Ezoic is a popular platform that helps website owners optimize their ad revenues through various features and tools. However, like any technology, it can encounter occasional issues that require troubleshooting. One such issue is the “Variant Also Negotiates” error message that some Ezoic users might encounter. In this article, we will delve into the causes of this problem and explore effective solutions to resolve it.
Understanding the “Variant Also Negotiates” Error
What is the “Variant Also Negotiates” Error?
The “Variant Also Negotiates” error is an HTTP error code (406) that occurs when a client requests content from a server, but the server is unable to provide the requested content in any of the available formats. This error often arises due to misconfigurations or compatibility issues between the client’s browser and the server.
Common Causes of the Error
Several factors can contribute to the “Variant Also Negotiates” error, including outdated browser versions, conflicting extensions or plugins, issues with the website’s configuration or headers, and problems with Ezoic settings or Content Delivery Network (CDN) configuration. But observing the causes and solutions provided to ezoic users, most time the error is caused by the presence of two or more “A” DNS records for the domain root this is mostly common among Blogger Users, If this is not your case continue reading as there will be a solution by applying this troubleshooting one by one.
Impact of the Error on Website Performance
When the “Variant Also Negotiates” error occurs, it prevents the server from delivering the requested content, potentially leading to a poor user experience. It can result in slower page load times, broken functionality, and reduced ad revenue.
Troubleshooting Steps to Fix the “Variant Also Negotiates” Error
To resolve the “Variant Also Negotiates” error, you can follow a series of troubleshooting steps. These steps are designed to address the common causes of the error and help you identify the underlying issue.
- Clear Browser Cache and Cookies
Clearing the cache and cookies on your browser can often resolve issues related to outdated or conflicting data. By doing so, you ensure that your browser fetches fresh content from the server, potentially eliminating the “Variant Also Negotiates” error.
Make sure you aren’t using any other caching services outside ezoic to avoid cache conflict, you can clear out your cache on ezoic at https://pubdash.ezoic.com/leap/caching
- Disable VPN or Proxy Servers
Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) or proxy servers can sometimes interfere with the communication between your browser and the server, causing the “Variant Also Negotiates” error. Disable any VPN or proxy server temporarily to see if the error persists.
- Update Your Browser and Enable TLS
Outdated browser versions may lack the necessary security features or compatibility improvements. Updating your browser to the latest version and enabling Transport Layer Security (TLS) can often address compatibility issues that lead to the “Variant Also Negotiates” error.
- Disable Extensions or Plugins
Extensions or plugins installed on your browser can conflict with the server’s content negotiation process. Disable all extensions or plugins temporarily and check if the error still occurs. If the error disappears, re-enable them one by one to identify the conflicting one.
- Check Website Configuration and Headers
Improper website configuration or misconfigured headers can also trigger the “Variant Also Negotiates” error. Verify that your website is correctly set up and that the appropriate headers are being sent by the server.
- Analyze Ezoic Settings and CDN Configuration
Ezoic users should review their Ezoic settings and CDN configuration. Ensure that the settings are properly configured and aligned with Ezoic’s guidelines. Incorrect settings or misconfigured CDN configurations can contribute to the occurrence of the error.
- Contact Ezoic Support for Assistance
If the error persists after performing the previous steps, it is advisable to reach out to Ezoic’s support team. They have in-depth knowledge of the platform and can provide specific guidance to help resolve the “Variant Also Negotiates” error.
Step-by-Step Guide to Resolve the “Variant Also Negotiates” Error
This section provides a more detailed step-by-step guide to resolving the “Variant Also Negotiates” error, following the troubleshooting steps outlined.
- You want to make sure your cache is cleared
Make sure you are using just the ezoic caching service to avoid caching conflicts.
Visit Ezoic caching dashboard at https://pubdash.ezoic.com/leap/caching and scroll down till you notice the “Clear All” button.
Then you can clear all your cache by clicking on this.
- Making sure your DNS is pointing to just One “A” record at the root.
You can confirm by going to https://pubdash.ezoic.com/settings/dns/dnsrecords and scrolling down to this part
Now be observant of the “@”s cause that’s your root domain, now locate all “A’ types records with the name “@” if it’s more than just 1 then there is the issue, if you aren’t using blogger platform you should be able to get your active IP from your host. The IP looks something like this 1.234.2344.3 and it’s the unit that will be input in the “value” section of the record. Now you can compare the IPs sent to you by your host to these records, when you locate the correct record delete the others and your site should be live and incase there’s no correct one you should delete all and create a new record and fill in the correct record.
If you are using the Blogger platform its advice and recommended to move to custom hosts like Namecheap, see the list of ezoic recommended services at https://www.ezoic.com/certified-seamless-with-ezoic/
Best Practices to Avoid Future “Variant Also Negotiates” Errors
To prevent the “Variant Also Negotiates” error from occurring in the future, it is important to implement some best practices. These practices will help maintain a stable and optimized website environment.
- Keep Your Browser Updated
Regularly update your browser to the latest version to benefit from enhanced security, performance, and compatibility improvements.
- Regularly Clear Browser Cache and Cookies
Clearing your browser cache and cookies periodically prevents the accumulation of outdated or conflicting data, reducing the chances of encountering the “Variant Also Negotiates” error. You do not need to click on “Clear All Cache” on ezoic every time, by using the ezoic WordPress plugin/and your ezoic cache settings you can set the cache to periodically clear automatically.
- Verify Website Configuration and Headers
Regularly review your website’s configuration and headers to ensure they are properly set up and aligned with the server’s requirements.
- Stay Up-to-Date with Ezoic Platform Updates
Stay informed about the latest updates and announcements from Ezoic. Keeping up-to-date with platform changes will help you avoid compatibility issues and stay ahead of potential errors.
- Monitor and Optimize CDN Configuration
Monitor your CDN configuration to ensure it is optimized for your website’s needs. Regularly assess its performance and make adjustments as necessary.
Conclusion
Encountering the “Variant Also Negotiates” error on Ezoic can be frustrating, but with the troubleshooting steps and best practices outlined in this article, you can resolve the issue effectively. By following these guidelines, you can ensure a smooth user experience, improve website performance, and optimize ad revenue on the Ezoic platform. Remember, if the error persists, reaching out to Ezoic’s support team is always a viable option to get the necessary assistance.
