Dealing with errors on your website can be a hassle, especially when it comes to HTTP status codes. These codes are essential indicators delivered to your browser, assisting in diagnosing potential issues.
You might be familiar with codes like the 404 “not found” error or the 301 redirect for SEO purposes. Today, we’re delving into a less common yet equally significant status code – the 501 not implemented error.
Let’s explore what it means and how to efficiently resolve it.
What is the HTTP 501 Not Implemented Error?
Defined by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), the HTTP 501 Not Implemented error occurs when the server doesn’t support the functionality necessary to fulfill a request. It signals that the server neither recognizes the request method nor can support it for any resource. This response, documented in RFC7231, section 6.6.2, is cacheable by default.
Manifesting in various forms across different browsers, web servers, and operating systems, the 501 error denotes the absence of support for the requested action. It might appear as “501 Not Implemented,” “Error 501,” or “HTTP Error 501 Not Implemented.” All these variations convey the same underlying message – the server’s inability to handle the request method.
501 Errors Impact on SEO
While 503 errors prompt Google to revisit later due to maintenance, unresolved 501 errors can negatively impact SEO. If your site experiences a brief downtime and receives consistent crawls, it might not significantly affect your rankings, with crawlers often retrieving the page from the cache.
However, prolonged downtimes, lasting 6+ hours, could signal a substantial issue to Google, potentially influencing your site’s ranking. Understanding the root cause of repeated 501 errors is crucial to prevent their recurrence.
How to Fix the HTTP 501 Not Implemented Error
Addressing a 501 not implemented error primarily involves rectifying issues with your web server. Although a few troubleshooting steps are available from your end, seeking assistance from your hosting provider is often necessary.
1. Try Reloading the Page
When encountering a 501 error, a quick page reload (F5 or Ctrl + F5) might resolve the issue as it could be a temporary server glitch. Additionally, checking the site’s status on websites like “downforeveryoneorjustme.com” can help distinguish between a server-side problem and an issue specific to your connection.
2. Clear Your Browser Cache
Clearing the browser cache is another useful step in resolving issues related to 501 errors. Each browser has its method to clear the cache.
Follow instructions specific to your browser (Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, Internet Explorer, Microsoft Edge, Opera) to clear the cache effectively.
3. Disable Proxy Settings
Rarely, a 501 error might occur due to proxy settings. Ensuring that no proxy settings are enabled or disabling existing ones (Windows or Mac) can potentially resolve this issue.
4. Reach Out To Your Host
Given that 501 errors typically stem from server-side problems, contacting your hosting provider is crucial for resolution. Hosting-related causes could range from bad updates, and misconfigurations in server software like NGINX, overwhelmed servers, to billing issues. Informing your host allows for prompt investigation and resolution of the error.
At Pressillion, a 501 error might be due to your staging environment being inactive. Initiating your staging environment can rectify this issue easily.
For persistent issues or if you’re unsure, raising a support ticket with your hosting provider for immediate assistance is advisable.
Monitoring Solutions
To proactively monitor and receive alerts for 501 errors, tools like updown.io offer monitoring services. They periodically check your site’s status and notify you via email when downtime occurs. This can be particularly valuable for shared hosting scenarios, providing insight into the frequency and duration of downtime.
In conclusion, resolving HTTP 501 Not Implemented errors involves a blend of immediate troubleshooting from your end and prompt communication with your hosting provider. Understanding the error and swiftly addressing it ensures your site’s seamless operation.
