HTTP 206 Partial Content vs 406 Not Acceptable
HTTP 206 (Partial Content) is a 2xx Success response, while 406 (Not Acceptable) 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, 406 means that the server cannot produce a response matching the Accept headers sent by the client.
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 cannot produce a response matching the Accept headers sent by the client.
When You See It
When requesting a content type the server doesn't support (e.g., Accept: application/xml when only JSON is available).
How to Fix
Adjust the Accept header to a format the server supports.
Key Differences
206 is a 2xx Success response, while 406 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 406: The server cannot produce a response matching the Accept headers sent by the client.
You encounter 206 when during video streaming, large file downloads, or when resuming interrupted downloads.
You encounter 406 when when requesting a content type the server doesn't support (e.g., Accept: application/xml when only JSON is available).
When to Use Which
For 206 (Partial Content): No fix needed. This is normal behavior for range requests. For 406 (Not Acceptable): Adjust the Accept header to a format the server supports.