HTTP 206 Partial Content vs 401 Unauthorized
HTTP 206 (Partial Content) is a 2xx Success response, while 401 (Unauthorized) 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, 401 means that the request requires user authentication. The response includes a WWW-Authenticate header indicating the authentication scheme.
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 request requires user authentication. The response includes a WWW-Authenticate header indicating the authentication scheme.
When You See It
When accessing a protected resource without credentials or with expired tokens.
How to Fix
Include valid authentication credentials (API key, Bearer token, Basic auth) in the Authorization header.
Key Differences
206 is a 2xx Success response, while 401 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 401: The request requires user authentication. The response includes a WWW-Authenticate header indicating the authentication scheme.
You encounter 206 when during video streaming, large file downloads, or when resuming interrupted downloads.
You encounter 401 when when accessing a protected resource without credentials or with expired tokens.
When to Use Which
For 206 (Partial Content): No fix needed. This is normal behavior for range requests. For 401 (Unauthorized): Include valid authentication credentials (API key, Bearer token, Basic auth) in the Authorization header.