405 Method Not Allowed
The HTTP method used is not supported for the requested resource.
What it means
HTTP 405 Method Not Allowed means the resource exists but does not accept the method used. For example, sending a POST to a URL that only accepts GET. The response should include an Allow header listing the permitted methods.
When it happens
It happens when a form posts to a GET-only endpoint, an API is called with the wrong verb, or a misconfigured server blocks methods like HEAD or OPTIONS that crawlers use.
How to fix it
- Use the correct HTTP method for the endpoint (check the Allow header).
- Fix the form action or API client to send the expected verb.
- Ensure the server permits GET and HEAD on pages, since crawlers rely on them.
SEO impact
Negative if it blocks GET or HEAD on real pages. Crawlers use GET and HEAD; if those return 405, pages cannot be indexed. Make sure indexable URLs answer GET and HEAD correctly.
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Related codes
The server could not understand the request due to malformed syntax.
401 UnauthorizedAuthentication is required and has failed or not been provided.
402 Payment RequiredA largely reserved code intended for payment-gated access to a resource.
403 ForbiddenThe server understood the request but refuses to authorize it.
404 Not FoundThe server could not find the requested resource.
406 Not AcceptableThe server cannot produce a response matching the formats the client said it would accept.
Related guides
A plain-English primer on HTTP status codes for SEOs: what the 2xx, 3xx, 4xx, and 5xx families mean, which ones affect rankings, and the codes worth knowing.
How to find and fix broken linksA practical walkthrough for finding broken links on your site, working out why each one breaks, and fixing them so visitors and crawlers stop hitting dead ends.