Introduction to 204 Status Code
Visualize this:
Suppose you send a request to a server and expect it to respond. Instead, you receive:
- – No message,
- – No content,
- – Just silence.
Please don’t panic because that’s not an error. This is what the server intends to tell you.
Welcome to the world of the 204 Status Code, also known as the “204 No Content” page.
The 204 Status Code is a type of HTTP response code that plays a crucial role in web development, API interactions, and browser behavior. It informs the client, “I received your request and processed it successfully, but there’s nothing available on the requested page to send back to you.”
While it may seem insignificant at first glance, the 204 HTTP status is a powerful tool for enhancing performance, reducing bandwidth usage, and ensuring seamless user experiences.
In this beginner-friendly guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the 204 status code, including how it works, when to use it, and real-world examples that demonstrate its importance.
By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of why, sometimes, no content is what you need!
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What is the 204 Status Code?
The 204 Status Code, commonly known as “204 No Content,” is an HTTP response code that signifies a successful request. The server has received and processed the user’s request, but it does not have any content to return in the response body.
In simple terms, the request was received and addressed correctly, but nothing else is available on the requested page to display to the user.
Unlike other HTTP status codes that return data, redirect responses, or errors, the 204 HTTP status is distinctive. It informs the client, “Everything is fine, but there’s nothing new to display.” This is especially helpful when an update or action happens. The client, like a browser or API user, doesn’t need to reload or change what’s already displayed.
★ Example:
When a web application auto-saves user input or an API updates a resource, the server can send a 204 status code. This code confirms success without needing a response, keeping interactions smooth and efficient.
This helps reduce bandwidth usage, optimize performance, and enhance the user experience.
In essence, the 204 No Content response is all about silent efficiency—letting clients know that everything worked without unnecessary clutter or extra data.
Also Read: What is 406 Not Acceptable and How to Fix It?
How Does the 204 Status Code Work?
The 204 Status Code operates in a simple yet powerful way. It acknowledges that the server has successfully processed your request but ensures that no additional content is returned in the response body.
Rather than sending unnecessary data, the server replies with only the HTTP headers and a 204 No Content status. This approach keeps interactions lightweight, efficient, and easy to understand.
Here’s the step-by-step process of how it works:
- A client reaches out with a request! This could be through a browser, application, or API client sending an HTTP request—most commonly a PUT, POST, or DELETE request—to make updates or changes to the data on the server.
- When the server receives a request, it immediately responds by taking care of the situation. This could involve updating a database, changing a resource, or even logging an event—whatever needs to be done, the server handles it with care!
- When the server responds with a 204 No Content status, it sends an empty response rather than a typical response body like JSON, HTML, or XML. This method keeps things tidy and simple, providing only the genuinely necessary headers.
- Client Knows Everything is Just Fine: The client recognizes that the action went smoothly and there’s no need to update the UI or re-fetch data. This helps to prevent any unnecessary page reloads, API calls, or rendering delays.
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Why is the 204 Status Code So Useful?
- Optimized Performance: Without a response body, it uses less bandwidth, resulting in faster applications.
- Seamless User Experience: There is no need to refresh the page or show unnecessary confirmations, which is ideal for background updates.
- Efficient API Communication: Many modern APIs use the 204 No Content status to simply confirm actions, keeping things lightweight and avoiding unnecessary data clutter.
Example:
When you like a post on a social media app, the server may process the action and return 204 No Content as an acknowledgment. It allows your app to update instantly without waiting for extra data.
By leveraging the 204 HTTP status, developers can create smoother, more efficient web experiences while keeping interactions minimal yet effective.
Also Read: How to Find & Fix All 404 Errors on Your Website?
When is a 204 Status Code Used?
The 204 Status Code is a smart choice for scenarios in which a client sends a request but does not need to return any content in response. It’s designed for situations in which the request is successful and acknowledged, but sending a response body would be unnecessary or redundant.
The 204 Status Code is a smart choice for scenarios in which a client sends a request but does not need to return any content in response. It’s designed for situations in which the request is successful and acknowledged, but sending a response body would be unnecessary or redundant.
Here are some common use cases where 204 No Content is used effectively:
1. Updating Data Without Reloading the Page
Imagine you’re using a web application with autosave functionality, such as filling out a form or writing a document in Google Docs. Every time you pause, the app might send a background request to save your work. Instead of refreshing the page or sending back a response body, the server responds with 204 No Content, ensuring a smooth user experience.
2. Deleting Resources in APIs
When a client sends a DELETE request to remove an item (such as a file, user account, or record), the server might return a 204 status code if there is nothing else to display after the deletion. This keeps API responses clean and avoids unnecessary data transfer.
3. Processing Requests Without Changing the UI
In modern web apps, actions like clicking a “Like” button or marking a notification as read don’t require updating the entire page or response data. A 204 No Content response tells the client that the action was completed, but there’s no need to refresh or reload the UI.
4. Handling AJAX Requests Efficiently
JavaScript-powered applications frequently send AJAX requests to update parts of a webpage dynamically. If an action succeeds but doesn’t require a new response, the server can return 204 No Content, reducing network load and making interactions faster.
5. Optimizing API Performance
In RESTful APIs, returning unnecessary data can waste bandwidth and slow down applications. Many APIs use the 204 status code for status updates, logging events, or confirming successful actions without overwhelming the client with redundant information.
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Why Use 204 No Content?
- Reduces Bandwidth Usage – A lack of response body leads to quicker processing and reduced data transfer.
- Improves User Experience – Avoid unnecessary UI updates or page reloads.
- Enhances API Efficiency – Maintains lightweight and optimized API responses.
By using the 204 HTTP status in appropriate scenarios, developers can create faster, smoother, and more efficient web applications while ensuring minimal and effective responses!
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HTTP 204 Status Code Examples
The 204 Status Code is widely used in web development and APIs to acknowledge successful requests without returning a response body. Let’s explore some real-world examples where 204 No Content plays a key role in creating efficient, high-performance applications:
1. Autosave Feature in Web Applications
Scenario: You’re writing an email or filling out a form, and the system autosaves your progress every few seconds.
➢ How it works:
The browser sends a PUT or POST request to save the content. The server processes the request and returns a 204 status code—confirming the save without refreshing the page or sending unnecessary data.
➢ Example Request:
| http PUT /save-draft HTTP/1.1 Host: example.com Content-Type: application/json { “draft”: “Hello, just saving my progress…” } |
➢ Example Response:
| http HTTP/1.1 204 No Content |
2. Deleting a Resource in an API
★ Scenario: A user deletes a file, and the API confirms the action without sending a response body.
➢ How it works:
- A client sends a DELETE request to remove a resource.
- The server successfully deletes the item and returns 204 No Content, signaling that the action was completed.
➢ Example Request:
| http DELETE /files/12345 HTTP/1.1 Host: example.com |
➢ Example Response:
| h HTTP/1.1 204 No Content |
★ Benefit: Avoids unnecessary response data, making API interactions more lightweight and efficient.
3. Marking Notifications as Read
Scenario: A user marks all notifications as read, and the server updates their status without needing to return new data.
➢ How it works:
- The client sends a PATCH request to update notification statuses.
- The server processes the request and returns 204 No Content, confirming success.
➢ Example Request:
| http PATCH /notifications/read HTTP/1.1 Host: example.com |
➢ Example Response:
| h HTTP/1.1 204 No Content |
★ Benefit: Keeps API responses clean and fast, improving real-time interactions.
4. Submitting a “Like” on a Post
★ Scenario: A user clicks a “Like” button on social media. The action is recorded, but the server doesn’t need to send a new response body.
➢ How it works:
- The client sends a POST request to register the like.
- The server updates the database and returns 204 No Content—the client updates the UI instantly.
➢ Example Request:
| h POST /posts/98765/like HTTP/1.1 Host: example.com |
➢ Example Response:
| http HTTP/1.1 204 No Content |
Benefit: Reduces network load, making user interactions faster and more fluid.
5. Logging User Activity in the Background
Scenario: A website tracks user activity (e.g., page visits, button clicks) for analytics purposes without interrupting user interactions.
➢ How it works:
- The browser sends a POST request in the background.
- The server logs the data and responds with 204 No Content, confirming the action without disrupting the page.
➢ Example Request:
| http POST /track-activity HTTP/1.1 Host: example.com Content-Type: application/json { “event”: “button_click”, “page”: “/home” } |
➢ Example Response:
| http HTTP/1.1 204 No Content |
★ Benefit: Enables real-time tracking without affecting performance.
Also Read: What is HSTS & How to Implement on your website?
Benefits of Using the 204 Status Code
The 204 Status Code (“No Content”) isn’t merely about returning an empty response—it’s focused on optimizing performance, reducing unnecessary data transfer, and enhancing user experience.
By utilizing 204 No Content, developers can create faster, more efficient web applications and APIs that manage requests smartly.
Here are the key benefits of using the 204 HTTP status code:
1. Reduces Bandwidth Usage
Since a 204 response contains no body, less data is being transferred between the server and the client.
This is especially valuable for:
- APIs handling large-scale requests
- Web apps that frequently communicate with servers
- Mobile applications where data efficiency is crucial
➢ Example: If a mobile app requests to update a user’s preferences, a 204 response prevents unnecessary data transfer. This approach conserves bandwidth and enhances speed.
2. Improves Web and API Performance
Every byte counts when optimizing speed and responsiveness. Using 204 No Content ensures that only essential information is transmitted, speeding interactions.
➢ Example: Instead of returning an entire JSON response when marking a notification as read, a 204 status code confirms the update instantly, improving API response times.
- Faster request processing
- Less load on servers
- Smoother, real-time interactions
3. Enhances User Experience
A 204 response enables web applications to update seamlessly without interrupting the user interface (UI). Users don’t have to encounter unnecessary refreshes, pop-ups, or messages.
➢ Example: Clicking a “Like” button on social media should feel instantaneous—a 204 No Content response lets the UI update instantly without waiting for unnecessary data from the server.
- Seamless updates without reloads
- More responsive and dynamic applications
- Better engagement in interactive web applications
4. Keeps API Responses Clean and Lightweight
It is crucial to design RESTful APIs that are minimally and efficiently responsive. The 204 status code eliminates unnecessary response bodies while ensuring successful operation.
➢ Example: Deleting a user profile via an API doesn’t require a response body—just a confirmation. A 204 status code signals success without wasting server resources.
- Minimizes response payloads
- Reduces processing overhead
- Ideal for microservices and cloud applications
5. Reduces Network Traffic for Large-Scale Applications
Minimizing network congestion is essential for apps with millions of users. A 204 No Content response greatly reduces the amount of data transferred, making interactions quicker and more scalable.
➢ Example: A real-time analytics tracker logs events without overwhelming the network—using 204 No Content ensures smooth background operations without slowing down the app.
- Optimized for high-traffic platforms
- Better performance in distributed systems
- Lower latency for cloud-based applications
6. Saves Battery and Resources on Mobile Devices
Since a 204 status code does not send extra data, it helps reduce CPU usage, battery drain, and data consumption, which is especially important for mobile users.
➢ Example: A fitness tracking app that logs step counts in the background, sending 204 No Content responses to minimize battery consumption while keeping updates in sync.
- Ideal for mobile and IoT devices
- Lowers power consumption
- Helps users save on mobile data plans
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Why should you use the 204 Status Code?
Using 204 No Content is a smart, efficient way to handle HTTP requests, especially in real-time applications, APIs, and mobile apps.
It ensures:
- Faster performance
- Lower bandwidth usage
- Seamless user experiences
- Optimized server and network resources
By implementing 204 status codes in the right places, developers can build high-performance applications that work smoothly, responsively, and efficiently—all while keeping network traffic to a minimum.
SEO Impact of 204 Status Code. Does “No Content” affect SEO rankings?
When it comes to SEO (Search Engine Optimization), every HTTP status code plays a role in how search engines like Google, Bing, and Yahoo interact with your website. While most webmasters focus on 200 (OK), 301 (Redirect), or 404 (Not Found) responses, the 204 status code (“No Content”) is often overlooked.
But here’s the big question: Does a 204 response impact SEO?
The short answer is yes, but only in certain cases.
Let’s break it down.
How Search Engines Treat the 204 Status Code
Search engines crawl and index web pages based on the HTTP responses they receive. The 204 status code tells search engines:
“The request was successful, but there’s no content to display.”
This means that if a search engine bot encounters a 204 No Content response, it will likely:
- Not index the page (since there’s no content to index).
- Remove the page from search results if it was previously indexed.
- Continue crawling the website but may revisit the page less frequently.
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When Does a 204 Status Code Affect SEO Negatively?
The 204 status code is not necessarily “bad” for SEO, but it may pose issues in the following situations:
1. If Used on Important Web Pages
Suppose a search engine bot visits a blog post, product page, or landing page and receives a 204 No Content response. In that case, it assumes the page has no valuable information to display and may de-index that page.
SEO Impact: It may result in loss of rankings, traffic, and visibility.
Solution: Ensure that key pages always return a 200 OK response with valuable content.
2. If you intend to use it for dynamic content that should be indexed
Some websites utilize 204 responses for AJAX-based updates, such as comments, reviews, or interactive features. If this occurs on pages that search engines need to index, those elements might be overlooked.
SEO Impact: Partial indexing or incomplete display of essential content.
Solution: Utilize JavaScript-rendered content with appropriate 200 responses to ensure search engines can view and index the data.
3. If It Replaces a Previously Indexed Page
If a page that used to be indexed and ranked suddenly shows a 204 No Content response, search engines might think it’s not relevant anymore and could remove it from the search results.
SEO Impact: Rankings drop, organic traffic decreases, and site authority weakens.
Solution: If you’re permanently removing content, use 301 redirects instead of 204. This will direct users and bots to a relevant page instead.
When Is a 204 Status Code Good for SEO
In certain situations, utilizing a 204 No Content response can positively impact SEO and website performance by improving user experience (UX) and site speed.
1. Optimizing API Calls & Background Requests
Many websites use APIs to track analytics, update user preferences, or log interactions. Because these requests don’t need to be indexed, returning a 204 No Content helps reduce server load and crawl bloat without affecting rankings.
2. Improving Page Speed & Performance
A 204 response eliminates unnecessary data transfer, making a website load faster. Since page speed is a Google ranking factor, using 204 correctly can improve Core Web Vitals and user experience.
3. Handling Non-Critical Requests Efficiently
If your website processes actions like “Mark as Read,” “Like a Post,” or “Save Settings,” a 204 response prevents search engines from wasting the crawl budget on pages that don’t need indexing.
Also Read: How to Check the Response Time of a Website?
Best Practices: How to Use 204 Without Harming SEO
To ensure that 204 status codes don’t negatively impact your website’s rankings, please do the following:
- Use 204 only for API requests, background scripts, and non-indexable actions.
- Never return a 204 status code for important web pages that need to rank.
- Use 301 redirects for removed content instead of 204 to preserve SEO value.
- Ensure essential page elements (text, images, metadata) always return a 200 status.
- Monitor Google Search Console for crawl errors related to unexpected 204 responses.
Is 204 Good or Bad for SEO?
The 204 Status Code isn’t necessarily good or bad for SEO; its impact really hinges on how and where it’s used. When utilized properly, it can help optimize performance and minimize unnecessary crawling. However, if it’s misapplied to crucial pages, it could result in de-indexing, a loss of traffic, and drops in rankings.
By strategically utilizing 204 No Content, you can maintain a fast, efficient, and SEO-friendly site while ensuring that search engines concentrate on the appropriate pages for ranking.
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Difference Between 204 and Similar Status Codes
HTTP status codes are essential for communication between web servers and clients, helping define the result of a request. While the 204 Status Code (“No Content”) plays a unique role, it is often confused with other similar response codes like 200 (OK), 202 (Accepted), 304 (Not Modified), and 404 (Not Found).
Understanding the key differences between 204 and these similar status codes is crucial for developers, SEOs, and system administrators to optimize web applications, APIs, and user experience.
Let’s break it down!
1. 204 No Content vs. 200 OK
★ 204 No Content
- It confirms that the request was successful, but no content has been returned in the response body.
- The client doesn’t need to update the UI or take any further action.
- Commonly used for background updates, auto-saving, or AJAX requests.
➔ Example:
If you like a post on a social media app, the request is processed, but no extra data is sent back—just a 204 status code confirming success.
| http HTTP/1.1 204 No Content |
★ 200 OK
- Confirm that the request was successful and return a response body.
- The most common HTTP status code is used when content needs to be displayed or processed.
➔ Example:
When you request a web page, the server returns 200 OK along with the page’s HTML content.
| http HTTP/1.1 200 OK Content-Type: text/html |
➢ Key Difference:
- 200 OK returns content, 204 No Content does not.
2. 204 No Content vs. 202 Accepted
★ 204 No Content
- The request has been processed successfully and requires no further action.
- Used when no immediate response is needed.
★ 202 Accepted
- The request has been received, but processing is still ongoing.
- Used when an operation takes longer to complete, like batch processing or async tasks.
➔ Example:
If you submit a file for processing, the server may respond with 202 Accepted, signaling that the request has been received but is still being worked on.
| http HTTP/1.1 202 Accepted |
➢ Key Difference:
204 means the request is fully completed, 202 means it’s still being processed.
3. 204 No Content vs. 304 Not Modified
★ 204 No Content
- Confirm a successful request but with no new data to send back.
- Used when updates don’t require a UI refresh.
★ 304 Not Modified
- Used in caching to tell the client that the requested resource hasn’t changed since the last request.
- Helps reduce bandwidth usage by instructing the client to use a cached version.
➔ Example:
If your browser requests an image that hasn’t changed since the last visit, the server may respond with 304 Not Modified to prevent unnecessary downloads.
| http HTTP/1.1 304 Not Modified |
➢ Key Difference:
204 confirms success with no response body; 304 tells the client to use cached data instead of downloading again.
4. 204 No Content vs. 404 Not Found
★ 204 No Content
- The request was successful, but the server intentionally returned no content.
- Typically used for background processes, logging, or non-UI updates.
★ 404 Not Found
- The requested resource doesn’t exist on the server.
- Happens when a page is deleted, a link is broken, or a wrong URL is entered.
➔ Example:
Trying to visit a deleted blog post or a non-existent webpage results in a 404 Not Found error.
| http HTTP/1.1 404 Not Found |
➢ Key Difference:
204 confirms a successful request with no response body; 404 means the requested resource does not exist.
Quick Comparison Table
Status Code |
Meaning |
When to use |
204 No Content |
The request was successful, but no response body was sent. |
Auto-saving, logging events, background updates. |
200 OK |
The request was successful, and the response contains content. |
Loading a webpage and API responses with data. |
202 Accepted |
The request has been received but is still processing. |
Batch jobs, long-running API requests. |
304 Not Modified |
The requested resource has not changed since the last request. |
Caching to reduce data transfer. |
404 Not Found |
The requested resource doesn’t exist on the server. |
Broken links and deleted pages. |
Also Read: What is the Difference Between HTTP and FTP?
Which Status Code Should You Use?
Choosing the right HTTP status code depends on the specific scenario:
★ Use 204 No Content when you need to confirm an action without returning extra data
★ Use 200 OK when content needs to be displayed or processed by the client.
★ Use 202 Accepted for long-running processes where completion is delayed.
★ Use 304 Not Modified to improve caching and avoid unnecessary downloads.
★ Use 404 Not Found when a requested resource doesn’t exist.
By understanding these differences, developers can optimize web performance, improve API efficiency, and enhance user experience.
Also Read: How to find out when a webpage was created?
Conclusion
The 204 Status Code (“No Content”) might seem simple at first, but it plays a powerful role in web development, API efficiency, and user experience. Unlike standard response codes that return data, 204 No Content is all about silent success—letting clients know that their request was processed successfully without unnecessary responses.
By using 204 HTTP status codes wisely, developers can:
✓ Reduce bandwidth usage and optimize performance
✓ Create seamless user experiences without reloads or interruptions.
✓ Improve API efficiency by avoiding redundant response data.
✓ Enhance web and mobile applications by keeping interactions smooth and responsive.
Whether you’re managing background requests, auto-saving data, or processing API actions, the 204 No Content response guarantees that everything operates more quickly, efficiently, and intelligently.
Want to create high-performance, efficient applications? Begin using 204 status codes. So next time you design a web application or API, ask yourself: “Do I really need to send a response?” If not, a 204 No Content status is the perfect way to confirm success—without unnecessary information.