The error message “400 Bad Request: Request Header or Cookie Too Large” happens when a web server finds it difficult to handle a request from your browser.

This happens because the information the browser is sending is too much.

Each server has a limit on how much data it can handle at once. If your browser sends more than this limit, you will see this error.

Understanding the Error

When you browse the internet, your browser stores small files called cookies, which help the website remember information about your visit. Similarly, browsers send headers, which are bits of information about the browser or your preferences. If the information in cookies or headers gets too large, it can cause this error.

How to Fix the Error

Here are several methods to try if you encounter this error:

1. Clear Browser Cookies and Cache

Cookies and cache are stored in your browser to help websites load faster and remember your settings.

However, if too many are stored, they can cause problems.

To clear these in Google Chrome, click on the three vertical dots, choose “More Tools,” then “Clear browsing data.”

Make sure to select “Cookies and other site data” and “Cached images and files,” set the time range to “All time,” and click “Clear data.”

RELATED:  7 Tips On Securing Customer Loyalty

2. Reset Your Browser

If clearing the cookies and cache doesn’t work, try resetting your browser to its original settings. In Chrome, go to settings, scroll down to ‘Reset settings,’ and click on ‘Restore settings to their original defaults.’

This step turns off all extensions and resets your settings without deleting your bookmarks or history.

3. Restart Your Device and Network Hardware

Sometimes, simply restarting your computer, modem, and router can solve the problem by refreshing your connection to the internet.

4. Flush DNS Cache

Your computer’s DNS cache stores the addresses of websites you visit to help them load faster next time. Flushing this cache can help update the site’s information on your computer.

For Windows, open Command Prompt and type “ipconfig /flushdns” then press enter. On a MacBook, open Terminal and type “sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder,” then press enter.

5. Contact the Website Owner

If none of the above steps work, the problem might be on the website’s end. Try contacting the site’s owner to report the issue.

Other Solutions to Try

  • Force reload the web page with Ctrl+F5 on Windows or Command+Shift+R on Mac.
  • Open a private browsing window to prevent old cookies from affecting your browsing.
  • If you manage a website, increase the buffer size in Nginx settings to handle larger headers.
  • Check your headers for any repetitions or unnecessary data.

FAQ

What is a browser cache?

A browser cache stores web page resource files on your local computer to help web pages load faster on subsequent visits.

RELATED:  7 Ways Automation is Changing the Face of Accounting

What are cookies in a web browser?

Cookies are small files saved on your computer by websites you visit, containing information about your interactions with the site, which helps with functionalities like keeping you logged in or remembering site preferences.

What does flushing DNS cache do?

Flushing the DNS cache clears out old and possibly outdated records of web addresses you’ve visited, which can help solve browsing issues related to connectivity and site access.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *