Via

The Via general header is added by proxies, both forward and reverse proxies, and can appear in the request headers and the response headers. It is used for tracking message forwards, avoiding request loops, and identifying the protocol capabilities of senders along the request/response chain.

Header type General header
Forbidden header name yes

Syntax

Via: [ <protocol-name> "/" ] <protocol-version> <host> [ ":" <port> ]
or
Via: [ <protocol-name> "/" ] <protocol-version> <pseudonym>

Directives

<protocol-name>
Optional. The name of the protocol used, such as "HTTP".
<protocol-version>
The version of the protocol used, such as "1.1".
<host> and <port>
Public proxy URL and port.
<pseudonym>
Name/alias of an internal proxy.

Examples

Via: 1.1 vegur
Via: HTTP/1.1 GWA
Via: 1.0 fred, 1.1 p.example.net

Specifications

Specification Title
RFC 7230, section 5.7.1: Via Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP/1.1): Message Syntax and Routing

Browser compatibility

DesktopMobile
ChromeEdgeFirefoxInternet ExplorerOperaSafariAndroid webviewChrome for AndroidFirefox for AndroidOpera for AndroidSafari on iOSSamsung Internet
ViaChrome Full support YesEdge Full support 12Firefox Full support YesIE Full support YesOpera Full support YesSafari Full support YesWebView Android Full support YesChrome Android Full support YesFirefox Android Full support YesOpera Android Full support YesSafari iOS Full support YesSamsung Internet Android Full support Yes

Legend

Full support
Full support

See also