Topics Map > Campus Services > NetID Login Service
NetID Login - How to Fix a "Stale Request" Error
Problem
When you are attempting to log in to a UW Madison service or a link that requires NetID authentication, you may see this error for several reasons.
You may see the following error:
Solution
First, make sure you are attempting to use a valid link. If you are using a bookmark, try getting to the site another way as bookmarks can cause this error.
Next, if you are using Safari on a Mac, follow the instructions in NetID Login - "Stale Request" Error in Safari first to make sure your browser is not blocking all cookies, which can prevent NetID login from functioning properly.
Next, completely restart the browser so that all previous windows and tabs have been closed. In some cases, this alone can fix the issue. If this does not work, then the issue can usually be resolved by clearing your browser's cache and cookies. Click the browser you are using below to find instructions for clearing your browser's cache and cookies.
If it does not appear to be an issue with the browser, it could be a network issue. Please try using a a different network or cellular data. If none of these work, consider downloading WiscVPN: WiscVPN - Installing the Palo Alto GlobalProtect Client (Windows), WiscVPN - Installing the Palo Alto GlobalProtect Client (Mac)
Currently, certain versions of Firefox will give this error even after completing possible troubleshooting. Try using a different browser, such as Google Chrome, which can be downloaded here: http://www.google.com/chrome/
Desktop Web Browsers
Clearing the browser cache prevents you from using old/out-of-date versions of websites and protects your personal information. It also helps running some applications better on your computer by freeing up space.
Note: Make sure you set the Time Range to the "All Time" or "Everything" options when available to clear all data. Please save any unpublished work before proceeding; you will be logged out of all sites and applications and will need to re-authenticate.
Browser | Windows Document Link | macOS Document Link |
---|---|---|
Google Chrome |
Chrome (Win) - Clearing Cache and Cookies | Chrome (Mac) - Clearing Cache and Cookies |
Firefox |
Firefox 57+ (Win) - Clearing Cache and Cookies | Firefox 21+ (Mac) - Clearing Cache and Cookies |
Safari |
Safari (Win) - Clearing Cache and Cookies | Safari 10.0.1+ (Mac) - Clearing Cache and Cookies |
Microsoft Edge |
Edge (Win) - Clearing Cache and Cookies | None |
Opera |
Opera (Win) - Clearing Cache and Cookies | Opera 28.0 (Mac) - Clearing Cache and Cookies |
New Microsoft Edge |
New Edge (Win 10, 8, 7, MacOS) - Clearing Cache and Cookies | New Edge (Win 10, 8, 7, MacOS) - Clearing Cache and Cookies |
Mobile Web Browsers
Operating System | Document Link |
---|---|
Android |
Android (Jellybean) - Clearing Cache and Cookies on Google Chrome |
iOS |
iOS - Clearing Cache and Cookies |
webOS |
HP webOS 2.x - Clearing Cache and Cookies |
Windows Phone |
Internet Explorer (Windows Phone) - Clearing Cache and Cookies |
Legacy Versions
Windows
Browser | Document Link |
---|---|
Internet Explorer 9, 10, & 11 |
Internet Explorer 9, 10, and 11 (Win) - Clearing Cache and Cookies |
Internet Explorer 6 |
Internet Explorer 6 (Win) - Clearing Cache and Cookies |
Internet Explorer 7 |
Internet Explorer 7 (Win) - Clearing Cache and Cookies |
Internet Explorer 8 |
Internet Explorer 8 (Win) - Clearing Cache and Cookies |
Firefox 3.5 |
Firefox 3.5 (Win) - Clearing Cache and Cookies |
MacOS
Browser | Document Link |
---|---|
Firefox 3.5 - 20 |
Firefox 3.5 - 20 (Mac) - Clearing Cache and Cookies |
Opera 10.50 |
Opera 10.50+ (Mac) - Clearing Cache and Cookies |
Safari 5 |
Safari 5 (Mac) - Clearing Cache and Cookies |
Safari 5.1 - 7.9 |
[Link for document 30233 is unavailable at this time] |
Safari 8.0+ |
Safari 8.0 - 10.0 (Mac) - Clearing Cache and Cookies |
If you are still experiencing issues after completing those steps, contact the DoIT Help Desk. See: Get Help from DoIT