What a 501 Not Implemented Error is, and How to Fix it

Although unusual, seeing an HTTP 501 Not Carried out error standing code might be an alarming expertise for many who see it—particularly when it’s in your web site. 

It’s unfamiliar, and completely server-based, which implies that fixing it requires some dabbling within the technical aspect of operating an internet site. That’s one thing that not all SEOs or site owners are consultants at. 

However don’t panic simply but, as a result of there are 4 straightforward strategies you possibly can attempt to repair your 501 errors, and I’ll undergo every one right here (plus another helpful data you’ll want shifting ahead).

What’s the HTTP 501 Not Carried out Error?

Everytime you go to an internet site, your browser sends a request to that web site’s server. If every part works because it ought to, then the web site receives the requested information—which incorporates textual content, photographs, recordsdata, and no matter else needs to be on that web page.

Nevertheless, when one thing goes flawed with that request, your display can present a “501 Not Carried out” error.

When this occurs, In technical communicate, it implies that the server doesn’t assist the requested characteristic. In layman’s phrases, it means one thing has gone flawed with the internet hosting server, which is legitimately unable to carry out that “get” motion and retrieve the info you’re asking for, for one motive or one other.

The information you’re requesting remains to be there. It’s simply being walled off from you and the internet hosting server itself could be offline or unavailable in consequence.

Now, this may present up otherwise based mostly on the internet browser, net server, and working system you employ. 

Variations of the 501 Not Carried out Error

• Error 501
• HTTP 501
• 501 Not Carried out
• HTTP Error 501 Not Carried out

501 vs. 405 Error

These two errors each outcome within the information you’re requesting not being delivered to your browser. Nevertheless, the distinction is {that a} 405 Not Allowed error is a server administrator challenge, whereas a 501 Not Carried out error is a internet hosting server challenge.

Consider it this manner: a 405 means “I’m not permitting you to get what you’re asking for,” whereas a 501 means “I do know what you need, however I’m unable to get what you’re asking for.”

So a 405 means nothing is technically flawed with the web site—your request is simply being blocked on function. For those who’re seeing that, strive contacting the server directors.

Webmaster’s Word: That is a part of our extra complete guide to Technical SEO, the place I cowl every part it is advisable to learn about crawlability, indexing, and web page pace optimization, in addition to useful tips about how one can troubleshoot widespread web site errors. I additionally cowl different 5xx errors, like 500 Internal Server errors, in different posts.

Learn how to repair the HTTP 501 Not Carried out Error

There are 4 methods to deal with a 501 error on an internet site:

1. Reload the web page.
2. Clear your browser cache.
3. Disable proxy settings.
4. Scan your pc for viruses.
5. Contact the server host.

The primary three are issues you are able to do in your aspect to resolve the 501 error, which I recommend you do first. Right here’s how:

Reload the web page

The best factor you are able to do is simply wait a minute after which reload the web page (F5 or Ctrl + F5 for Home windows, Command + R for Mac). The server may be capable to resolve its challenge when you’re ready, and when you reload you’ll get the info you’re requesting. That is widespread if the web site is experiencing a server overload or site visitors surge.

Whilst you’re ready, strive utilizing a special browser to open the web page to rule that out as a problem. 

One other factor to do when you’re ready is copy-pasting the area URL into this web site: https://downforeveryoneorjustme.com/, which is able to let you know if the issue you’re dealing with is simply in your web site, or a factor for everybody else. 

Clear your browser cache

If refreshing the web page doesn’t work, it’s time to maneuver on to the following step: clearing your browser cache. 

The shortcut that works for many browsers (akin to Google Chrome and Edge) is hitting Ctrl + Shift + Delete when you’re in your browser. It will rapidly clear your cache. If that doesn’t work, you’ll find the choice underneath your browser settings, or take a look at the particular directions on how to clear your cache in the various browsers.

Disable proxy settings

If the earlier two steps aren’t fixing something, it’s time to examine your proxy settings in case you’re utilizing a proxy service.

The precise steps to disable your proxy settings rely in your working system, however you possibly can normally discover this underneath the Community & Web part of your system settings. When you’re there, you possibly can both flip off the “robotically detect settings” choice underneath the automated proxy setup or disable a proxy server choice underneath the guide proxy setup. 

Scan your pc for viruses

As I discussed, generally this error pops up whenever you’re coping with a virus or malware. It’s a good suggestion to have your pc scanned for these—and ensure that your antivirus program is up to date when you’re at it. 

Contact the server host

If all else fails, then it’s time to achieve out to the server host. 

501 errors, although they will generally be solved by yourself, are virtually all the time a problem together with your host server. 

So, if the final three steps haven’t resolved the issue, it is advisable to contact them ASAP. For those who can’t then examine your host’s standing web page.

Learn how to Repair the HTTP 501 Not Carried out Error If You Handle the Server

Fixing this challenge when you’re the server host is a complete completely different course of. First, I like to recommend consulting the documentation to your server and purposes. I additionally extremely suggest working intently together with your IT division right now. 

Listed below are some methods you possibly can repair an HTTP 501 Not Carried out Error in case you handle your server:

1. Verify in case your server helps the requested characteristic.
2. Improve your server.
3. Configure (or reconfigure) your server.
4. Search for any lacking modules or purposes.
5. Verify the consumer request.

Verify in case your server helps the requested characteristic

The very first thing to examine is that if your server truly helps the characteristic or performance that the person is requesting. In case your server doesn’t assist it, you’ll have to use an alternate technique to satisfy that request (one which is supported by your server). 

Improve your server

Your server stack could be outdated. If so, then that is what’s inflicting your server to not be capable to assist the requests of the person. To repair this, you possibly can improve or replace your stack to newer variations, to assist the requested characteristic or performance.

If that doesn’t work, then strive updating the online software your web site runs on—akin to WordPress. These purposes have frequent updates so it’s greatest in case you sustain with that.

For those who can nonetheless entry your net software’s dashboard, then strive operating the replace.

Word: Be certain that any plugins you could have put in in your net software are appropriate with the replace you’re about to put in. 

Configure (or reconfigure) your server

Ensure that your server is configured to deal with the requested characteristic or performance. You’ll have to try your server settings, software program, and plugins, and see the place it is advisable to regulate, reinstall or replace, or make different configuration modifications.

Search for any lacking modules or purposes

One other factor to examine (if the earlier steps haven’t fastened the issue) is that if there are any lacking modules to your net server. Just remember to have those that you simply want put in.

Verify the consumer request

If nothing else works, then it’s important to examine if the consumer is making the request appropriately and is utilizing a way that’s supported by your server. At occasions, the 501 error might be attributable to the consumer utilizing an unsupported protocol.

If so, then use an alternate protocol that’s supported by your server.

What Causes the HTTP 501 Not Carried out Error?

A number of the most typical points your host could be coping with for a 501 error to occur embrace:

1. Viruses and malicious recordsdata
2. An outdated server stack or software program
3. Server error
4. An overloaded server
5. Billing points

Viruses and malicious recordsdata

The server’s lack of ability to get and ship the info your browser is requesting could be due to a virus or malicious file within the web site’s system. 

That is one thing it is advisable to examine in case you’re experiencing persistent or repetitive 501 errors in your web site. Run an entire malware scan to seek out any safety points within the system that would trigger a communication failure.

For those who’re utilizing WordPress, I even have a information on how to scan your WordPress site for better security and to stop any malicious recordsdata.

An outdated server stack or software program

Server stacks, that are a mixture of software program applications that make up your net server, are one thing that your host must maintain up to date for the hosted web sites to run easily.

It’s unusual, however the server stack your supplier is utilizing can get outdated. You possibly can contact your host to ensure that isn’t the case—however whether it is, calling their consideration to it might probably get them to replace their server stack. 

Server error

Typically, a 501 could be a signal that your server is unable to accommodate the requested characteristic or performance—which implies it’s unable to appropriately reply to the end-user browser request.  Which means that whoever is managing your server must take one other take a look at the server stack and the way it’s configured (which could be completed in-house, or by your supplier). 

An overloaded server

If an internet site will get extra site visitors than typical or anticipated, likelihood is the host server will not be outfitted to deal with that surge of tourists. Consequently, their requests may not get fulfilled by your host server, leading to a 501 Not Carried out error. 

If this occurs usually, take into account scaling up your server plan to accommodate your rising viewers.

Billing points

For those who’re behind in your server internet hosting funds, then it’s doable your supplier has determined to default your web site to 501 standing whereas your cost is pending. This may be their final resort earlier than eradicating the account altogether. So be sure to’re on prime of your service funds.

How HTTP 501 Error Impacts website positioning

Even when the error is server-side (and sure out of your management, in case you’re working with a internet hosting service), understand that longstanding or repetitive 501 errors in your web site is one thing you possibly can’t ignore. 

Right here’s the factor: any error that doesn’t permit your viewers to see your web site correctly will have an effect on your enterprise. This contains your website positioning and its effectiveness. 501s particularly  can have a significant impact in your SEO. 

Now, Google has somewhat grace when coping with server errors. If it sees a 501 error, the web page is marked for revisitation. Normally, when it comes again to examine, the error is already fastened. If, nonetheless, the error lasts for an prolonged time frame (like a day or two), then Google may mark your web site as inaccessible, which could result in it de-indexing any of your affected pages. 

De-indexing is a large drawback—you lose your rankings for any pages faraway from the search outcomes, which you’re not assured to get again even in case you restore the pages. 

To make issues worse, if Google encounters loads of 501 errors in your web site, it can cut back the frequency at which its bots crawl your web site. Meaning slower indexing and rating updates. 

So, figuring out how one can repair 501 Not Carried out errors—and how one can keep away from the problem within the first place—is a should for SEOs and site owners. 

Learn how to Stop 501 Errors from Hurting Your website positioning

Monitor your web site commonly for errors. You will discover server errors Google Search Console’s indexing reviews:

Or, you possibly can scan your web site utilizing third-party SEO auditing tools, like Screamingfrog (A device my staff and I exploit personally). 

If these scans present any 501 errors, you possibly can work to repair them by following the steps outlined within the earlier sections.

Key Takeaway

Seeing a 501 Not Carried out error implies that your server is unable to course of your browser’s requests, stopping pages from being loaded correctly. 

This may be solved with a couple of straightforward fixes in your finish, akin to refreshing the web page or clearing your cache—and if that doesn’t work, then you definitely’ll need to work together with your internet hosting supplier to resolve these errors. This can be a should as 501 Not Carried out errors in your web site can in the end impression your website positioning, particularly if it impacts your web site for various hours.