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410

Gone

4xx Client Error

.md

ELI5

This used to exist here, but it's been permanently removed and won't be coming back.

Server perspective

Use 410 when the resource used to exist and the server knows it has been removed permanently.

When to use

  • •Return 410 for intentionally removed content, retired endpoints, or permanent takedowns
  • •Use it when communicating permanence is useful to clients, crawlers, or automation
  • •Deliberately deleted resources
  • •Discontinued API endpoints
  • •Expired or archived content
  • •Resources removed due to policy changes

How to respond

  • •Include a short explanation or replacement path when that helps clients recover
  • •Prefer 404 instead when you are unsure whether the absence is permanent

Headers to consider

  • •No status-specific header is required; still send normal HTTP metadata such as Content-Type, caching, or tracing headers when they help the client.

Response body

  • •A short body can explain why the resource was removed or where clients should go next

Server-side pitfalls

  • •Do not use 410 if the resource might return later
  • •Do not use 410 when you deliberately want to avoid confirming the resource once existed
  • •Resource never existed (use 404 Not Found)
  • •Temporary unavailability (use 503 Service Unavailable)
  • •Unauthorized access (use 403 Forbidden)

Examples

Deleted user account

Request:GET https://api.example.test/api/users/123
Response:410 Gone # Headers Content-Type: application/json # Body { "error": "gone" }

User account was deleted and will not return

References

Related Status Codes

404

Not Found

The thing you're looking for doesn't exist here. It's like knocking on a door and nobody's home.

403

Forbidden

I know who you are, but you're not allowed to do this. You don't have permission for this action.