How to Fix Error 405: Comprehensive Guide

Table of Contents

What Is Error 405 and Why Does It Occur?

Error 405 (Method Not Allowed) occurs when a client attempts to use an HTTP method (e.g., GET, POST) not supported by the server for a specific URL. Common causes include misconfigured server settings, incorrect API endpoints, or conflicting plugins. This status code indicates the server recognizes the request method but rejects it for the target resource.

UPD Hosting

How to Diagnose Error 405 in Different Environments?

Check server logs for details about the rejected request. In WordPress, deactivate plugins/themes to identify conflicts. For APIs, verify endpoint configurations and allowed HTTP methods. Use browser developer tools (Network tab) to inspect headers and response codes. Cross-check client-side code (e.g., JavaScript) to ensure correct HTTP methods are sent.

Can Someone Hack My Server?

Diagnosing this error in cloud environments like AWS or Azure requires checking load balancer configurations and gateway permissions. For containerized applications (Docker/Kubernetes), inspect ingress controllers and API gateway rules. Mobile app developers should validate network requests using tools like Charles Proxy to capture HTTP method mismatches. Below is a comparison of diagnostic tools across environments:

Environment	Diagnostic Tool	Key Action
WordPress	Health Check Plugin	Disable plugins in Safe Mode
REST API	Postman/Insomnia	Test OPTIONS preflight requests
NGINX	error.log	Check “405 Not Allowed” entries

Which Server-Side Fixes Resolve Error 405?

Configure .htaccess (Apache): Add RewriteEngine On and ensure methods like GET/POST are allowed.
Adjust NGINX Settings: Update location blocks to permit required methods.
Update API Permissions: For REST APIs, validate supported methods (e.g., WP REST API requires rest_route adjustments).

Why Do Plugins or Themes Trigger Error 405 in WordPress?

Plugins/themes may override server rules or misuse hooks, blocking valid HTTP methods. For example, security plugins like Wordfence sometimes restrict POST requests. Disable plugins via FTP (rename /wp-content/plugins) and reactivate them one-by-one to isolate conflicts.

Why Did Bluehost Call Me? Verification for Fraud Prevention

How to Fix Error 405 in REST API Integrations?

Ensure API endpoints accept the client’s HTTP method. For WordPress, add:

add_filter('rest_pre_dispatch', 'allow_custom_methods', 10, 3);  
function allow_custom_methods($result, $server, $request) {  
  $request->set_method('POST');  
  return $result;  
}

What Are the Downsides of Shared Hosting? Understanding Limited Resources and Bandwidth

Can Caching or CDN Services Cause Error 405?

Yes. Cached server responses may retain outdated method restrictions. Clear CDN (e.g., Cloudflare) and server cache. Temporarily disable caching to test. For Varnish, purge cache using curl -X PURGE http://yourdomain.com.

Does Changing Website Host Affect SEO?

Content Delivery Networks often apply global rules that conflict with specific application requirements. For example, Cloudflare’s “Security Level” settings might block PUT/DELETE methods. Always review caching policies and configure method-specific exceptions. Static site generators (e.g., Jekyll) combined with CDNs may require cache-busting techniques like versioned URLs. Consider these cache management strategies:

CDN Type	Cache Purge Method	Frequency
Cloudflare	API or Dashboard Purge	After method rule changes
Fastly	Soft Purge with Surrogate Keys	During API updates
Akamai	Invalidation via Luna	Post-configuration tweaks

What Role Do Security Headers Play in Error 405?

Overly strict headers (e.g., Content-Security-Policy) can block valid methods. Review headers via curl -I yourdomain.com and adjust using Header set Access-Control-Allow-Methods "GET, POST" in Apache.

Comprehensive Guide on Converting Video to Audio

When Should You Modify Client-Side Code to Avoid Error 405?

If the server rejects methods like PUT/DELETE, refactor client code to use allowed methods. For AJAX, replace fetch(url, {method: 'PUT'}) with POST and specify the action via X-HTTP-Method-Override header.

How to Implement Web API in Azure

“Error 405 often stems from mismatched expectations between client and server. Always validate allowed methods at both ends, especially when integrating third-party APIs. Tools like Postman simplify testing, while systematic plugin isolation remains critical in CMS environments.” — Web Developer at Astra Security

Conclusion

Resolving Error 405 requires auditing server configurations, client requests, and middleware (plugins/CDN). Prioritize log analysis, method whitelisting, and conflict testing. For persistent issues, consult framework-specific documentation or server administrators.

What Are the Benefits of Using AWS Managed Services?

FAQs

Can Error 405 be caused by a firewall?: Yes. Firewalls like ModSecurity may block unsupported methods. Check firewall logs and whitelist necessary methods.
Is Error 405 related to CORS?: Indirectly. CORS errors (e.g., 403) may precede 405 if preflight OPTIONS requests fail.
How does Error 405 differ from 404?: 405 indicates the server recognizes the URL but rejects the method; 404 means the URL doesn’t exist.