Blog Menu
,
We write and curate content for Bluehost. We hope this blog post is helpful.
Are you looking at creating a blog, website or an online store? Bluehost has something for everyone. Get started today.

The WordPress 403 forbidden error can be quite frustrating for website owners and administrators, as it denies access to a webpage, unexpectedly disrupting your workflow. 

This error is typically indicative of server permissions that are improperly configured, denying you access to the requested resource, hence the message “403 forbidden access is denied.” 

If you’re a WordPress user or an administrator who has been locked out of certain sections of your website due to this error, you’re likely looking for immediate solutions.  

In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the potential causes of the WordPress 403 forbidden error and offer step-by-step solutions to resolve it. 

Whether you are dealing with a complete lockout or a WordPress admin 403 forbidden issues, we have you covered. 

This guide is designed to assist you in regaining control of your WordPress website and ensuring smooth and uninterrupted operation.

What is the 403 forbidden error?

The 403 Forbidden Error is a standard HTTP status code that indicates the server understands the request but refuses to authorize it. In the context of WordPress 403 often stems from incorrect file permissions or misconfigurations in the server settings. The error can be quite frustrating, particularly when it prevents access to the WordPress admin dashboard, as this hampers your ability to manage your website effectively. 

In such a scenario, you would encounter the 403 forbidden WordPress admin error message. This means that while the server acknowledges your request to access the WordPress admin panel, it’s denying you the necessary permissions to do so. This can occur due to numerous reasons, such as incorrect file permissions, faulty plugins/themes or server configuration issues. 

In essence, the WordPress Admin 403 Forbidden error is a signal that there’s a communication breakdown between the server and your WordPress website, barring you from accessing and managing your site. The good news is that, while it can be annoying, this error is usually fixable by identifying and addressing the underlying issues causing it. 

What is the impact of a 403 forbidden error on your website? 

A 403 Forbidden Error affects website accessibility, preventing visitors from accessing pages and potentially harming SEO rankings. If unresolved, it can lead to traffic loss. Common causes include incorrect permissions and browser cookie issues. Identifying and fixing these errors promptly ensures a seamless user experience and proper search engine indexing. 

Is there a difference between a “403 Forbidden” and a “404 Not Found” error? 

Yes, a “403 Forbidden” error indicates that the server understands the request made by the client but is refusing to fulfill it. On the other hand, a “404 Not Found” error signifies that the server cannot find the requested resource. Both errors are related to accessing web pages but for different reasons. 

Read more: Everything You Need to Know about 404 Errors – Bluehost Blog 

Common causes of the 403 forbidden error in WordPress

Several factors can trigger the 403 Forbidden in WordPress. Understanding these causes can help in effectively resolving the issue. Here are some of the primary reasons behind the error. 

Incorrect file permissions 

Each file and folder in your WordPress installation carries a set of permissions. These permissions, which are defined by three numbers (like 644 or 755), determine who can read, write, and execute the files or folders. The first digit refers to the owner’s permissions, the second to the group’s permissions, and the third to everybody else’s permissions. 

For example, ‘755’ implies the owner can read, write, and execute, while everyone else can only read and execute. If these permissions are incorrectly configured, the server may deny access, causing a 403 Forbidden Error. 

Faulty plugins or themes 

WordPress plugins and themes are developed by various authors and sometimes, they may contain bugs or conflicting code. If you’ve recently installed or updated a WordPress plugin or theme, and the 403 Forbidden Error emerged subsequently, then there’s a good chance that the plugin or theme is the culprit. Compatibility issues with your WordPress version or other installed plugins could also trigger this error.

Misconfigured security plugins  

Overly restrictive security plugin settings can mistakenly block legitimate access attempts, resulting in a 403 Forbidden WordPress error. Security plugins often have firewall settings that can interfere with user access if not configured correctly. If you suspect a security plugin is causing the issue, disabling it temporarily and adjusting its settings can help resolve it. 

Corrupt .htaccess file  

The .htaccess file plays a crucial role in website configuration. It can block access to important pages or even the entire site by default if corrupted. Corruption can occur due to improper modifications, failed updates or plugin conflicts. Renaming or regenerating the .htaccess file through the WordPress dashboard can restore normal functionality. 

Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) sometimes cause conflicts that result in access restrictions, leading to a 403 Forbidden. If a CDN blocks certain IP addresses or has misconfigured security rules, it may prevent visitors from accessing your website, especially if they are connected through a VPN. Checking CDN settings and temporarily disabling the CDN can help determine if it’s the source of the problem. 

Read more: What is a CDN? How Does a CDN Work? Unlocking the Benefits + Top Alternatives 

Step-by-step fixes for the 403 forbidden error in WordPress  

Revert to a previous functional version using your hosting backup

If your hosting service provides a backup at the application or server level, you can utilize this feature to undo recent changes and revert to a former functional version. Rolling back to a previously working version could help you circumvent the 403 error.

For instance, if your website was operating smoothly on August 2nd but encountered issues on September 1st, then you could restore the site to its previous state with just a few clicks.

If you are a Bluehost user, the process of reverting to a prior version is straightforward. Here are the steps to follow:

  1. Sign in to your Bluehost account.
  2. Click on the WordPress Tools tab.
  3. Select Backup from the left menu.
  4. Choose your WordPress site from the dropdown.
  5. Find the backup date you want to restore.
  6. Click Restore next to the chosen backup.
  7. Confirm the restore process when prompted.
  8. Wait for the restoration to complete and reload the page.

That’s all there is to it. Applying the steps mentioned above will enable you to revert to prior versions on the Bluehost platform quickly and conveniently.

Read more: Handy Guide to Backing Up Your WordPress Website 

Diagnosing and repairing .htaccess file issues 

One potential culprit behind the occurrence of a 403 forbidden WordPress error could be a damaged .htaccess file. With the help of any FTP manager, you can rectify a problematic .htaccess file within a matter of seconds.

  1. First, access your server using an FTP client.
  2. Navigate to the .htaccess file, housed in the public_html directory.
  3. Right-click on the .htaccess file and download it to ensure safety.
  4. After downloading the file, proceed to delete the .htaccess file.
  5. Next, refresh your website in your browser to see if the 403 error has been rectified.
  6. If the problem is resolved by deleting the .htaccess file, this confirms that the error was due to a damaged .htaccess file.
  7. To create a new, clean .htaccess file, follow these steps:
  8. Access your WordPress dashboard.
  9. Navigate to Settings > Permalinks.
  10. This will direct you to the permalink settings page.
  11. Click on the Save Changes button located at the bottom of the page to create a new .htaccess file.
  12. Open your FTP client to confirm if the .htaccess file has been successfully regenerated.

If your site experiences repeated .htaccess corruption, using CodeGuard for automated backups can help restore a clean version quickly, preventing extended downtime. 

Checking and correcting file permissions

A multitude of files in WordPress need access permissions. If these permissions are set incorrectly, the server will return a 403 permission denied error, signifying that you lack access to the requested file.

  1. Establish a connection with your WordPress website using an FTP client.
  2. Proceed to the root directory.
  3. Right-click on public_html and select the file permissions.
  4. Confirm that the numeric value in the Permission box is set to either 744 or 775.
  5. Tick the box next to ‘Recurse into subdirectories’.
  6. Select the option that reads ‘Apply to directories only’.
  7. Click OK.
  8. Repeat the same procedure for all files.
  9. Set the file permission to either 644 or 640.
  10. Ensure to select Recurse into subdirectories > Apply to files only.
  11. Click OK.

Recheck to ascertain if the 403 forbidden WordPress error has been resolved. If it continues to show up, then proceed to the next step, which involves deactivating the plugins.

Using Bluehost WordPress Hosting and Bluehost Shared Hosting ensures that your site is hosted in a stable environment with properly configured file permissions, reducing the risk of access issues. 

Disabling security plugins to identify conflicts  

  1. Log into your WordPress dashboard. 
  2. Navigate to Plugins > Installed Plugins. 
  3. Deactivate all security-related plugins. 
  4. Refresh your website to check if the issue is resolved. 
  5. If a plugin was the cause, enable them one by one to identify the problematic one and adjust its settings accordingly.

Clearing browser cache and cookies  

  1. Open your browser settings. 
  2. Navigate to the privacy or history section. 
  3. Select “Clear browsing data” and ensure cache and cookies are selected. 
  4. Restart your browser and revisit your website.

Configuring CDN settings properly  

  1. Log into your CDN provider’s dashboard. 
  2. Check security settings and IP restrictions. 
  3. Temporarily disable the CDN to test if it is causing the error. 
  4. If disabling the CDN resolves the issue, adjust security settings to allow access.

Integrating Cloudflare can enhance security to avoid conflicts that may trigger 403 errors. 

Troubleshooting advanced 403 error scenarios  

Dealing with server configuration errors  

  1. Check server logs for misconfigurations. 
  2. If using Apache, verify the settings in the httpd.conf file. 
  3. If using Nginx, ensure that the server blocks and location directives are correctly set.
  4. Restart the web server to apply changes. 

For users requiring more control over server configurations, Bluehost VPS Hosting and Bluehost Dedicated Hosting offer enhanced customization options to resolve complex permission and server-related issues. 

Resolving DNS and A record issues  

  1. Access your domain registrar’s DNS settings. 
  2. Verify that A records point to the correct IP address. 
  3. Check for conflicting CNAME or AAAA records. 
  4. Allow time for DNS propagation and test site accessibility.

Proper DNS management is crucial for website accessibility. Using Bluehost Domain services ensures correct DNS configurations, reducing the risk of domain-related 403 errors. 

Preventive measures to avoid future 403 forbidden errors 

Regular monitoring and proactive management of your website can help prevent the 403 error on WordPress site from occurring. By following these best practices, you can minimize security risks and ensure smooth access to your site. 

Regular monitoring of file permissions  

Incorrect file permissions and related file permission issues are one of the most common causes of 403 errors. Regularly reviewing and adjusting file and directory permissions helps prevent unauthorized access restrictions. Using SiteLock for security monitoring can alert you to any unauthorized changes, helping you address issues before they become major problems. 

Keeping plugins and themes updated  

Outdated plugins and themes can introduce security vulnerabilities that lead to access issues. Regularly updating plugins and themes ensures compatibility with the latest WordPress version and prevents potential conflicts. Always download plugins and themes from reputable sources and remove any unused or outdated ones to maintain site security. 

Implementing proper CDN configuration  

A misconfigured CDN can block access to certain users, triggering a 403 error. Ensuring that your CDN settings are correctly configured can prevent such issues. Regularly review firewall rules, whitelist trusted IP addresses and verify security settings to ensure they align with your website’s access requirements. 

Final thoughts  

Incorrect file permissions are a leading cause of 403 errors, restricting access to important site files. Regularly reviewing and adjusting file and directory permissions helps prevent unauthorized access. SiteLock provides proactive security monitoring, alerting you to unauthorized changes before they escalate into serious issues.  

A reliable hosting provider is essential for a secure, smoothly running website. With Bluehost WordPress Hosting, you get automated backups, advanced security features, and expert support to troubleshoot and prevent 403 Forbidden Errors before they impact your visitors.  

For ultimate protection, combine SiteLock for real-time security monitoring, CodeGuard for automated backups, and Cloudflare for enhanced speed and performance. Together, these solutions keep your website running securely and efficiently.  

Don’t let a 403 Forbidden Error lock you out of success. Choose Bluehost today and enjoy stress-free website management with top-tier security and support! 

FAQs

Why am I getting 403 Forbidden on a website?

You may encounter a 403 Forbidden error on a website when the server understands your request but refuses to authorize it. This can occur due to several reasons such as incorrect file permissions, faulty plugins or themes, security plugins blocking access, or server configuration issues.

Is the 403 error the same as the access denied error in WordPress?

The 403 Forbidden error and the Access Denied error in WordPress are essentially the same. Both indicate that the server has understood your request to access a particular webpage or resource but is refusing to grant you access.

What is the main difference between 401 and 403 errors?

The main difference between 401 and 403 errors lies in their meanings. A 401 error, “Unauthorized,” means that the request lacks valid authentication credentials for the target resource. On the other hand, a 403 error, “Forbidden,” means the server understood the request but refused to authorize it. While both involve a lack of access, the 401 error implies that the user can authenticate (i.e., log in) to gain access, whereas the 403 error means access is completely forbidden.

How can I prevent the 403 error from occurring?

To prevent the 403 error from occurring, ensure that your file and folder permissions are correctly set, keep your plugins and themes updated, and regularly check your server configurations. Also, ensure that your security plugins are not blocking access unnecessarily.

Can a misconfiguration in the .htaccess file result in a 403 Forbidden error in WordPress?

Yes, a misconfiguration in the .htaccess file can indeed result in a 403 Forbidden error in WordPress. The .htaccess file is used to define your site’s configuration and rewrite URLs, and any mistakes or incorrect directives in this file can lead to various errors, including the 403 Forbidden error.

  • Devin is a Senior Event Marketing Manager for the Bluehost brand. He is our brand steward for all things Bluehost and WordPress. You'll always see him supporting Bluehost at WordCamps around the world!

  • I write and curate content for Bluehost. I hope this blog post is helpful. Are you looking at creating a blog, website or an online store? Bluehost has something for everyone.

Learn more about Bluehost Editorial Guidelines

Write A Comment