# UNLOCK method

> Removes a lock from a resource using the supplied lock token, in WebDAV.

Source: https://apiguide.dev/methods/unlock
Safe: no
Idempotent: yes
Cacheable: no
Defined in: RFC 4918, Section 9.11 <https://www.rfc-editor.org/rfc/rfc4918.html#section-9.11>
Updated: 2026-10-14

## What is the UNLOCK method?

The `UNLOCK` method is a WebDAV extension (RFC 4918) used by clients to release a lock previously taken on a resource, identified by its lock token.

## API Usage & Best Practices

* **Provide the Lock-Token**: Supply the `Lock-Token` header naming the exact lock to remove, or the server cannot honor the request.
* **Release when done**: Always unlock as soon as editing finishes so other clients are not blocked longer than necessary.
* **Idempotent removal**: Once a lock is gone the resource is simply unlocked, so repeating UNLOCK leaves the same end state.

## Common Response Codes

* **204 No Content**: The lock was removed successfully.
* **409 Conflict**: The supplied lock token does not match a lock on the resource.