4xx Client ErrorCommonly usedRFC 9110

405Method Not Allowed

HTTP method is not supported for this endpoint.

What it means

The HTTP method used in the request is not supported by the resource. For example, sending a DELETE to an endpoint that only supports GET and POST. The response must include an Allow header listing the supported methods.

When to use it

  • Endpoint only accepts GET but received POST
  • Read-only resource received a write request
  • DELETE not supported on a resource

Common causes

  • Wrong HTTP method in fetch/axios call
  • Misconfigured API client
  • Form submitting POST to a GET-only endpoint

Code Examples

Express — allowed methods
javascript
app.all('/users', (req, res, next) => {
  if (!['GET', 'POST'].includes(req.method)) {
    return res.status(405)
      .set('Allow', 'GET, POST')
      .json({ error: 'Method not allowed' });
  }
  next();
});

Quick Facts

Code405
CategoryClient Error
SpecRFC 9110
CommonYes

Relevant Headers

Allow

Lists the HTTP methods supported by the resource (e.g. GET, POST)

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