205 Reset Content

What HTTP 205 Reset Content Means

The request succeeded and the client should reset the document view that sent the request.

Tells the client (typically a form) to clear its inputs so the user can enter a fresh submission.

Common Causes

• Successful form submission that should clear the form
• Data-entry workflows expecting repeated input

How to Fix It (For Visitors)

• No action needed - the form was accepted

How to Fix It (For Developers/Admins)

• Return 205 to instruct the client to reset the form
• Send no message body with a 205
• Handle the reset on the client side

Returning a 205 Reset Content (Code Examples)

If you build APIs or web apps, here is how to send an HTTP 205 response and how to test for it:

Node.js (Express)

app.get('/resource', (req, res) => {
  res.status(205).json({ error: 'Reset Content' });
});

Python (Flask)

@app.route('/resource')
def resource():
    return jsonify(error='Reset Content'), 205

PHP

<?php
http_response_code(205);
header('Content-Type: application/json');
echo json_encode(['error' => 'Reset Content']);

Check the status with curl

curl -I https://example.com/resource
# Look for: HTTP/1.1 205 Reset Content

Frequently Asked Questions

What does HTTP 205 Reset Content mean?

Tells the client (typically a form) to clear its inputs so the user can enter a fresh submission. In short: The request succeeded and the client should reset the document view that sent the request.

How should I handle an HTTP 205 Reset Content response?

Return 205 to instruct the client to reset the form. Send no message body with a 205. Handle the reset on the client side.

Official Specification

The 205 Reset Content status code is defined in RFC 9110 Section 15.3.6.

View the IANA HTTP Status Code Registry →