What is a 401 – Unauthorized? (Proxies Explained)
A 401 – Unauthorized error happens when a server refuses access because the client hasn’t provided valid authentication credentials. In simple terms, the server is saying, “I need to know who you are before I let you in.”
Common Causes of a 401 Error:
- Missing Credentials: No username or password was sent with the request.
- Invalid Credentials: The username, password, or token provided is incorrect.
- Session Expired: Authentication tokens or sessions have timed out.
- Restricted Access: The resource requires permissions the user doesn’t have.
How It Impacts You
This error blocks you from accessing the requested resource or webpage. If you’re using proxies, it may indicate that the proxy server’s authentication details are incorrect or missing.
401 – Unauthorized Error Quick Fixes:
- Check your credentials: Double-check your username, password, or API token.
- Log in again: If your session has expired, log in to refresh your access.
- Update proxy settings: Ensure the proxy server is correctly configured with the right credentials.
- Contact the admin: If you believe you should have access, reach out for help.
How to Avoid 401 – Unauthorized Error:
- Always keep your authentication details updated.
- Use session persistence or automatic token refresh for seamless proxy usage.
- Double-check proxy configuration settings to ensure credentials are included.
Understanding the 401 – Unauthorized error helps you quickly pinpoint authentication issues and restore access without unnecessary downtime.
If you want to learn more about proxy errors, check out our article on How to Fix and Troubleshoot Common Proxy Errors.
