What is HTTP 416 Error and How To Fix it

Have you ever stumbled upon a confusing “HTTP 416 Error” while browsing the internet? This technical code can be really puzzling, leaving you wondering what has happened and how to fix it.

Don’t worry, this guide will help you to acquire the necessary knowledge and steps to defeat HTTP 416 error and return to your online activities.

What is the HTTP 416 Error and What Causes It?

The HTTP 416 error also as Range Not Satisfiable occurs if some particular request of your browser trying to access just a portion of a resource on a server cannot be met. Suppose that you are downloading a large video file and then instructing your browser to download only a specific section (a range) of the video. However, there is an issue with the server and it fails to deliver that exact portion. Consequently, the 416 message appears.

Causes:

• Invalid Range Requests: When the client, typically your browser, requests a range of data that falls outside the boundaries of the actual resource or exceeds its total size. Imagine requesting bytes 1000-2000 of a 500-byte file – it simply wouldn't be possible.
• Server Configuration Issues: The server might be configured to restrict the types of resources that can be accessed in parts. Any attempt to request a range outside those limitations would trigger a 416 error.
• Resource Unavailability: If the requested resource itself is unavailable or non-existent on the server, and a partial request is made, the server might respond with a 416 error.
• Faulty Client Requests: In rare instances, the error might originate from an incorrect header or malformed request sent by your browser.
• Server Overload or Outage: In very rare cases, the HTTP 416 error is possible if the server experiencing a temporary overload or outage. In such cases where the server is overloaded with requests or fails to function normally, it might not be able to fully satisfy range requests as required resulting in this error.
• Excessive Requests: While less likely for individual users, a sudden increase in requests within a short period of time may come about because of automated scripts or bots, and so render effective handling of range requests by the servers impossible.

How To Fix the HTTP 416 Error(Range Not Satisfiable)

1. Refresh the Page

At times, the page could be full of bugs but refreshing can resolve the HTTP 416 Error immediately. When you refresh (for instance by clicking on your browser's refresh key located on the address bar) your browser sends another request to that same resource from the server. If there was something temporary wrong with an initial request like network instability or overload at the server side, then refreshing it will make that attempt successful.

If refreshing doesn't resolve the error, consider trying:

• Accessing the page through another browser or device: This helps diagnose if the issue is specific to your current browser or device configuration.
• Move on to other troubleshooting steps outlined below if the error persists.

2. Clear Your Browser Cache

You can often encounter 416 errors due to outdated and corrupted data stored in your browser’s cache. By clearing out the cache, it makes sure that you download a fresh copy of this resource from the server which might solve the issue.

Here's how to clear your cache in Google Chrome (specific steps might vary slightly for other browsers):

1. Click on the three vertical dots menu icon in the top right corner of the browser window.
2. Select "More tools" from the menu.
3. Choose "Clear browsing data."
4. In the pop-up window, select the time range of data you want to remove (e.g., "All time" for complete cache clearing).
5. Make sure the boxes next to "Cookies and other site data" and "Cached images and files" are checked.
6. Click on "Clear data" to confirm.

Once your cache is cleared, try revisiting the webpage. This might resolve the 416 error by ensuring your browser retrieves the latest version of the resource from the server.

3. Examine the Apache Error Log

The second step in our troubleshooting guide discusses investigating the Apache error log, which is an important resource for server administrators when faced with HTTP 416 errors. This log keeps track of all the activities happening on the server’s side including any kind of errors that may hint at the origin of your problem.)

What to Look for in the Logs:

The specific information you'll find will vary depending on your server configuration and the nature of the error. However, generally focus on entries around the time the 416 error occurred. These entries might contain:

• Timestamp: The exact time the error was recorded.
• Client IP address: Identifies the device or computer that made the request causing the error.
• Error code: Look for "416" or "Range Not Satisfiable" within the message.
• Request details: This section might provide information about the requested resource, such as its URL and the requested range (if applicable).
• Error message: Often the most crucial part, this message might provide specific reasons for the error, such as an invalid range being requested, a server configuration issue, or a problem with the resource itself.

Accessing the Apache Error Log:

The exact steps for accessing the log depend on your server's operating system and hosting environment. However, it's usually located in the same directory as your Apache configuration files. Common locations include:

• /var/log/apache2/error.log (Linux systems)
• A custom directory specified in your Apache configuration (e.g., /var/www/yourdomain/logs/error.log)

You can use a text editor or a command-line tool like tail to view the latest entries.

Looking closely at the Apache error log will help you find out why the HTTP 416 error occurred and be able to resolve it more precisely.

4. Use APM Tools

Software applications that help in the supervision and management of software application performance are called Application Performance Monitoring (APM) tools. They can track your applications in real time so that you can easily detect and diagnose complex problems of application performance to keep service levels as per expectations. 
The following is how you can use an APM tool to fix the HTTP 416 error:

• Pick An APM Tool: There are several APM tools accessible, for example, New Relic, Dynatrace, and AppDynamics. Consider your requirements and pocket money when making a choice.
• Setting Up And Configuring The APM Tool: To install and configure the tool follow the instructions provided by the vendor of the APM tool who may need you to install an agent on your server which will be used to monitor your apps.
• Monitoring Your Applications: After setting up the APM tool it will start gathering information about your apps. It includes such things as response times, error rates, or throughput.
• Interpretation of Data: Use the dashboard of this APM tool to study collected data. Look out for any abnormal deviations or regularities that may suggest what is behind this HTTP 416 error code.
• Fix the Problem: Follow the necessary course to fix the problem based on your analysis. This could mean changing your application code, adjusting your server configuration, or scaling your infrastructure.

However, as useful as APM tools can be in revealing information about how your application performs, they are not a panacea for all issues. Fixing the HTTP 416 error may require alternatives combined.

5. Disable Range Requesting

Range requests are a feature of the HTTP protocol that enables clients to request only a specific part of a file rather than the whole file at once. It has an advantage when you need to continue interrupted downloads or stream video content online. However, range requests must be carefully implemented or else this will lead to problems like HTTP 416 error.

Here is how you can turn off range requests:

• Access Your .htaccess File: The Apache and other similar web servers’ have a file known as .htaccess that is used for configuration purposes. The root directory of your website normally contains it.
• Add the Necessary Directive: On your .htaccess file, you should add this directive:

Header set Accept-Ranges none

This directive tells the server not to accept range requests.

• Save and Exit: After including the directive, preserve modifications made then quit from a text editor
• Restart Your Server: Restarting the server is needed for these changes to take effect.

Please note that disabling range requests is a drastic measure and should only be used as a last resort. It can impact the functionality of your website, especially if your website relies on a range of requests for certain features like video streaming.

6. Contact Hosting Providers

If in all the above solutions you are still encountering an HTTP 416 error, then it may be time to get in touch with your hosting provider. Your hosting provider can help to deal with such issues and offer specific instructions on resolving them. Therefore compile all the necessary information about the error such as its exact error message, the URL where it appears, and any action taken so far concerning it. Explain to them every detail of the problem through email, live chat, or phone call, and do exactly what they say. Remember that they are there for you hence feel free to ask for their aid.

Must Read

• What are HTTP Status Codes ?
• How To Troubleshoot Common HTTP Error Codes ?
• HTTP status codes | Client Error Responses

Conclusion

In conclusion, when a browser requests a specific part of a resource that is impossible to deliver by a server, this results in the error “HTTP 416 Range Not Satisfiable.” To fix it try refreshing the page clearing the browser cache or checking the Apache error log for further examination. If not then maybe disable range requesting or seek assistance from your hosting provider. To know why it happens; following these steps will help you resolve the issue quickly and continue browsing as usual over the internet.