423 Locked
The resource the request targets is locked against the attempted operation.
What it means
HTTP 423 Locked is a WebDAV status meaning the resource, or a parent it belongs to, is locked. WebDAV lets a client lock a file while editing so others cannot change it at the same time, and an operation that would conflict with an active lock is refused with 423.
When it happens
It happens with WebDAV editing, such as a document open for editing in a content-management or file-sync system that locks the file, blocking another client from writing to it until the lock is released.
How to fix it
- Wait for the existing lock to be released, then retry the operation.
- If you hold the lock, supply the correct lock token with the request.
- Clear a stale lock left behind by a crashed or disconnected client if your server allows it.
SEO impact
None. It is a WebDAV locking response that search engines never encounter on public pages.
Find out which of your URLs return 423
Paste a list of URLs and Sitewell checks the status code of every one at once — free and without signup.
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.
405 Method Not AllowedThe HTTP method used is not supported for the requested resource.
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.