# 415 Unsupported Media Type

> The request payload media format is not supported by the server.

Source: https://apiguide.dev/status-codes/415
Class: client-error
Defined in: RFC 9110, Section 15.5.16 <https://www.rfc-editor.org/rfc/rfc9110.html#section-15.5.16>
Updated: 2026-07-09

## What does HTTP status code 415 mean?

The 415 Unsupported Media Type status code indicates that the server rejects the request because the payload media format is not supported (e.g., XML payload sent to a JSON-only endpoint).

## When to use it in APIs

Use 415 when checking the `Content-Type` header of incoming write requests. If your API requires `application/json` and the client sends `text/xml`, return a 415.

## How it compares to other codes

* **406 Not Acceptable**: Refuses response formats based on Accept headers, whereas 415 refuses incoming request body formats.