Free HTTP Status Code Checker
Look up what any HTTP status code means, instantly and entirely in your browser.
How to look up an HTTP status code
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1
Type a code or keyword
Enter a status code like 404, or a keyword like "redirect" or "not found".
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2
Read the meaning
Matching codes show their name, category and a plain-language description.
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3
Check common causes
Each result lists typical situations where that code shows up, to help you debug.
Example use cases
Debugging a failed API call
Quickly check what a status code your app just returned actually means before digging into logs.
Deciding between a 301 and 302 redirect
Look up the difference before setting up a redirect rule, since it affects SEO and caching behavior.
Explaining an error to a non-technical teammate
Get a plain-language description of a code like 503 to paste into a status update or bug report.
Frequently asked questions
What do the different HTTP status code ranges mean?
1xx are informational, 2xx mean success, 3xx are redirects, 4xx are client errors (something wrong with the request), and 5xx are server errors (something wrong on the server's end).
What's the difference between a 301 and a 302 redirect?
A 301 is a permanent redirect — search engines and browsers update their records to the new URL. A 302 is temporary, so the original URL is expected to work again later.
Why do I see a 403 instead of a 401?
401 means you're not authenticated (log in first); 403 means you are recognized but not allowed to access that resource regardless of login.
Does this tool check my own website's live status?
No — this is a reference lookup for what each code means, not a live URL checker, since browsers block cross-site status checks (CORS). To check a live URL, use your browser's network tab or a server-side tool.