HTTP status · 4xx — client error
410 Gone
410 Gone means the target resource is permanently unavailable and the server has no forwarding address.
Key facts
| Class | 4xx — client error |
|---|---|
| Standard | RFC 9110 §15.5.11 |
| Cacheable by default | Yes (heuristically) |
| Meaning | Permanent removal, no replacement |
| Related code | 301 when a replacement exists |
What 410 means
The resource existed and is deliberately gone. Unlike 404, which says only that no representation was found, 410 states that the absence is permanent. Search engines can use that to remove the URL faster than they would after repeated 404s, and clients should stop asking.
410 or 301?
If the content moved to a new URL or has a clear successor, use a 301 to that URL. Use 410 when the content is intentionally retired and no replacement exists — a discontinued product page, a retracted article, an expired job posting. Do not use 410 for pages that are temporarily offline; that is 404 or 503.
Frequently asked questions
Does Google treat 410 differently from 404?
Both remove a page from the index. A 410 is a clearer permanent signal, so removal can happen faster, but neither guarantees an immediate drop.
Should I use 410 for a deleted product?
Use 410 when the product is gone for good and there is no replacement. If similar products remain, a 301 to the category or successor page is usually better for users and search.