422 Error Unprocessable Content and how to fix it

422 Error

In this post, we explain the HTTP 422 Error Unprocessable Content. What is it, and how can you fix it? The HTTP 422 Error belongs to the 4xx status codes and is a client-side error. It indicates that the server understood the request content, the syntax was okay, but its instructions could not be processed. This error appears in particular cases involving API interactions, so it is not a standard HTTP 4xx error.

In the following paragraphs, we will explain this error, teach you how to troubleshoot it, and how to fix it. Let’s get started!

What is the HTTP 422 Error?

The full name of the HTTP 422 error code is Unprocessable Entity. This error tells us that the server can not process the content of the request, although it understands it. Typically, this happens when there is a semantic error in the request with the POST. This is a request method supported by HTTP used by the World Wide Web. Unlike the other HTTP 4xx status codes, the HTTP 422 code will appear until the issue is resolved. Without modification of the request, and it’s repeated, the browser will throw the same error.

What is causing the HTTP 422 Error?

The cause of the HTTP 422 Error is a semantic error in the request. This could be wrong data submitted in the request through a registration form or any other form by the client. Also, there may be an issue with the validation rules for the registration form or a corrupt database table. Troubleshooting this issue is essential to finding the roots of the cause. In the following paragraphs, we will give you some possible solutions.

1. Check the validation form

One of the first things you should check is the validation form. This is where the application crashed, and the browser threw the HTTP 422 error. You need to debug the code, determine what data can be sent with the request, and determine the validation rules of that form. You can try submitting the form with different data to see if the issue relates to that specific input field.

2. Check the Database Tables

Check if there is any database table that crashed and was corrupted. Database tables may get corrupted due to updates in the code, plugin updates in WordPress, extension updates in Magento, etc. A corrupted database can lead to many problems, such as pages not loading, throwing HTTP codes such as HTTP 422, etc. Fixing and repairing the database table may solve this issue if it is related to this.

3. Enable Debug Mode

A debug mode is a user interface implemented in some software that allows the user to view and manipulate the program’s internal state. So, enabling a debug mode at the application level is needed. If you are using WordPress, for example, to enable the debug mode, you need to open the wp-config.php and paste the following line of code:

define( 'WP_DEBUG', true );

define( 'WP_DEBUG_LOG', true );

If you are using Laravel, for example, to enable the debug mode, you need to open the .env file and modify the line to look like this:

APP_DEBUG=true

Enabling the debug mode is different for any software, but the point is to use it to see the exact issue related to the HTTP 422 error.

4. Check the Web Server Logs

A web server log is a text document that contains records of all activity related to a specific web server, which is updated periodically or constantly in its content to provide system administrators with reports about activities and, most importantly, the errors. Checking the web server logs if you face the HTTP 422 error is a crucial step that can tell you the exact issue that caused the error message to appear in the browser.

Conclusion

Sometimes, it can be challenging to identify what caused the HTTP 422 Error. This error is way different than the other HTTP 4xx status codes. Without immediate attention, it can not be resolved by itself. The HTTP 422 Unprocessable Content may affect the SEO of the website, causing frustration from the users since their data in the validation forms will not get through, and all this will affect the website revenue. If you effectively manage your website and quickly solve the HTTP 422 error, the previous disadvantages will not be valid.

That’s it. You successfully learned how to fix the 422 Error Unprocessable Content error.

Of course, if you have an issue with this as a server owner, you can always contact our technical support. You have to sign up for one of our Linux VPS plans and submit a support ticket. We will handle everything related to the server. Do not hesitate to contact us anytime you want. We are available 24/7 via live chat and ticketing system.

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