What is 444 status code and how to avoid it?

Response status code 444 is a rare status code when website unexpectedly closed the connection.

This could be caused by the server experiencing technical difficulties and these requests can be safely retried after a brief delay.

However, a more common reason when it comes to web scraping is blocking. The server is likely identifying that the client is a web scraper and closing the connection abruptly.

Repeated 444 status codes can lead to a complete scraper block, so these errors should be addressed as soon as possible.

To prevent scrapers from being identified see our complete how to scrape without being blocked guide that covers technologies used in identifying web scrapers and how to fortify against them.

Alternatively, Scrapfly API can be used to avoid web scraper identification.