What Is a 403 Forbidden Error (and How to Fix It)
A 403 Forbidden error is an HTTP status code which means that for some reason, you are being blocked from viewing the requested page. The server is "UP" and it *found* the page (so it's not a 404), but it has strict rules in place that forbid you from seeing it.
What Causes a 403 Forbidden Error?
This is a server-side configuration issue. It means a permission or setting on the server is intentionally blocking access.
1. Incorrect File or Folder Permissions
All files and folders on your web server have permissions that control who can read, write, and execute them. If these are set incorrectly, the server will forbid anyone from accessing them.
- Correct Permissions: Folders should almost always be
755. Files should almost always be644.
2. Bad .htaccess File Rules
Your .htaccess file can contain rules to block specific IP addresses, regions, or "bots." If you have a rule that is written too broadly, it might be accidentally blocking legitimate visitors.
- How to fix: Temporarily rename your
.htaccessfile to disable it. If the site loads, you know the problem is a bad rule in that file.
3. A Security Plugin Is Blocking You
If you use a website security plugin, it might have identified your IP address as a threat (perhaps due to too many failed login attempts) and blocked you.