How To Fix 403 Forbidden Errors on Your Website

When connections between a browser and a server fail, error codes help diagnose and troubleshoot the problem. One of the most common is the 403 Forbidden error.

Seeing a 403 error code pop up when you try to visit a page on your website can be frustrating for both you and your visitors. This code denies users access to web pages, and if left unresolved, it can harm your site’s overall visibility and performance in search results, and eventually erode the trust of your users.

This article explains what a 403 error means, why it happens, the common causes behind it, and the practical steps you can take to fix it.

What is a 403 error?

The 403 HTTP status code indicates that the server understands the request but refuses to authorize it. In other words, the browser is recognized, but the server denies access to the page or resource. This error is part of the 4xx class of HTTP status codes, which generally signal that the client request cannot be completed.

A 403 error can appear in any browser, including Chrome, Firefox, and Safari, and often results from issues such as file permissions, authentication settings, or server configuration. Users may see variations like “403 Forbidden – You don’t have permission to access this resource” or “HTTP Error 403 – Forbidden.” While it prevents users from viewing the page, the underlying causes are usually identifiable and fixable.

How it impacts SEO

A 403 doesn’t just affect users; it can block search engines, too. In Google Search Console, you might see “Blocked due to access forbidden (403)” under indexing reports. This means Google can’t crawl the page, which could cause:

• Removal from the search index
• Loss of keyword rankings
• Lower traffic over time
  
  

Fixing 403s quickly ensures your pages remain accessible to both visitors and crawlers.

Common causes

There are several different reasons why a web browser may return an HTTP 403 Forbidden error or an Access Denied message.

.htaccess file errors

One of the most common reasons for a 403 error is a misconfigured .htaccess file. If rules in this configuration file are corrupted, infected with malicious code, or improperly set, they can block users from reaching certain resources. Even homepage files can trigger issues. If the site does not include a properly named index.html or index.php file, the server may deny access altogether.

Insufficient permissions

Many 403 errors result from issues with file permissions. As users attempt to access files, folders, or even entire directories, they may be blocked if the server doesn’t recognize their permissions. This is a common issue in web hosting, where users are often allowed to access files but not make any changes to them or save them on the server.

Although 403 forbidden errors are classified as client errors, the refusal comes from the server. In most cases, the problem is insufficient permissions to access the requested resource, but in some situations, the website’s own configuration is at fault.

WordPress plugin conflicts

On WordPress sites, misconfigured or incompatible plugins can often lead to 403 errors. Security plugins, in particular, may mistakenly block access to essential directories such as the wp-content folder. In these cases, the server denies access because of faulty plugin settings rather than the actual permissions of the files.

IP address blocking

Servers can also be configured to block specific IP addresses, regions, or entire ranges of traffic. This might be intentional, such as to prevent malicious activity, or unintentional if the rules are set too broadly. In either case, visitors from a restricted IP range may encounter a 403 Forbidden error when trying to reach the site.

Hotlink protection

Keep in mind that site assets, such as images or videos, can be hotlinked. Hotlinking occurs when someone displays media on their own website but uses the direct URL of the original site that hosts the file. In these cases, the server may block access to the file in order to prevent its resources from being used without permission.

A helpful analogy is to imagine charging admission to see a prized painting, only for people to stand outside and view it through a window instead. To prevent this, many websites enable hotlink protection, which often returns an HTTP 403 error when an outside site tries to load their files.

How to fix 403 forbidden errors

Fixing a 403 error is usually straightforward once you identify the cause, but finding that cause can take time because many different issues can trigger the error.

Client-side steps

Some of the best methods for troubleshooting and solving these errors on the client side include:

1. Confirm that the URL of the website is correct. If the URL you are trying to access is a directory and not a web page, you may encounter a 403 error.
2. Use a virtual private network (VPN) to access the site if an IP address issue is to blame. Conversely, disconnecting from a VPN currently in use could also do the trick.
3. Clear your browser’s cache and cookies. Refreshing site data is a surprisingly effective solution.
4. Test visiting the site on a different browser or through another network connection.
5. If you believe you should have access to the requested resource (like a member-only area), reach out to the website admin for additional assistance.

Server-side steps

Website owners may notice that users are experiencing 403 forbidden errors. In this situation, to fix the problem or limit its impact, try the following steps:

1. Double-check all file permissions via FTP or in the file manager. Permissions that are too restrictive can block access, while overly permissive settings can create security risks.
2. Verify the default directory index. Ensure that the server has a valid index file (commonly index.php or index.html). If no default index is present, Apache and other web servers may deny access to the directory and return a 403 error.
3. Analyze all WordPress plugins in use and disable any that are suspected to be the problem. This trial-and-error method of temporarily disabling plugins might not be particularly time-efficient, but it should eventually isolate the issue.
4. Reset the .htaccess file and regenerate a new one. This important configuration file can sometimes become misconfigured or corrupt, thereby preventing clients from making a secure connection. Backing up the file, deleting it, and regenerating a new one could solve the problem. In WordPress, you can create a new .htaccess file in the Permalinks settings page simply by clicking Save Changes.
5. Check your Domain Name System (DNS) record. Your domain could still be pointing to your previous server if you recently migrated hosts. If you forgot to update your nameservers, then this could be the root cause.
6. Update all software and plugins. It’s easy for website owners to forget the basics of web maintenance, such as regularly updating software and plugins. Any time it becomes evident that website vulnerabilities might exist within poorly updated software or plugins, it is important to take action as soon as possible. Vulnerability scanning is a reliable solution that identifies risks more efficiently..
7. Review your CDN configuration. If using a Content Delivery Network (CDN) for certain files, disable it to see if that fixes the error. Conversely, if a CDN isn’t in use, it could be a good idea to utilize one to optimize browser speed and content delivery. However, proper setup is key.

When to contact an expert

It can take a lot of time and effort to resolve 403 errors. From adjusting settings in the control panel to reconfiguring folder permissions and often consulting online tutorials, it's easy to spend a lot of time and resources troubleshooting a problem that may not have a simple fix. In some cases, the problem is beyond the control of the website owner.

If standard troubleshooting does not resolve the error, external factors such as ISP restrictions or firewall rules may be the cause. At that point, the best course of action is to contact your web hosting provider or server administrator for support.

Protect your website with SiteLock

If you have noticed that your website is continually affected by 403 errors or other recurring issues, it's important to take action. These errors do more than frustrate visitors; they can block potential customers from accessing your content and even damage your site’s reputation over time.

SiteLock offers comprehensive website security plans designed to prevent and resolve site problems. With features like regular malware scanning, automatic malware removal, and vulnerability patching, SiteLock helps keep your site accessible, secure, and trusted. Contact us today to learn more about protecting your website.

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