx Success response, while 521 (Web Server Is Down) is a 5xx Server Error response. 205 indicates that the server fulfilled the request and the client should reset the document view (e.g., clear a form). In contrast, 521 means that cloudflare-specific. The origin server refused the connection.

Description

The server fulfilled the request and the client should reset the document view (e.g., clear a form).

When You See It

After form submissions where the server wants the client to reset the form for new input.

How to Fix

The client should clear the form or reset the view. Rarely used in practice.

Description

Cloudflare-specific. The origin server refused the connection.

When You See It

When Cloudflare can't establish a TCP connection to the origin server.

How to Fix

Check that the origin server is running and the firewall allows Cloudflare IPs.

Key Differences

1.

205 is a 2xx Success response, while 521 is a 5xx Server Error response.

2.

HTTP 205: The server fulfilled the request and the client should reset the document view (e.g., clear a form).

3.

HTTP 521: Cloudflare-specific. The origin server refused the connection.

4.

You encounter 205 when after form submissions where the server wants the client to reset the form for new input.

5.

You encounter 521 when when Cloudflare can't establish a TCP connection to the origin server.

When to Use Which

For 205 (Reset Content): The client should clear the form or reset the view. Rarely used in practice. For 521 (Web Server Is Down): Check that the origin server is running and the firewall allows Cloudflare IPs.

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