# 205 Reset Content

> https://http-status.org/docs/205

**Family:** 2xx Success

## Rationale

Request succeeded; instructs client to reset the document that caused the request.

## In Plain Terms

Success! We did what you asked, and now please clear your form or reset your page so you can start fresh.

## Description

The HTTP 205 Reset Content status code tells the client to reset the document view that sent the request. It is intended for data-entry workflows where the interface should return to a clean input state after a successful submission.

## Server Perspective

### Usage
- Return 205 for data-entry workflows where the next sensible step is a clean input state
- Use it sparingly when the reset behavior is part of the product contract
- Form submissions that should clear the form after success
- Data entry interfaces that need to be reset
- Survey or questionnaire submissions
- Content creation forms that should be cleared after submission
- Bulk data input scenarios where users repeat the same action

### Implementation
- Do not include a response body
- Make sure the client experience is designed to handle the reset intentionally

### Common Headers
- No status-specific header is required for the reset signal.

### Body
- Do not include a response body in a 205 response

### Pitfalls
- Do not depend on generic browsers magically clearing complex application UI for you
- Use 204 instead when success is enough and reset behavior is not part of the contract
- When you don't want the client to reset anything (use 204 No Content)
- When returning data that should be displayed (use 200 OK)
- For API endpoints that don't involve forms (use 204 No Content)
- When the form should retain its values after submission

## Client Perspective

### Pitfalls
- Do not assume a 205 response includes data to render

## Examples

### Contact form submission

The submission succeeded and the user agent is asked to reset the form view for another entry.

**Request:**
```
POST https://api.example.test/contact
```

**Response:**
```
205 Reset Content
```

### Survey question submission

The answer was recorded and the entry interface should be reset for the next response.

**Request:**
```
POST https://api.example.test/survey/question
```

**Response:**
```
205 Reset Content
```

## Related Codes

- [200 OK](/docs/200.md)
- [204 No Content](/docs/204.md)