Why are you seeing this error?
A 431 error occurs when your browser sends too much information in the request headers. The most common cause is cookies that have grown too large over time.
Cookies are small pieces of data stored by your browser to remember things like:
A 431 error occurs when your browser sends too much information in the request headers. The most common cause is cookies that have grown too large over time.
Cookies are small pieces of data stored by your browser to remember things like:
- Login sessions
- User preferences
- Tracking or analytics information
As you use the site over time, these cookies can accumulate. If the total size of the cookies for the site exceeds what the site can safely accept, the request is rejected and you may see a 431 error instead of the page loading normally.
This is a browser-side issue, which means the site itself is usually working correctly, but your browser is sending too much data with the request.
This is a browser-side issue, which means the site itself is usually working correctly, but your browser is sending too much data with the request.
What can you do about it?
The quickest and most effective fix is to clear your cookies for the site (or clear your browser cookies entirely). This removes the potentially oversized cookie data and allows your browser to start fresh.
Option 1: Clear cookies for a specific site (recommended)
If your browser supports it, clearing cookies for just the affected site is the best option, as it won’t sign you out of other websites.
General steps (may vary by browser):
The quickest and most effective fix is to clear your cookies for the site (or clear your browser cookies entirely). This removes the potentially oversized cookie data and allows your browser to start fresh.
Option 1: Clear cookies for a specific site (recommended)
If your browser supports it, clearing cookies for just the affected site is the best option, as it won’t sign you out of other websites.
General steps (may vary by browser):
- Open your browser settings.
- Go to Privacy & Security or Site Settings.
- Find Cookies or Stored data.
- Search for the site’s name.
- Remove or delete the cookies for that site.
- Refresh the page or reopen the site.
You may need to sign in again after doing this.
Option 2: Clear all browser cookies
If you can’t clear cookies for just one site, you can clear all cookies:
Option 2: Clear all browser cookies
If you can’t clear cookies for just one site, you can clear all cookies:
- Open your browser settings.
- Go to Privacy & Security.
- Select Clear browsing data.
- Make sure Cookies and other site data is checked.
- Clear the data.
- Restart your browser and try again.
Note: This will sign you out of most websites and reset saved site preferences.
After clearing cookies
Once cookies are cleared:
Once cookies are cleared:
- Reload the site
- Sign in again if prompted
- The 431 error should no longer appear
If you continue to see this error, don't hesitate to get in touch with customer services via email at help@racingpost.com