The 405 Method Not Allowed error occurs when a client uses an HTTP method (e.g., POST, PUT) not permitted by the server for a specific URL. Common causes include misconfigured Nginx location blocks, missing or incorrect “allow” directives, or conflicts with proxy settings. This server-side error indicates the method is disabled or unrecognized for the requested resource.
Does Changing Website Host Affect SEO?
How to Configure Nginx to Handle POST Requests Correctly?
Enable POST requests by ensuring the location block includes “limit_except POST” or allows methods explicitly. If using reverse proxies, validate proxy_pass settings forward methods properly. For applications like WordPress, add “client_max_body_size” to accommodate file uploads and “proxy_set_header” directives to preserve request methods.
When handling large file uploads or form submissions, the client_max_body_size directive becomes critical. For example, setting client_max_body_size 100M; in your server block prevents Nginx from rejecting POST requests with payloads exceeding default limits. Additionally, ensure your location blocks explicitly allow POST methods using syntax like:
location /upload {
limit_except POST { deny all; }
client_max_body_size 50M;
}
For reverse proxy scenarios, verify headers are forwarded correctly. A common configuration includes:
| Directive | Purpose | Example |
|---|---|---|
| proxy_set_header Host | Preserve original hostname | $host |
| proxy_set_header X-Real-IP | Pass client IP | $remote_addr |
| proxy_set_header X-Forwarded-For | Identify proxy chain | $proxy_add_x_forwarded_for |
How to Fix 405 Errors in WordPress Nginx Setups?
In WordPress, 405s often occur during form submissions or REST API calls. Update permalinks via Settings > Permalinks and regenerate .htaccess (if using Apache hybrid setups). Add “location /wp-json/ { limit_except GET POST; }” to enable API methods. Disable security plugins temporarily to rule out conflicts.
WordPress REST API endpoints require specific method permissions. If your theme or plugins use custom API routes, ensure Nginx configuration aligns with these requirements. For example, WooCommerce checkout processes may need:
location /checkout {
limit_except GET POST { deny all; }
proxy_pass http://php-backend;
}
Common troubleshooting steps include:
- Verifying
try_filesdirectives aren’t overriding method permissions - Checking for conflicting rewrite rules in server blocks
- Testing with default WordPress themes to isolate plugin conflicts
| Plugin | Conflict Potential | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Wordfence | High (blocks POST) | Whitelist endpoints |
| iThemes Security | Medium | Disable REST API restrictions |
| Cloudflare APO | Low | Purge cache |
FAQs
- Q: Can a 405 error be caused by client-side code?
- No, 405 is strictly server-generated. However, client-side scripts may trigger it by sending unsupported methods to correctly configured endpoints.
- Q: Does Cloudflare cache 405 errors?
- Yes. Purge Cloudflare cache via the dashboard or using cache-control headers to prevent stale 405 responses.
- Q: Is 405 related to CORS preflight failures?
- Indirectly. Preflight OPTIONS requests may return 405 if not configured, blocking subsequent methods. Ensure OPTIONS is allowed in Nginx.