What it means
The request succeeded and the client should reset the document view, for example clear the form that was submitted. No body is sent.
Common causes
- A form submission endpoint wants the input cleared for the next entry
How to fix it
As a client or visitor
Reset the form or view. Browsers do not do this automatically, so apps must handle it in code.
As the site or API owner
Rarely needed; most apps return 200 or 204 and reset the UI themselves. Never include a body.
Example response
HTTP/1.1
HTTP/1.1 205 Reset Content
Date: Tue, 07 Oct 2025 09:30:00 GMT
Server: nginx
Content-Length: 0Specification
FAQ
› Do browsers clear forms on 205?
Generally no. The behavior is defined but not implemented, so handle it in JavaScript.
› 205 vs 204?
Both have no body; 205 also asks the client to reset its view, while 204 leaves it unchanged.