What is 505 Error “Version Not Supported”: Meaning and How to Fix Issue

Ever tried to load a webpage just to get hit by a 505 error? It’s like speaking different languages with a server and getting nowhere.

The 505 error, or “HTTP Version Not Supported,” occurs when your browser and the server cannot agree on which version to use.

But why you? Maybe your browser was outdated, the server’s settings were wrong, or it’s even just a small typo in the URL.

All that can be solved by merely refreshing the browser, clearing the cache, or waiting until the server-side updates.

Let’s break that down step by step.

Understanding the 505 Error Code

The 505 error code is a server-side error known as the “HTTP Version Not Supported”. The error occurs when the server does not recognize the HTTP protocol version in the client’s request.                                              

It’s basically going to happen if the server is outdated or maybe not configured to deal with your browser’s version. It’s rather like trying to talk to someone who speaks an altogether different language. It is so frustrating, right?

Here is a quick rundown of what might cause this error:

• Outdated Browsers: The error might be caused by older browsers such as Internet Explorer, especially when trying to access newer websites. It is like trying to play a Blu-ray disc on an old DVD player.
• Server configuration issues: Sometimes, the server is not set up to handle newer versions of HTTP properly. That can be a nightmare for a webmaster.
• Proxy Server Problems: When a proxy server directs your data, then it is probable that an incompatible version of HTTP might pop up.

A 505 error means that there’s something amiss in the communication between your browser and the server. To be able to correct these issues, both ends should be updated and configured appropriately.

You could also need an upgrade of the browser, resetting the settings on the server, or skipping bad proxies.

In simple words, “When you get a 505 error, it is mostly due to the fact that the server and your browser do not converse with each other in the same HTTP language.

HTTP Status Codes List 505 and detailed information about their meaning can also be found by going through our step-by-step tutorial on HTTP Status Codes. Such explanations clarify several codes, including 505, indicating either the successful or failed execution of HTTP requests.

Also Read: HTTP Code 418: Meaning And How To Fix Issue

Why Does It Happen That the 505 Error Occurs?

HTTP 505, often referred to as “HTTP Version Not Supported,” is a server-side error. It comes out when there’s a version mismatch between the versions of HTTP used by the client and the server. Generally, the cause of the problem traces to a few important reasons that affect the smooth running of your browser and its interaction with a web server.

The most common reason is using an outdated browser. Most websites that have been modernized use the newest web standards to work properly, so an old browser may not support newer standards, thus giving a 505 error.

• Server Configuration: The server itself may not be set up to respond to the HTTP version your browser is using, outdated server software, or servers that are not properly configured to not use the latest HTTP rules.
• Proxy Server Interference: Proxy servers sometime modify the HTTP version while the data is being transmitted, hence creating a conflict. If proxy server is one of your network configurations, try checking whether the proxy server causes this error.
• Incompatible Use of Protocols: Ensure both the client and the server have compatible versions of HTTP. Like in this example, it should be HTTP/1.1. In the event of an experimental or archaic protocol being used, then the likelihood of running into this error increases.
• Server Software Upgrades: This is one of the major requirements. Updated servers can keep up with new HTTP versions and adapt to changes in web standards. This prevents a lot of error messages, like the HTTP 505. Occasionally, an update in your browser or a review of server settings will solve the 505 error. Everything is just a little smoother when all is current.

505 Status Code Impact SEO

HTTP status codes are related to SEO because they tell the search engines how to look at your site. The 505 HTTP error is quite a threat to SEO. When your site sends this error, it loses the chance of appearing in search results. Reason:

• Crawling Problems: Search engines like Google send bots to visit your site. If the bot encounters a 505 error, it cannot read your pages, and therefore, your site will not appear in the search results.
• User Experience: If users get a 505 error and find that they can’t enter your site, they may leave your site quickly, thereby increasing the bounce rate. A search engine notices this behavior and may also think your site is not good.
• Link Problems: If other websites link to pages that show a 505 error, those links won’t help your site. This can hurt your website’s ranking. 

Checking and fixing HTTP status codes is important to keep your website healthy and make sure it shows up in search results.

For website owners and SEO professionals, knowing HTTP status codes is essential. It helps in diagnosing and fixing issues, ultimately improving website performance. Learn more about HTTP status codes to ensure your site is optimized for search engines.

How to Fix a 505 Status Code

• Update Your Browser

Make sure that you have the latest version of your browser. An update to your browser will keep it aligned with modern web standards and prevent problems like the 505 error from occurring.

• Check The Server Software

If you have a server, always ensure it gets all the updates. A server should never be outdated since, in that case, it will not have the latest HTTP versions and, therefore, give error messages. Update server software to enable everything to run properly with minimal probabilities of coming across a 505 error.

• Bypass The Proxy Servers

Sometimes, the issue is at the proxy level. Disable the proxy servers temporarily and see if that fixes the problem. If disabling the proxy removes the error 505, you might have to tinker with the settings of the proxy.

For more information on how the server settings may influence HTTP errors, see our guide on 5xx status codes.

Conclusion

The HTTP 505 error is annoying, but it’s not a big problem. It only means something’s wrong between your browser and the server. Perhaps your browser is old, or perhaps the server needs a quick fix.

Don’t worry, though! Usually, you can fix it by updating your browser or clearing your cache. For server owners, keeping everything updated and checking the settings can save a lot of trouble.