HTTP 206 Partial Content — What It Means & How to Fix It

The HTTP 206 Partial Content status code indicates the server is delivering only part of the resource due to a Range header sent by the client. This guide covers everything you need to know about this topic, including common causes, step-by-step solutions, and answers to frequently asked questions.

Here are the key things to understand: This status code is used when the client requests a specific byte range of a resource.. It enables resumable downloads and media streaming.. The response includes Content-Range headers indicating which bytes are included.. It is essential for video and audio players that seek to specific positions.. The server must support range requests (Accept-Ranges: bytes) for this to work.. Understanding these fundamentals will help you diagnose and resolve this issue more effectively.

The most common reasons this occurs include: A client requested a specific byte range using the Range header.. A download was resumed after a previous interruption.. A media player is streaming content and requesting chunks.. Identifying the root cause is the first step toward finding the right solution.

To resolve this, follow these recommended steps: Check the Content-Range header to know which part of the resource was delivered.. If implementing resumable downloads, track the last byte received and request the next range.. Verify the server supports range requests by checking for Accept-Ranges header.. For media streaming, ensure your player correctly handles partial content responses.. If these steps do not resolve the issue, consider consulting additional resources or a qualified professional.

This article is part of our HTTP Status Codes collection on Error Codes Wiki. We provide comprehensive, up-to-date information to help you find solutions quickly.