Technologies

404 and 503 decoded: Here’s what those pesky internet error fails really mean

You can’t load a webpage you want, but those error codes are trying to tell you something. We’ll help you figure out what to do next.

It was Feb. 16 and I had two alarms set on my phone for Beyoncé’s Formation tour tickets. As they were bound to sell out in minutes, I was on the website, ready to refresh the page as soon as the clock struck 10 a.m. But when the critical moment came, the page only showed an ominous message: «503? Service requested is unavailable?» I refreshed the page frantically. What if I couldn’t get the tickets? Who knew when Beyoncé would tour again? But I got the same error over and over again.

I picked up my phone hoping to have more luck there, but I got the same message. Finally, after what felt like a bazillion refreshes and clicks, I was able to get through. There they were — the tickets I had been waiting months for. Whew! The purchase confirmation screen appeared and the nightmare ended. But I kept asking myself where that message came from. Was it something I did, or was the website just borked?

Those random-seeming website error numbers like 404, 503 and 301 you sometimes see after typing a URL can throw you off your groove or worse, ruin an urgent task (like buying Beyoncé tickets). Sometimes, like if you mistyped the URL, a simple text change can put you back in business. Other times, there may be a bigger issue — the server is down or there’s an internet outage.

To help you understand what to do the next time you see one of these online uh-ohs, I’ll break down the basics of those strange codes — even the ones that you might not be able to crack on your own. And if you’re fascinated by all of the code-lingo, you can always dig in deeper with a coding course for beginners.

404s and other common website errors: What they mean

Some website error codes are your fault (oops), but others are because of problems with the server that only the website’s administrator can fix. Chances are, you’ll see them with every refresh — it might help keep your annoyance at bay to understand why (but I doubt it).

404: One of the most common errors you’ll see, it means the page cannot be found. Nowadays, some sites will design its error code pages with cute puppies, links to other pages or a funny illustration to lighten your no doubt frustrated mood. Double-check the URL for typos and try again. If you’re typing the correct URL and you still have no luck, the page has been moved or deleted.

301: You may have heard of a «301 redirect,» but probably have never seen this code displayed on a site. Think of it as a smooth transition from one old URL to a new one, sort of like forwarding your mail. You should still see the webpage you wanted when this happens, but it likely has a different URL than the one you entered. It’s a permanent move, and even if you use the old URL, you’ll still be automatically routed to the new one. Bookmark the new URL for future reference.

400: This one is best known as a «bad request» for the user. On Google Chrome, you’ll get the message, «This page isn’t working at the moment» along with some guidance about contacting the website administrator. Usually, it’s caused by an error on your end. There may be a typo in the URL, the server may not understand your request, or the file you’re trying to upload is too big. Try clearing your cache and checking the URL for typos. If you have no luck, take Google’s advice.

410: This is the «Gone» status. You may see a message like, «This page does not exist,» or «Page deleted or gone.» There’s no problem on your end — you’ve got the right page, but the website administrator may have deleted it for good.

451: This code blocks you from seeing a URL for various legal reasons. According to a developer resource page from Mozilla (the maker of the Firefox browser), a person or organization may have made a legal demand to remove the content or the page may be blocked because of government censorship. You should see the legal reason on the page with the status code, but it’s not always guaranteed. If you’re determined to see the content, you may be able to get there with a few tech-savvy tactics — like a VPN or proxy server that acts as a tool to bypass the server’s restrictions.

503: You’ll likely see the message, «503 Service unavailable,» when a website’s server is down, so you won’t be able to access the site until it’s fixed. Reason being, the site’s server could be down for maintenance, too many people may be causing the site to overload, the site could have a bug or someone looking to cause trouble has taken the site offline. You won’t be able to access the site until it’s fixed so it’s best to try again later to see if the server issue is resolved.

200: This code you won’t see because it means that everything is OK. The site, its server and your browser are all working fine, so there’s no need to alert you there’s not a problem. The only place you’ll likely see it is in the code (or back end). In fact, most codes that start with a 2 are a good sign that the communication channel between your browser and the company’s server is working.

How can I fix website codes with images and videos?

It can be frustrating if you’re trying to play a video, upload or download media, but see error codes instead. More often than not it’s a user error, and it’s up to you to fix the problem. Sometimes you’ll see a small icon that looks like a picture in place of the video or image you’d hope to see. In that case, you’ll know something’s wrong.

If you get status code 415, it’s a red flag that the server doesn’t recognize the file type you’re using. Popular photo- and video-sharing sites will list the file types they support, typically on the Support page (here’s the list for YouTube). If yours isn’t listed, try converting the file to one of the approved formats before uploading it again.

Front end developer Allan Hernandez says that most common supported types are .mp3 and .mp4 for videos and .jpeg, .png, .svg and .web for images. If you’re uploading a video or image using one of the correct file formats, he says, it should be easy and error-free.

Another common problem occurs when you try to upload files that are too big for the server, also known as status code 413. In this case, it’s best to reduce the file size before uploading again.

Here are a few other common error codes you may come across with media and what they mean.

404: The media file has been moved or deleted.
403: The server cannot access your image or video — possibly because the firewall is blocking it.
429: You may have sent too many requests without giving the server time to process them. So, if you’ve clicked «upload» a bazillion times, you may get this code.

Are any errors my fault that I can fix?

Yes, there are two types of code errors: client and server. Most client errors start with a 4. You’ll need to fix something on your end before continuing. For example, the 403 code may mean the page is forbidden, or the web administrator restricts access to that page. You’ll need to go to another page or site.

Usually, if there’s an error, you’ll need to do one of these things.

1. Restart your computer, modem or router.

2. Check the URL for typos.

3. Visit a different URL.

Sometimes, other actions may be required, such as you need to pay to see gated content or, if you’ve clicked a button constantly, you just need to wait patiently because the request isn’t processing fast enough.

If an error starts with a 5, it’s the server’s problem and there may not be much you can do. Try contacting the website’s support to let them know you’re getting a server error.

Technologies

iOS 17 Cheat Sheet: Your Questions on the iPhone Update Answered

Here’s what you need to know about new features and upcoming updates for your iPhone.

Apple’s iOS 17 was released in September, shortly after the company held its Wonderlust event, where the tech giant announced the new iPhone 15 lineup, the Apple Watch Series 9 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2. We put together this cheat sheet to help you learn about and use the new features in iOS 17. It’ll also help you keep track of the subsequent iOS 17 updates.

iOS 17 updates

Using iOS 17

Getting started with iOS 17

Make sure to check back periodically for more iOS 17 tips and how to use new features as Apple releases more updates.

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About

+15 More

See all photos

Technologies

Get Ready for a Striking Aurora That Could Also Disrupt Radio Communications

Don’t expect the storm to cause a lingering problem, though.

A geomagnetic storm is threatening radio communications Monday night, but that doesn’t mean you should be concerned. In fact, it may be an opportunity to see a colorful aurora in the night sky.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has issued a geomagnetic storm watch after witnessing a coronal mass ejection from the sun on Saturday. The watch, which was issued over the weekend and will expire after Monday, said the onset of the storm passing over Earth on Sunday night represented a «moderate» threat to communications. As the storm continues to pass through, it could deliver a «strong» threat on Monday night that could cause radio communications to be temporarily disrupted during the worst of it.

Even so, NOAA said, «the general public should not be concerned.»

A coronal mass ejection occurs when magnetic field and plasma mass are violently expelled from the sun’s corona, or the outermost portion of the sun’s atmosphere. In the vast majority of cases, the ejection occurs with no real threat to Earth. However, in the event the ejection happens in the planet’s direction, a geomagnetic storm occurs, and the Earth’s magnetic field is temporarily affected.

In most cases, geomagnetic storms cause little to no disruption on Earth, with radio communications and satellites affected most often. In extreme cases, a geomagnetic storm can cause significant and potentially life-threatening power outages — a prospect that, luckily, the planet hasn’t faced.

Switching poles

Every 11 years, the sun’s magnetic poles switch, with the north pole and south pole swapping positions. During those cycles, the sun’s activity ramps up as it gets closer to pole-switching time. The height of its activity is called solar maximum, and scientists believe we either may be entering the solar maximum or may be already in it.

During periods of heightened solar activity, sunspots increase on the sun and there’s an increase in coronal mass ejections, among other phenomena. According to NOAA, solar maximum could extend into October of this year before the sun’s activity calms and it works towards its less-active phase, solar minimum.

Even when geomagnetic storms hit Earth and disrupt communications, the effects are usually short-lived. Those most affected, including power grid operators and pilots and air traffic controllers communicating over long distances, have fail-safe technologies and backup communications to ensure operational continuity.

But geomagnetic storms aren’t only about radios. In most cases, they also present unique opportunities to see auroras in the night sky. When the storms hit, the plasma they carry creates a jaw-dropping aurora, illuminating the night sky with brilliant colors. Those auroras can be especially pronounced during the most intense phases of the storm, making for nice stargazing.

If you’re interested in seeing the aurora, you’ll need to be ready. The NOAA said the «brunt of the storm has passed» and even if it lingers into Tuesday, there won’t be much to see after Monday night.

Technologies

Last Total Solar Eclipse for 20 Years Is Coming: How to See and Photograph It

It’s your last chance until 2044.

Get your eclipse glasses ready, Skygazers: the Great American Eclipse is on its way. On April 8, there’ll be a total eclipse over North America, the last one until 2044.

A total solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, blocking the sun and turning an otherwise sunny day to darkness for a short period of time. Depending on the angle at which you’re viewing the eclipse, you may see the sun completely shrouded by the moon (called totality) or some variation of it. The more off-angle you are and the further you are from the path of the eclipse, the less likely you’ll be to see the totality.

The 2024 total solar eclipse will happen on Monday, April 8. The Great American Eclipse will reach the Mexican Pacific coast at 11:07 a.m. PT (2:07 p.m. ET), and then traverse the US in a northeasterly direction from Texas to Maine, and on into easternmost Canada. If you want a good look at it, but don’t live in the path of totality, you shouldn’t wait much longer to book accommodation and travel to a spot on the path.

Or how about booking a seat in the sky? Delta Airlines made headlines for offering a flight that allows you to see the entire path of totality. Its first eclipse flight, from Austin, Texas, to Detroit sold out quickly. But as of Monday, Delta has added a second flight from Dallas to Detroit, which also covers the path of totality. The airline also has five flights that will offer prime eclipse viewing.

Not everyone can get on one of those elusive eclipse-viewing flights. Here’s a look at other options to nab a chance to see this rare sight and what to know about it.

Total solar eclipse path

The eclipse will cross over the Pacific coast of Mexico and head northeast over mainland Mexico. The eclipse will then make its way over San Antonio at approximately 2:30 p.m. ET on April 8 and move through Texas, over the southeastern part of Oklahoma and northern Arkansas by 2:50 p.m. ET.

By 3 p.m. ET, the eclipse will be over southern Illinois, and just 5 minutes later, will be traveling over Indianapolis. Folks in northwestern Ohio will be treated to the eclipse by 3:15 p.m. ET, and it will then travel over Lake Erie and Buffalo, New York, by 3:20 p.m. ET. Over the next 10 minutes, the eclipse will be seen over northern New York state, then over Vermont. By 3:35 p.m. ET, the eclipse will work its way into Canada and off the Eastern coast of North America.

Best places to watch the Great American Eclipse

When evaluating the best places to watch this year’s total eclipse, you’ll first want to determine where you’ll have the best angle to see the totality. The farther off-angle you are — in other words, the farther north or south of the eclipse’s path — the less of an impact you can expect.

Therefore, if you want to have the best chance of experiencing the eclipse, you’ll want to be in its path. As of this writing, most of the cities in the eclipse’s path have some hotel availability, but recent reports have suggested that rooms are booking up. And as more rooms are booked, prices are going up.

So if you want to be in the eclipse’s path, and need a hotel to do it, move fast. And Delta’s eclipse-viewing flight from Dallas to Detroit has just four seats left at the time of publication.

Eclipse eye safety and photography

As with any solar eclipse, it’s critical you keep eye safety in mind.

During the eclipse, and especially during the periods before and after totality, don’t look directly at the sun without special eye protection. Also, be sure not to look at the sun through a camera (including the camera on your phone), binoculars, a telescope or any other viewing device. This could cause serious eye injury. Sunglasses aren’t enough to protect your eyes from damage.

If you want to view the eclipse, you’ll instead need solar viewing glasses that comply with the ISO 12312-2 safety standard. Anything that doesn’t meet that standard or greater won’t be dark enough to protect your eyes. Want to get them for free? If you’ve got a Warby Parker eyeglasses store nearby, the company is giving away free, ISO-certified solar eclipse glasses at all of its stores from April 1 until the eclipse, while supplies last.

If you don’t have eclipse viewing glasses handy, you can instead use indirect methods for viewing the eclipse, like a pinhole projector.

Read more: A Photographer’s Adventure With the Eclipse

In the event you want to take pictures of the eclipse, attach a certified solar filter to your camera. Doing so will protect your eyes and allow you to take photos while you view the eclipse through your lens.

There’s also a new app to help you both protect your eyes and take better photos of the eclipse on your phone. Solar Snap, designed by a former Hubble Space Telescope astronomer, comes with a Solar Snap camera filter that attaches to the back of an iPhone or Android phone, along with solar eclipse glasses for protecting your eyesight during the event. After you attach the filter to your phone, you can use the free Solar Snap Eclipse app to zoom in on the eclipse, adjust exposure and other camera settings, and ultimately take better shots of the eclipse.

2024 eclipse compared to 2017

The last total solar eclipse occurred in 2017, and many Americans had a great view. Although there are plenty of similarities between the 2017 total solar eclipse and the one coming April 8, there are a handful of differences. Mainly, the 2024 eclipse is going to cover more land and last longer.

The 2017 eclipse started over the northwest US and moved southeast. Additionally, that eclipse’s path was up to 71 miles wide, compared with a maximum width of 122 miles for this year’s eclipse. Perhaps most importantly, the moon completely covered the sun for just 2 minutes, 40 seconds in 2017. This year, maximum totality will last for nearly four-and-a-half minutes.