HTTP error 431 returns the status code: Request header fields too large

You've tried to look at content on your own website, and you've hit an error. Read through it, and you'll know that the system thinks "request header fields too large." But you have no idea what that means.

HTTP errors are meant to give you information about the communication between your device and a website server. But the codes were written for developers, not average people. And even experts can be confused by obscure codes like this one. 

Fixing HTTP error 431 is relatively easy once you know what to look for. We'll walk you through the steps.

Understand the HTTP Language 

The acronym HTTP stands for "hypertext transfer protocol," which was established in 1991. Think of this protocol as the language of requests and responses between devices and servers. 

Each time you visit a website, a predictable set of steps happens.

• Browser request: You need data or information from the web server to visit the page. 
• Data movement: Buried within that request is information about you, your browser, and more. 
• The server’s response: You're either given access, or you get a code that explains the denial. 

Requests are sometimes called "headers." The HTTP protocol doesn't specify how long or big these pieces of data can be. But some servers limit size for security reasons. 

And that's