Get Header: Configure HTTP requests specifically
Free individual check · without registration
Examine a server response with matching retrieval options: via GET or preferably via HEAD, with or without forwarding and with selected or all response headers. This allows you to narrow down differences between request types and redirect destinations.
- X-Robots tag: noindex is an occasion to check the desired indexing.
- Content type Must fit (e.g.) B. text/html for pages.
- cache control/Age helps with “Fix is live?” (CDN Cache).
- Location Shows redirect destination (if not followed).
- Status code & final URL (for redirects)
- Response header (top header + all optional)
- SEO signals: X-Robots tag, Content type
- Cache/CDN indicators: cache control, Age, CF-Cache status, …
- Security/Transportation: strict transport security, Content security policy
- CSV Export
| Headers | Value | Category |
|---|---|---|
| No data yet. | ||
Examine HTTP response headers with targeted retrieval options
Compare GET and HEAD specifically
Without “prefer HEAD” the check starts a GET retrieval. Enable the option for a HEAD attempt without full page content. If a failed or unusable HEAD retrieval occurs, the tool may fall back to GET. Therefore, compare the method shown in the result and change only one option between two tests.
Examining the First Redirect
Deactivate “Follow Redirects” if you want to see the response of the entered URL. During a forwarding, their status code and location destination are then relevant. With the option enabled, the header table shows the final response. After that, check separately whether the destination is actually the desired page.
Show selected or all headers
The default view filters for common SEO, cache, CDN, and security information. “Show all headers” extends the output to the headers recorded by the call, for example for own application fields. Use Filter, Copy and CSV to compare two checks. Missing fields can depend on both the server and the selected view.
Controlling a Cache Change
Check the same URL before and after a change with identical options. Compare cache control, ETag, and existing CDN hints. The retrieval takes place on the server side, without your browser login and with a request for cache revalidation. The result therefore does not prove that all browsers or CDN locations already see the same answer.
Finding an unexpected noindex header
Practical example · for illustration
Starting position
Get a publicly intended PDF or HTML URL.
Classify the findings
X-Robots tag: noindex can be in the server response, although there is no robot meta tag in the HTML.
Specific amendment
Check the causal server, CDN or CMS rule and remove only the unintentional directive.
Control and border
Repeat the same call, even after cache emptying. Headers of a single response do not say whether Google has already processed the change.
Questions about use and boundaries
When do I take Get Header and when do I take HTTP Header Checker?
Get Header is suitable for targeted diagnoses with adjustable method, redirect tracking and header selection. The HTTP header checker offers a quick retrieval with fixed settings and explanations right next to the header values.
Can I force a HEAD call without GET fallback?
No. “Prefer HEAD” starts with HEAD, but allows a GET fallback. Check the actual method used in the result. For a call that is strictly limited to HEAD, you need a correspondingly configured HTTP client.
Do I see the headers of each redirect step?
The header table belongs to the examined answer: if tracking is deactivated, to the first URL, otherwise to the final destination. The redirect history does not replace a complete header table for each intermediate step. Check an intermediate hop individually, if necessary, without pursuit.
Why are GET and HEAD results different?
Servers, proxies and protection systems can treat the methods differently. Keep the URL and other options the same and compare status, method, and header. A single difference is not yet proof of an SEO error.
What makes Request and Response headers different?
Request headers accompany the request to the server. This tool shows the response headers of its response, such as content type, cache control and location. It is not an editor for any request header.