# 408 Request Timeout

> The server timed out waiting for the client to complete the request.

Source: https://apiguide.dev/status-codes/408
Class: client-error
Defined in: RFC 9110, Section 15.5.9 <https://www.rfc-editor.org/rfc/rfc9110.html#section-15.5.9>
Updated: 2026-07-09

## What does HTTP status code 408 mean?

The 408 Request Timeout status code indicates that the server did not receive the complete request payload from the client within its configured timeout window.

## When to use it in APIs

Use when a client establishes a connection but stalls while sending the request body, or fails to complete the request headers in a timely manner.

## How it compares to other codes

* **504 Gateway Timeout**: Represents a timeout *upstream* (server-side), whereas 408 is a timeout on the *client's* connection stream.