4xx · Client errorretryable
408Request Timeout
The server timed out waiting for the request. The client did not produce a request within the time that the server was prepared to wait.
What this code obliges you to do
Retry
Safe to retry
Repeating the same request can succeed, so a client may back off and try again. Honour Retry-After when the response sends one.
Caching
Not cacheable by default
Caches will not store this response unless you send explicit freshness headers saying they may.
Response body
Body allowed
You may return a payload explaining the outcome — for an error, a machine-readable problem document is worth the effort.
What usually causes it
21
Slow client network connection
2
Massive payload uploads taking too long
Effect on search
Highly negative. Persistent 408s signal poor server health, dropping your crawl rates.
How to send it
1Node.js
// Throws Error: ETIMEDOUT when connection dropsCodes people confuse with this one
1Class4xx
RetrySafe
CacheNo
BodyAllowed