HTTP 206 Partial Content vs 304 Not Modified
HTTP 206 (Partial Content) is a 2xx Success response, while 304 (Not Modified) is a 3xx Redirection 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, 304 means that the resource has not been modified since the last request. The client can use its cached copy.
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 resource has not been modified since the last request. The client can use its cached copy.
When You See It
When the browser cache is still valid (If-None-Match / If-Modified-Since headers match).
How to Fix
No fix needed. This saves bandwidth by confirming the cached version is still current.
Key Differences
206 is a 2xx Success response, while 304 is a 3xx Redirection 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 304: The resource has not been modified since the last request. The client can use its cached copy.
You encounter 206 when during video streaming, large file downloads, or when resuming interrupted downloads.
You encounter 304 when when the browser cache is still valid (If-None-Match / If-Modified-Since headers match).
When to Use Which
For 206 (Partial Content): No fix needed. This is normal behavior for range requests. For 304 (Not Modified): No fix needed. This saves bandwidth by confirming the cached version is still current.