Did you happen to see “403 Forbidden” or “You don’t have permission to access this resource” pop up when trying to access a certain webpage? Along with you, many users also seem to be experiencing this issue. Frustratingly for webmasters, developers, and users alike, the 403 Forbidden Error is one of the more popular HTTP status codes encountered. This error can stop you from proceeding no matter what you are attempting to do – viewing a page, accessing an online service, or downloading a file.
This guide touches on everything to know about the 403 Forbidden Error: its meaning, prerequisites, troubleshooting methods, and how to resolve such an error efficiently. A 403 error will no longer be a mystery after you go through this guide and will better understand how to eliminate it from the future.
What is a 403 Forbidden Error?
The 403 Forbidden error refers to an error that occurs when the server fails to authenticate the user accessing the web or cannot grant the user access to the requested resource. The HTTP status code in use demonstrates that the request for the resource is within the will of the system but authentication is a must. Therefore, the access is restricted currently and the action is forbidden. Hence, explaining the reasoning behind the explicit denial is that access to the web page server is not provided.
Contradictory to an error where the 403 code is a deliberate statement by the server not to show a certain resource or functionality. In this particular scenario, authentication becomes a key requirement which is indeed plausible. It primarily focuses on the ability of the system to process the request.
Overview of HTTP Status Codes
Understanding the 403 error requires some background knowledge on HTTP status codes. These codes are numerical system used to identify the response message received from the server after making a particular request in the form of a browser loading a particular web page. As informative as they can be, these codes also have classes with any given number falling under the umbrella of a particular class.
- 1xx (Informational): The request was received, and further processing is underway.
- 2xx (Successful): There is evidence supporting that the request was processed.
- 3xx (Redirection): Additional steps beyond those already attempted must be taken to complete the request.
- 4xx (Client Error): Error such as bad syntax, malformed requests, requests not being properly secured, and so on constitute as client errors.
- 5xx (Server Error): There has been a valid request but the server was unable to process it. Due to malfunctioning components on the server’s side, servers will return with these codes.
The 403 Forbidden Error falls into the category of client errors as noted above. Client errors suggest that there is an issue with the request made; however, rather than working with more generic client errors described like 404 errors, the 403 error states clearly that the request has been understood. But, a block has been enforced for particular reasons.
Why 403 Error Matters
Significantly disrupting a user’s interaction on your website, the 403 error can lead to many problems. Repeatedly occurring on critical webpages, these errors may diminish your site’s trustworthiness, traffic, and overall usability. There seems to be no end to the solution when websites keep encountering 403 errors. Such sites will not only lose visitor engagement, but also fall from the grace of the web management pedestal, labelling them as poorly managed or untrustworthy.
Looking through an SEO lens, 403 errors are bound to incorporate other complications as well. Pages of your website with 403 errors will not be checked, therefore placing the website in a lower ranking on searches. This can limit the traffic expected from potential leads, resulting in missed opportunities.
Despite not having impactful indications on the surface, the blame gets thrust upon the 403 error. Repeatedly encountering this issue might stain the experience users have with the website, engagement, and overall performance. While the matter does looks deceptively simply, resolving it can ensure a hassle-free web experience.
Variants of Errors
You will notice you have different 403 error variations. Although they constitute the same error, the different phrases are based on the server as well as the context. Below are the common variations of the 403 Forbidden Error:
- “HTTP Error 403 – Forbidden”
- “Access Denied – You don’t have permission to access”
- “Error 403 – Forbidden by administrative rules”
- “403 Forbidden – nginx”
Regardless of the phrase variations, they stem from the same principle: the server possesses the request, but because of access limitations, will not execute it. The alternative phrases are normally a result of different server software in use (Apache, nginx, etc.) or some other unique configuration options.
For instance, Apache servers may phrase an error message differently than “403 Forbidden – Nginx,” yet mean the same thing in essence.
Common Causes of the 403 Forbidden Error
We have gone over a 403 error overview. Now let us analyze what could possibly be wrong with your website. Below you will see a list of major causes of the 403 Forbidden Error.
1. Incorrect File Permissions
Not having the correct file permissions is one of the more basic mistakes that individuals make when dealing with the 403 Forbidden Error. Every file and directory on the web servers have certain permissions which determine who can read, write, or execute them. In this case, the permission structures are contradicting something else and hence the server is blocking access resulting in the 403 error.
For example, these types of arrangements will create notable problems for sites where there are files which are supposed to be made available for public access. When the file permission is set to ‘700’, the server essentially blocks access, and as a result under proper circumstances. These would ideally have directory permissions of ‘755’ flat file access of ‘644’. Naturally, these number can be changed depending on the server.
2. Corrupted .htaccess File
The Apache web server’s .htaccess file is a configuration file which contains directives to manage incoming requests. This file manages different components of the server in the lines of redirects, security policies and access limitations. The .htaccess file can cause the 403 Forbidden Error if it is damaged and set with rules that are inaccurate as it can deny valid requests.
One of the most common errors is improper rewrite rules or access controls which block access to resources or folders set to grant access. Due to the fragile nature of the .htaccess file, even the slightest mistake in its syntax could yield a 403 error, hence it is crucial to double check the .htaccess file.
3. Missing Index Page
When it comes to web servers, they usually depend on a default landing page known as the homepage, which can be index.html or index.php. If the server isn’t capable of locating an index file in particular directory, it can return a 403 error instead of the information that you were anticipating.
Case in point, if you access a URL such as http://example.com/folder/ and there is no index.html or index.php file in that folder, the server will return a 403 Forbidden Error. In this situation either ensure that there is an index file in the main directory as well as sub directories or make the necessary changes as described above.
4. WordPress Plugin Conflicts
Among users of WordPress, conflicts between plugins are one of the most common reasons for the 403 error. Some plugins, especially those dealing with security, may inadvertently misroute legitimate requests. As an example, access control based on IP address, user agent, or even arbitrary parameters can be configured by plugins of firewalls such as Wordfence or iThemes Security.
In case a certain misconfiguration of a plugin exists, some resources on your site might not be accessible which will lead to 403 Forbidden Error. Resolving this error decouples from dealing with the plugin’s configuration which means deactivating or troubleshooting the plugins.
5. Malware Attacks
The compromised or hacked websites may encounter 403 errors as one of their myriad issues. It is not uncommon for other issues such as hackers/or other unscrupulous devious people changing very vital files like .htaccess and injecting some malicious rules, thus making users be unable to access the site.
Damage done to file permissions by redirects too can enable Malware access to those files. To clean the infected files that make the site completely inaccessible windows and reset its default access, running a security scan will do the trick.
6. DNS or IP Address Issues
DNS misconfiguration or problems with your assigned IP address could be causing the 403 issues. The server might throw a 403 error while your users are trying to access the site if your domain is configured to a wrong IP address or there exists a DNS mismatch.
DNS issues can occur when there is a migration between servers, a change in the domain name, or issues within the nameservers. Hence, in all of these situations the website may not find the required server or resource which leads to a 403 error being thrown.
7. Hotlink Protection Errors
Hotlink protection is the method that restricts other websites from linking to your media files such as videos and images that are hosted on your server. Although this feature is crucial to restrict bandwidth, improper settings of hotlink protection may lead to legitimate users receiving a 403 error.
Take for instance, hotlink protection that is set too restrictively may, for one reason or another, prevent users from retrieving an image or video, even when they are on the relevant page. In this particular instance, users need to check the settings and appropriately alter them to resolve the problem.
How to Fix the 403 Forbidden Error
Having considered the possible reasons for the 403 Forbidden Error, we can now look into the possible remedies. The approaches below are tailored to the different causes underlying the problem—each is analyzed step by step.
Step 1: Refresh the Webpage and Check the Address
The first step tends to be the easier one. The root cause on some occasions could be an error which is very brief in nature. In such a case, we recommend refreshing the page or changing checking the URL prior to engaging in the more complicated troubleshooting procedures.
Be mindful that directory URLs should always conclude with a forward slash (“/”). For example: http://example.com/folder/ and not http://example.com/folder. Proceeding to the next step, continue operating under the same assumptions if refreshing was not the solution.
Step 2: Clear Browser Cache and Cookies
An outdated browser cache combined with cookies may interfere with accessing a website and result in causing 403 errors. As a precaution, go through the process of clearing cache and cookies in your browser. To demonstrate, I will use Google Chrome:
- Go to Settings → Privacy and security → Clear browsing data.
- Under Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files, tick the check boxes.
- Click Clear data.
After the process is completed, refresh the webpage and check…and make sure the error in question no longer shows up.
Step 3: Disabling VPN or CDN Temporarily
Some websites may block traffic from VPNs and CDNs (Content Delivery Networks), resulting in error 403. In case you’re using a VPN or CDN like Cloudflare, disable it for the time being to check if that is the fix. After disabling, try visiting the site once more.
Step 4: Replace the .htaccess File
If it pertains to a corrupted .htaccess file, the problem can be resolved by replacing it with a new one. Here’s how:
- Log in to your website, either through FTP or using the hosting control panel.
- Find the .htaccess file within the public_html folder and create a copy of it.
- Now log in to the server and remove the .htaccess file.
- You can regenerate the file by visiting Settings → Permalinks in WordPress and clicking Save Changes; don’t change any settings beforehand. This action will rebuild the .htaccess file.
Step 5: Reset File and Folder Permissions
Incorrect permission settings on the files are logical for the 403 error occurring. To fix this:
- Log in to the website via FTP with a client such as FileZilla.
- Set folders to 755 and files to 644.
- In FileZilla, perform a right-click on a folder, go to File permissions, and fill in 755 for directories and 644 for files.
- Specifically check Recurse into subdirectories as all changes will become global under these conditions.
Step 6: Disable WordPress Plugins
In the case that you believe a certain plugin may be the awareness, disable all plugins and see if the error continues occurring.
- Open your site using FTP.
- Go to the /wp-content/plugins/ directory and change the name of the folder (for instance, to plugins-disabled).
- Check the functionality of your website. If it’s working, then start enabling the plugins one by one to find out which one is the conflict.
Step 7: Scan for Malware
Your configuration files can be modified by malware, resulting in the 403 Forbidden Error. You must do the following to look for malware:
- You may scan using a security plugin such as Wordfence or Sucuri which performs a complete scan with the help of its defined algorithms.
- Clean the infected files as per the recommendations provided by the plugin in case, they are infected.
Step 8: Confirm DNS Settings and Modify Nameservers
In case you suspect the 403 error is caused by DNS or IP address issues:
- Access your hosting account in the control panel to check the DNS records.
- Confirm that the domain is configured to the right IP address.
- Modify the nameservers if necessary, primarily after migrating the server.
Step 9: Upload an Index Page
If the website does not have the default index.html or index.php, those files should be uploaded as new file. This is crucial for web servers which use the index file to serve content. To check the functionality of the website, prepare a basic index.html or index.php file and upload it.
Step 10: Change File Ownership
As with changing file permissions, a file’s incorrect ownership may also be causing your 403 error. If you have VPS or Linux hosting, you can change ownership through SSH with the following command.
chown [yourusername]:[yourgroupname] [filename]
This guarantees that the proper user and group can access the necessary files.
Step 11: Reach Out to Your Hosting Provider
The problem might hinge on anything external to the server quirks mentioned above, so you may need to get in touch with your hosting provider for further assistance. There might be restricted server settings, firewalls, and other enforced system policies that need to be reconfigured. Reach out to the contact provided by the support desk of your hosting provider and request them to assist you in fixing the error.
How to Prevent the 403 Forbidden Error
Getting a 403 forbidden error and not knowing how to fix it can be frustrating; therefore, one should do everything to prevent encountering the error. Below are specified steps for preventive measures for the mentioned error:
1. Regular Backups
Make it an organizational routine to regularly backup HTTP websites. Configure Plugins that properly function in the function file to automate it and ensure uninterrupted smooth service. Monitor scheduled maintenance windows for possible configuration of plugins. With regards to WordPress Websites, drives like UpdraftPlus handle unattended mounted backups efficiently.
2. Check Plugin Errors
Errors in outdated plugins or incorrectly programmed ones can induce conflicts that result in 403 errors. It is critical that you keep your plugins up-to-date and do not use any unsupported or negatively reviewed plugins.
3. Install Security Plugins
Wordfence and iThemes Security are examples of security plugins that help shield websites against unauthorized access and alteration of webpage files. Such plugins search for existing vulnerabilities and strengthen them in an effort to safeguard the site.
4. Review File Permissions Periodically
Check how your files and folders are set-up periodically. 403 errors may arise out of misconfigured restrictions. The correct setting is directories ‘755’ and files ‘644’ for unrestricted access.
5. Keep DNS Settings Up-to-Date
Domain name must always be associated with the right server. Ensure DNS records are regularly checked so no erroneous entries exist which could result in access problems.
Wrapping Up
Finding the 403 Forbidden Error is not a pleasant sight, but with the right tools, it is relatively easy to fix. Make manual attempts first, such as refreshing the page and clearing your browsing history. After that, work on the more technical aspects like the .htaccess file and file permissions as well as disabling plugins.
Use the methods described in this guide to solve it quickly, and efficiently. Furthermore, proactive strategies like regular system backups, security monitoring, and checking plugin compatibility will help follow this error ever occurring again.
Should the issue persist, contact the hosting company or a qualified developer. Maintaining the right approach will guarantee your site’s accessibility and ease of use around the clock.
For further guidance, check the posted guides on the website’s administrator blog including troubleshooting guides as fresh content is always being made.