The 408 Request Timeout error is a meaningful HTTP status code that indicates that your request to a website server (for example, a request to load a webpage) is taking longer than usual. In other words, your connection to the site “timed out”.
The 408 Request Timeout error is customized for each site, especially large sites, so keep in mind that this error can appear in a variety of ways.
The 408 Request Timeout error displays inside the internet browser window, just like web pages.
What does 408 Request Timeout mean?
Error code 408 Request timeout occurs when the connection to the website fails. That means the request you make to the web server is taking too long compared to the web server’s waiting time.
The client’s request load time is much higher than the server’s timeout for a particular request. In a nutshell, Request Time > Server Timeout
In this scenario, the server will cut off the connection and return an error code 408 for Request Timeout.
Symptoms of HTTP Error 408
1. The active window is suddenly closed.
2. A Request Timeout error message appears.
3. Windows runs slowly and reacts slowly to input devices.
How does the 408 Request Timeout error message appear?
You can see the 408 Request Timeout error in a variety of ways. Although the expressions are slightly different, they all mean the same thing.
1. “408 Request Time-out”
2. “Request Timeout”
3. “The Request Has Timed Out”
4. “408: Request Timeout”
5. “HTTP Error 408 – Request Timeout”
How is a 408 error different from a 504 error?
If you are a website owner, there is a 99% chance that you have encountered a 504 Gateway Timeout error. You may also be wondering how a 408 Request Timeout error differs from a 504 Gateway Timeout error.
An HTTP 504 Gateway Timeout status error is returned when the server is acting as a gateway or proxy and has timed out, while the 408 error is returned as a direct message from the active server.
When the server request timeout is less than the server request time, a 408 Request Timeout occurs. A 504 Gateway Timeout occurs when one server cannot get a timely response from another server, which can act as a gateway or proxy.
How to fix 408 Request Timeout error
1. Try reloading the web page by clicking the refresh/reload button, or retry the URL from the address bar. Many times, a slow connection will bring up a 408 Request Timeout error, and this is usually only temporary. Retrying to reload the page will usually succeed.
Note: If a 408 Request Timeout error message occurs during an online checkout, be aware that reload attempts can result in multiple orders—and multiple fees! Most e-commerce sites will take action in this case, but you also need to be aware of this issue.
2. Perhaps you’re experiencing issues with your internet connection, which is causing delays in accessing pages. To rule this out, visit another site like Google or Yahoo.
If the pages load as fast as they should, the problem causing the 408 Request Timeout 8 error may be unique to that site.
3. However, if this behavior occurs on all websites, your internet connection may have problems. Check your Internet speed to measure current bandwidth or contact your Internet Service Provider for technical support.
4. Wait a moment, and then return to the website. 408 Request Timeout is a common error message on large websites when the number of visitors grows too high. As more visitors leave your site, your chances of a successful page load increase.
5. If all else fails, you should contact the webmaster or other website contact and notify them of the 408 Request Timeout error.
You can contact the webmaster of most websites by email at webmast[email protected], replacing website.com with the actual site name.
Similar errors: 408 Request Timeout
The 400 Bad Request, 401 Unauthorized, 403 Forbidden, and 404 Not Found problems are all client-side errors and hence partly similar to the 408 Request Timeout issue.
Some server-side HTTP status codes also exist, like the common 500 Internal Server Error. You can see all the errors in our HTTP Status Code Errors list.
Reference:
- How to fix SSL connection errors on Chrome and Firefox
- How to fix “The 504 Gateway Timeout” error
- Quick fix “This site can’t be reached” error on the Chrome browser
