Fix the "414 Request-URI Too Large" Error

What the error means

The 414 error appears when the full address (the URL), including everything after the ? sign, is longer than the server accepts. There is no official maximum, but many servers stop at about 8,000 characters.

Common causes

• Long query strings. Tracking tools and big forms add many parameters to the address.
• Redirect loops. A site that redirects in circles can make the address grow with every turn.
• Wrong request type. A form sends a lot of data with GET, where POST is the right choice.

Fixes for visitors

1. Shorten the address. Remove extra parameters after the ? sign.
2. Clear your browser cache. Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete, tick Cached images and files, and click Clear data.

Fixes for site owners

1. Send big forms with POST instead of GET.
2. Read your server logs and remove any redirect loops.
3. Clear the cache in your control panel or caching plugin.
4. If the address must stay long, raise the server limit as shown below.

Apache

Add the LimitRequestLine line to your Apache config and restart Apache. The default is 8190:

LimitRequestLine 16384

Nginx

Add this line in the http or server block of your Nginx config. Then reload Nginx:

large_client_header_buffers 4 16k;

Quick recap

• 414 means the address is too long.
• Shorten it, use POST, and remove redirect loops.
• Raise LimitRequestLine (Apache) or large_client_header_buffers (Nginx) only if you must.