HTTP 206 Partial Content vs 415 Unsupported Media Type
HTTP 206 (Partial Content) is a 2xx Success response, while 415 (Unsupported Media Type) is a 4xx Client Error response. 206 indicates that the server is delivering only part of the resource due to a Range header sent by the client. Used for resumable downloads and video streaming. In contrast, 415 means that the server refuses to accept the request because the Content-Type is not supported.
Description
The server is delivering only part of the resource due to a Range header sent by the client. Used for resumable downloads and video streaming.
When You See It
During video streaming, large file downloads, or when resuming interrupted downloads.
How to Fix
No fix needed. This is normal behavior for range requests.
Description
The server refuses to accept the request because the Content-Type is not supported.
When You See It
When sending JSON to an endpoint that only accepts XML, or missing the Content-Type header.
How to Fix
Set the correct Content-Type header matching the data format you're sending.
Key Differences
206 is a 2xx Success response, while 415 is a 4xx Client Error response.
HTTP 206: The server is delivering only part of the resource due to a Range header sent by the client. Used for resumable downloads and video streaming.
HTTP 415: The server refuses to accept the request because the Content-Type is not supported.
You encounter 206 when during video streaming, large file downloads, or when resuming interrupted downloads.
You encounter 415 when when sending JSON to an endpoint that only accepts XML, or missing the Content-Type header.
When to Use Which
For 206 (Partial Content): No fix needed. This is normal behavior for range requests. For 415 (Unsupported Media Type): Set the correct Content-Type header matching the data format you're sending.