The right steps to fix “Blocked due to unauthorized request (401)” in Google Search Console

Last Updated on June 14, 2025 by Admin

Are you experiencing the “Blocked due to unauthorized request (401)” error in Google Search Console? You’re not alone. This error indicates that Googlebot is being denied access to certain pages on your site because it’s unable to authenticate. Whether you’re managing a small business site or an eCommerce platform, getting your pages indexed on Google is important for visibility. But when Googlebot can’t access your content due to 401 errors, it becomes difficult to achieve sustainable growth and organic growth.

These errors often go unnoticed until traffic drops or indexing reports show issues. That’s why resolving them quickly is so important. This guide will discuss why blocked due to unauthorized request (401) error in Google Search Console happens and solutions to fix it.

Reasons for 401 Unauthorized Error in Google Search Console

The Blocked Due to Unauthorized Request (401) error means that the server requires authentication before access is granted, but Googlebot has no valid credentials to pass. The common causes for 401 error include:

Password-protected pages that unintentionally block bots.
Plugin conflicts or firewalls mistaking bots for malicious traffic.
Incorrect .htaccess configurations or server settings.
Old or broken URLs still being crawled from old sitemaps or backlinks.

Due to these causes, Googlebot gets locked out and your page isn’t indexed, which results in reduced search visibility.

Where to Find the 401 Unauthorized Error in Google Search Console?

Understanding where the error occurs will help you fix it efficiently rather than applying broad changes across your site

Step 1. Log into Google Search Console and select your property.
Step 2. Navigate to Indexing > Pages.
Step 3. Look for entries that say “Blocked due to unauthorized request (401)“.
Step 4. Click the entry to view affected URLs.
Step 5. Prioritize high-value pages, like product pages to fix first.

How to Fix 401 Error in Google Search Console [8 Proven Fixes]

Here are the various reliable methods that help you easily resolve blocked due to unauthorized request 401 error in GSC.

1. Double-Check the URL

Typos, outdated URLs, or incorrect slugs can cause crawl errors. Open the URL in private browser windows and confirm whether it is valid. Also, check if the page has been moved or renamed and make sure your sitemap reflects the latest structure.
If a URL no longer exists or isn’t supposed to be indexed, consider using a proper 301 redirect or updating internal links that point to it.

2. Clear Browser Cache and Cookies

Although this step mostly affects your browser, but it’s helpful when diagnosing local access or authentication behavior. An outdated cache might show you an older version of the page, hiding your current configurations.
Here is how to do it:

In Chrome, go to Settings > Privacy and security > Clear browsing data
Select cookies and cached files, then clear data.

3. Flush DNS Cache

Old DNS records can point browsers and bots to outdated server configurations. Flushing DNS allows your system to resolve domain IPs again, which eliminates potential routing issues.
On Windows:
ipconfig /flushdns
On macOS:
sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder

4. Check and Reset Authentication Credentials

If the affected page needs a login, check whether you are using the appropriate login credentials. Be sure to check for any spelling mishaps or wrong characters. If you have determined that the login information is correct, reset the password to rule out the possibility of a misused or hacked login.

Incorrect credentials or settings might block Googlebot. For private areas that shouldn’t be indexed, use a noindex meta tag or block via robots.txt, instead of returning a 401.

5. Temporarily Disable Password Protection

This helps in determining whether the 401 error in GSC is due to actual login restrictions. If removing the login temporarily resolves the error, it confirms the issue lies with authentication settings.
After testing, re-enable the password protection but make sure to add bot whitelisting rules or consider serving a noindex directive instead of restricting access entirely.

6. Inspect WWW-Authenticate Header

This server response header tells Googlebot how to authenticate. If it’s misconfigured or not recognized, bots can’t access the content.
To inspect:
curl -I https://yourdomain.com/page

Check the WWW-Authenticate field. Make sure the method shown is compatible with your server and that public pages do not require credentials unnecessarily.

7. Deactivate Plugins or Security Tools One by One

Some plugins, especially security or firewall tools, can block bots unintentionally which results in blocked due to unauthorized request 401 error in Google Search Console. Deactivate one plugin at a time and re-check the page using Google’s URL Inspection Tool.
Also, check your server logs or plugin settings to whitelist Googlebot. If you find the plugin responsible, consult documentation or seek an alternative.

8. Use Google Search Console’s URL Inspection Tool

This tool replicates how Googlebot views and crawls your page. After using the above-methods to fix 401 error in Google Search Console, submit the URL for live testing.
Steps to do so:

Step 1. Paste the affected URL into the “URL Inspection” bar.
Step 2. Click “Test Live URL“.
Step 3. If the result shows “URL is available to Google,” the 401 unauthorized error is resolved.
Note – You can also request indexing directly from this panel.

What are the Common Variations of 401 Errors?

You might see these messages in GSC or your server logs:

401 Unauthorized
401 Authorization Required
Access Denied
HTTP 401 Error Unauthorized

All these variations trigger from similar access control mechanisms and should be treated with the same above-discussed troubleshooting methods.

Conclusion: Get Expert Assistance!

The “Blocked due to unauthorized request (401)” error can be a frustrating SEO roadblock, especially when it prevents Google from indexing your valuable content. But with a clear plan and effective technical SEO expertise, each issue becomes easier to fix. With the above-mentioned methods, you can easily fix 40 error in GSC.
Still running into issues or don’t have the time to troubleshoot?
Contact AlgoSaga and use their expert SEO services to resolve indexing errors, audit your crawlability, and boost your website’s visibility with precision.