HTTP 405 Method Not Allowed — What It Means & How to Fix It

The HTTP 405 Method Not Allowed status code indicates the HTTP method used in the request is not supported for the target resource. 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: The server must include an Allow header listing the supported HTTP methods.. For example, trying to POST to a read-only endpoint that only supports GET.. This is different from 501 Not Implemented, which means the server does not support the method at all.. Common when APIs have different methods for different operations on the same URL.. Understanding these fundamentals will help you diagnose and resolve this issue more effectively.

The most common reasons this occurs include: Sending a POST request to an endpoint that only accepts GET.. Using PUT or DELETE on a resource that does not support modification.. API version mismatch where supported methods have changed.. Incorrect HTTP method in client code or form configuration.. Identifying the root cause is the first step toward finding the right solution.

To resolve this, follow these recommended steps: Check the Allow header in the response to see which methods are supported.. Review the API documentation for the correct HTTP method.. Verify your client code is using the intended HTTP method.. If using forms, ensure the method attribute is correct.. Check if the endpoint URL is correct for the operation you intend.. 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.