401 Unauthorized

The HTTP 401 Unauthorized client error status response code indicates that the request has not been applied because it lacks valid authentication credentials for the target resource.

This status is sent with a WWW-Authenticate header that contains information on how to authorize correctly.

This status is similar to 403, but in this case, authentication is possible.

Status

401 Unauthorized

Example response

HTTP/1.1 401 Unauthorized
Date: Wed, 21 Oct 2015 07:28:00 GMT
WWW-Authenticate: Basic realm="Access to staging site"

Specifications

Specification Title
RFC 7235, section 3.1: 401 Unauthorized HTTP/1.1: Authentication

Browser compatibility

DesktopMobile
ChromeEdgeFirefoxInternet ExplorerOperaSafariAndroid webviewChrome for AndroidFirefox for AndroidOpera for AndroidSafari on iOSSamsung Internet
401Chrome 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