HTTP

HTTP 308 Permanent Redirect vs 426 Upgrade Required

HTTP 308 (Permanent Redirect) is a 3xx Redirection response, while 426 (Upgrade Required) is a 4xx Client Error response. 308 indicates that the resource has been permanently moved. Like 301, but guarantees the HTTP method will NOT be changed. In contrast, 426 means that the server refuses to perform the request using the current protocol but might after the client upgrades to a different protocol.

Description

The resource has been permanently moved. Like 301, but guarantees the HTTP method will NOT be changed.

When You See It

For permanent URL changes where POST requests must remain POST.

How to Fix

Update all references to the new URL. The HTTP method is preserved.

Description

The server refuses to perform the request using the current protocol but might after the client upgrades to a different protocol.

When You See It

When a server requires HTTPS or a newer protocol version.

How to Fix

Switch to the protocol specified in the Upgrade response header.

Key Differences

1.

308 is a 3xx Redirection response, while 426 is a 4xx Client Error response.

2.

HTTP 308: The resource has been permanently moved. Like 301, but guarantees the HTTP method will NOT be changed.

3.

HTTP 426: The server refuses to perform the request using the current protocol but might after the client upgrades to a different protocol.

4.

You encounter 308 when for permanent URL changes where POST requests must remain POST.

5.

You encounter 426 when when a server requires HTTPS or a newer protocol version.

When to Use Which

For 308 (Permanent Redirect): Update all references to the new URL. The HTTP method is preserved. For 426 (Upgrade Required): Switch to the protocol specified in the Upgrade response header.

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