What Does 403 Forbidden Error Mean: Understanding the Error and How to Fix It

Imagine you are trying to access a website for a crucial resource, only to face the dreaded “403 Forbidden” error. This common issue indicates that the server is denying access to the requested resource.

Understanding what triggers this error and how to resolve it is essential for smooth web browsing or site management.

This guide provides actionable tips for website owners and visitors alike. Follow these steps to address the issue and regain access quickly.

What Does 403 Forbidden Mean?

The 403 Forbidden error appears when a server denies access to a resource. This occurs despite recognising the user’s request. Common reasons include inadequate permissions or missing authentication credentials.

Users often encounter this due to restricted server settings or unauthorised access attempts. Addressing it requires verifying permissions or providing correct authentication details.

Common Causes of the 403 Forbidden Error

A 403 Forbidden error happens when server settings block access. Common causes include firewalls, caching issues, or incorrect permissions, accounting for 90% of such errors.

Below are the most common causes:

Incorrect File or Folder Permissions

Permissions may restrict users from accessing files or directories. This happens when read, write, or execute permissions are misconfigured.

Corrupt .htaccess File

The .htaccess file may contain incorrect or damaged configurations. Corruption can occur due to manual errors or malware infections.

Missing Index Page

Websites require an index.html or index.php as the default homepage. Without this file, servers cannot display the website’s main content.

Incompatible WordPress Plugins

Conflicting or misconfigured plugins may block access to site resources. This commonly happens with plugins that modify user permissions.

Incorrect IP Address

The domain name may point to the wrong or outdated IP address. This prevents the server from correctly routing user requests.

Malware Infections

Malware can corrupt critical files, like .htaccess, causing ongoing errors. It may also introduce malicious settings that block access to resources.

Updated Web Page Link

Recently updated links may not match the cached versions. This creates errors when users try to access outdated URLs.

Empty Website Directory

If a directory lacks content, it may return a forbidden error. This occurs when a directory is accessed instead of a specific file.

Security Restrictions

Security tools may block access to prevent potential attacks. This happens when certain IPs or user behaviours are flagged as suspicious.

How to Fix the 403 Forbidden Error

A 403 Forbidden error blocks access to a resource on your website. Common causes include incorrect file permissions, misconfigured plugins, or caching problems.

Resolving these requires checking and fixing configurations. Below are actionable steps to resolve this issue.

1. Refresh the Page and Check the URL

Sometimes, the error is temporary and resolves with a simple refresh. Ensure the URL is correct, especially if accessing a directory. Typos, missing slashes, or incorrect extensions can trigger the error.

Quick Steps:

• Refresh the page.
• Double-check the URL for errors.

2. Clear Your Browser Cache and Cookies

Cached files can cause mismatches between your browser and the updated website. This problem is usually fixed by removing the cache and cookies in your browser.

To Clear Cache and Cookies on Google Chrome:

• Open Chrome settings and go to “Privacy and Security.”
• Select “Clear Browsing Data.”
• Choose “All Time” and check “Cookies” and “Cached Files.”
• Click “Clear Data.”

3. Check File and Directory Permissions

Incorrect file permissions may block access to website resources. They determine who can read, write, or execute specific files on a system.

Recommended Permissions:

• Files: 644 or 640
• Directories: 755 or 750
• wp-config.php: 440 or 400

Steps to Adjust Permissions Using FileZilla:

1. Connect to your server via FTP.
2. Right-click the public_html folder and select “File Attributes.”
3. Set directories to 755 and files to 644.
4. Recurse into subdirectories as needed.

4. Delete and Regenerate the .htaccess File

The .htaccess file on Apache servers may cause problems if misconfigured. Replacing it with a fresh, clean version often resolves such errors effectively.

Steps to Replace the .htaccess File:

1. Connect to your server using FTP.
2. Locate and back up the .htaccess file.
3. Delete the file from your server.
4. Log into WordPress and go to Settings – Permalinks.
5. Click “Save Changes” to regenerate the file.

5. Deactivate Plugins

Faulty or incompatible plugins can block website access. Disabling all plugins helps identify the problematic ones.

Steps to Disable Plugins via FTP:

1. Navigate to the wp-content folder.
2. Rename the “plugins” folder to “plugins-disabled.”
3. Test the website.
4. To identify the violator, reactivate each plugin separately.

6. Temporarily Disable the CDN

A misconfigured CDN might block access to your resources. Disabling it temporarily could resolve the issue.

To Disable the CDN:

1. Log in to your hosting account.
2. Access the CDN settings.
3. Temporarily turn off the CDN and test your site.

7. Review Hotlink Protection

Hotlink protection prevents unauthorised use of your resources on other sites. Incorrect configuration may block legitimate access to your content.

Steps to Check Hotlink Protection:

1. Log in to your hosting control panel.
2. Access the hotlink protection settings.
3. Ensure it’s configured to allow your site’s resources.

Disconnect from VPN

Some websites block access from VPN servers. Disconnecting from your VPN can help confirm if this is the issue.

Steps:

• Turn off your VPN.
• Test the website.
• Try a different server if you need to use a VPN.

8. Contact Your Hosting Provider

If none of these solutions works, the issue may lie with your hosting.

What to Do:

• Submit a support ticket via the hosting provider’s dashboard.
• Provide error details, recent changes, and attempted fixes.

Wrapping Up

A 403 Forbidden error occurs due to permissions, corrupt .htaccess, or restrictions. You can fix it if you have gone through this comprehensive guide. These steps will help you resolve the error quickly.

You can consider Crazy Domains to address and fix the root causes of a 403 error. We will check and correct file permissions, review .htaccess configurations, address domain or IR restrictions and ensure accurate setup of your hosting environment.

Need further assistance? Contact us anytime for expert help!