How to Fix 403 Forbidden Error in 2024

Have you ever been blocked from accessing a website with a 403 Forbidden Error? A 403 Forbidden Error occurs when the server understands your request but refuses to authorize it. This could be due to a variety of reasons, such as permission settings, erroneous IP blocking, or outdated credentials.

If you’ve encountered the HTTP 403 error code and don’t know how to resolve it, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll break down what the error means, common causes, and step-by-step solutions to resolve the issue.

7 ways to Fix 403 Forbidden Error in 2024

Refresh the Page and Double Check the Address
Modify the .htaccess File
Clear the Browser Cache
The Index Page
Disable Plugins (WordPress Users)
Contact Them or Try Again Later

What does 403 forbidden Error mean?

HTTP 403 Forbidden Error code is also known as Error 403, a status code. This error indicate that the access request from a client is valid, but the server has refused to respond. This means that the web page you’re trying to open in your browser is a resource that you’re not allowed to access.

Usually, you may have seen error 403 Forbidden while accessing a web page from your web browser.

Error code	403 Forbidden Error
Error type	Client-side error
Error variations	Forbidden: You don’t have permission to access [directory] on this server HTTP Error 403 – Forbidden Error 403 – Forbidden 403 Forbidden request forbidden by administrative rules 403 Forbidden Access Denied – You don’t have permission to access Error 403 HTTP 403 Forbidden
Error causes	Access misconfiguration Corrupt .htaccess file Missing index page Broken WordPress plugin Wrong IP address Malware infection New web page link Empty website directory

In Short, HTTP 403 Forbidden is a Status Code that usually occurs when a web server restricts the request access of a client.

Types of Error 403 Forbidden

When you encounter a 403 Forbidden Error, it’s not always clear why it’s happening. However, understanding the different types can help you find the right solution more quickly. Here are the main types of 403 Forbidden Errors you might come across

Errors	Description
403	A common type of error occurs when a web server understands the request access but does not respond to it.
403.1	It represents “Execute Access Forbidden,” showing that the server does not allow request execution of server-side operations, executable files, CGI, etc.
403.2	It is “Read Access Forbidden,” meaning the server does not allow users to access and read the resource content.
403.4	An “SSL Required” error indicates that a user must have a secured HTTPS connection to access the resources.
403.5	Similar to error 403.4, it is an “SSL 128 Required” error that only allows users with minimum 128-bit encryption for SSL connection.
403.6	The “IP Address Rejected” represents that a server has blocked the IP address of a user.

What Causes the 403 Forbidden Error?

Common reasons for a 403 Forbidden error include:

Authentication Failures: Incorrect login details or insufficient permissions.
WAF Blocks: A web application firewall blocking suspicious requests.
Faulty Plugins: Plugins causing access restrictions on the server.
IP Blacklisting: Certain IPs denied access.
Server Misconfigurations: Incorrect security or server settings.
Moved Content: Webpages relocated to new URLs.
Legal Restrictions: Access limited by legal constraints.
Resource Demand: High traffic leading to access restrictions.
ACL Restrictions: Access control lists limiting resource access.

Identifying the specific cause of a 403 error is crucial for effective resolution.

How to Fix 403 Not Found Error?

In this section, we will start with the simple approaches and then go for the expert one to resolve the “403 Not Found Error“:

1. Refresh the Page and Double Check the Address

First, refresh the page you’re having trouble opening and carefully verify the URL. Often, a simple typo can lead to a 403 error. Additionally, if you’re accessing a web server, double-check your login credentials before attempting to access it. This common oversight can cause access issues, so confirming your credentials can help resolve the error quickly.

2. Modify the .htaccess File

If you’re using an Apache web server and encounter access issues, consider adjusting the .htaccess file, a configuration file that controls access, server settings, URL handling, and more.

Steps to handle .htaccess issues:

Step 1: Backup: Before modifying, right-click the .htaccess file and download it to your local machine for backup.
Step 2: Modify/Check: Investigate and modify the .htaccess file rather than deleting it to avoid disrupting server functionalities. If unfamiliar with server management, avoid deleting the file.
See Also
API Gateway Authentication: 5 Strategies & Real Life Examples How to Fix 403 Forbidden Error in Postman Explaining the 403 Forbidden Error and Effective Solutions API call request 404 Not Found
Step 3: Delete and Test: Optionally, delete the .htaccess file and check if the website access issue resolves.
Step 4: Restore if Needed: If problems persist, restore the .htaccess file from your backup.
Step 5: Verify: Finally, re-upload the .htaccess file to the configuration directory and verify the website’s functionality.

Always ensure you have a clear understanding of web server management before making changes to critical configuration files like .htaccess.

3. Disable VPN & Proxy

VPNs and proxies can sometimes lead to a 403 Not Found Error. Consider disabling your VPN due to:

VPN Restrictions: Websites and servers might block VPNs for security.
Proxy Interference: VPN proxies may not be compatible with all websites, causing a 403 error.
IP Address Conflict: VPNs change your IP address, potentially triggering a 403 error.

4. Clear the Browser Cache

Outdated information in your browser cache can lead to a 403 Not Found error. Clearing the cache refreshes content but also removes saved data like login credentials and preferences. Here’s how to clear your browser cache:

First, open your web browser and go to the Settings option. You can go to the Privacy and Security section or search the word “cache” in the search section.

Clearing the cache of a web browser

Now, clear the web browser and remove all the additional information. Once you are done, restart your web browser and check if the error is resolved.

5. The Index Page

An index page, or default document, is a file that a web server processes to determine which files to display when accessing a website’s directory. It can be a PHP, HTML, or other supported file type, ensuring correct content display.

You can follow the below steps to upload an Index page for your web server:

Step 1: access the FTP (File Transfer Protocol) and right-click on the .htaccess file.

Step 2: Now, select the “Edit” option from the drop-down menu and insert the following line:
redirect /index.html /<homepage>.html

Adding the above line can redirect the index.html file to the existing <homepage>. You can also replace the <homepage> with the name of your page.

6. Disable Plugins (WordPress Users)

Sometimes, a poorly configured WordPress plugin can lead to various issues, including the 403 Forbidden error. While these plugins don’t directly cause error 403, they may lead to misconfigured settings that trigger it. Disabling plugins temporarily can help resolve this error.