Have you ever visited your website or a client’s site and received an error that says:

“421 Misdirected Request: The client needs a new connection for this request as the requested host name does not match the Server Name Indication (SNI) in use for this connection.”

It’s confusing. It’s frustrating. And worse—it can drive your visitors away.

In this article, we’ll break down what this error actually means, why it happens, and how Hatty AI can quickly resolve it for you using the right fix for your hosting environment.

What Is a “421 Misdirected Request”?

A 421 Misdirected Request is an HTTP error that occurs when your browser makes a secure HTTPS request, but the server doesn’t know how to respond because the Server Name Indication (SNI) doesn’t match the domain you’re trying to reach.

In simple terms, it’s like showing up at a hotel with a reservation for “Hotel A,” but the staff only sees bookings for “Hotel B.” The connection doesn’t line up with the destination.

What Causes a Misdirected Request?

Here are the most common reasons for this issue:

1. Improper SSL Configuration
   The server may be serving the wrong SSL certificate for the domain you’re visiting.
2. Shared Hosting Conflicts
   If you’re using shared hosting (multiple domains on the same IP), a mismatch in the SNI can confuse the server.
3. Cloudflare or Proxy Conflicts
   Using Cloudflare or a reverse proxy improperly configured can trigger this error, especially when SNI headers are stripped or cached improperly.
4. Misconfigured Apache/nginx Settings
   Sometimes virtual host or SSL configuration settings don’t properly declare the ServerName or ServerAlias.

How Hatty AI Fixes the “Misdirected Request” Error

At Hatty AI, we specialize in untangling complex web hosting and SSL issues like this. There is no one-size-fits-all fix, but we offer a number of proven solutions depending on your setup.

Option 1: Reissue or Reinstall SSL Certificates

We check whether the domain has a properly configured SSL certificate and reissue it using Let’s Encrypt or a custom certificate as needed.

Option 2: Configure Server Name Indication (SNI) Properly

We review your server’s virtual host configurations to ensure that each domain uses the correct ServerName and ServerAlias directives, and that SNI is properly mapped.

Option 3: Adjust Cloudflare or Proxy Settings

Using Cloudflare? We’ll inspect DNS and proxy settings, and confirm that SSL modes and headers are passing correctly. Sometimes a simple switch from “Flexible” to “Full” SSL mode solves it.

Option 4: Force a Clean HTTPS Connection

We also configure your .htaccess or nginx rules to ensure all traffic is routed securely and properly, preventing browser caching from misdirecting requests.

Can This Be Prevented in the Future?

Absolutely. Hatty AI can:

• Monitor your SSL certificates and renewals
• Alert you when configurations change
• Automate server hardening to prevent mismatches
• Provide managed hosting where we handle these issues before you ever notice them

Let Hatty AI Handle It

Don’t waste time decoding cryptic server errors and chasing down conflicting configurations. At Hatty AI, we know how to fix this fast—whether it’s a cPanel server, WHM, Apache, NGINX, or Cloudflare.

Need help with a 421 Misdirected Request?
Schedule a free diagnostic or just call us at 877-HATTY-AI.

We’ll get your SSL and hosting back in line—the right way.

Don’t want to talk ? Submit your info below.