Encountering a 403 Forbidden error on your WordPress website can be frustrating. This error essentially means that the server is denying access to a particular resource on your site. Whether it’s due to incorrect file permissions, a misconfigured plugin, or security settings, resolving this error quickly is crucial to maintaining your site’s accessibility and performance. In this article, we’ll break down the causes of the 403 Forbidden error and provide solutions to Fix the 403 Forbidden Error in WordPress and get your site back up and running.


What is a 403 Forbidden Error?

A 403 Forbidden error occurs when the server refuses to fulfill a request made by your browser. This can happen when you try to access a page or resource on your WordPress website, but the server is configured to block your access. Unlike the 404 error, which occurs when a page is not found, the 403 error is specifically tied to permissions or security restrictions.


Common Causes of the 403 Forbidden Error

  1. Incorrect File Permissions File and folder permissions control who can read, write, or execute certain files. If these permissions are set incorrectly, your site may return a 403 error.
  2. Faulty .htaccess File The .htaccess file is a configuration file for your web server. If there are issues with the settings in this file, it can lead to a 403 error.
  3. Plugin or Theme Conflicts Sometimes, a plugin or theme may have incorrect settings that block access to specific pages, resulting in a 403 Forbidden error.
  4. Security Plugins Blocking Access Security plugins are designed to protect your site from malicious activity. However, they can sometimes be overly aggressive and block legitimate requests, triggering a 403 error.
  5. IP Blocking Some WordPress security measures, including firewall settings, may block your IP address, either due to mistaken identification as malicious or based on geographical restrictions.
ALSO READ  How to Fix WordPress Images Not Showing on Your Website

How to Fix the 403 Forbidden Error in WordPress

Here are several steps you can take to troubleshoot and fix the 403 Forbidden error:

  1. Check File and Folder PermissionsIncorrect file permissions are a common cause of a 403 error. To resolve this:
    • Connect to your website via FTP or File Manager in your hosting control panel.
    • Navigate to the root directory of your WordPress installation.
    • Check the permissions for the files and folders:
      • Files should have permissions set to 644.
      • Folders should have permissions set to 755.
    • If necessary, update the permissions to the correct values.

    Pro Tip: If you’re unsure about your file permissions or want to ensure they are correctly set, consider using managed WordPress hosting services like Kinsta or Pressable, which handle these technical aspects for you.


  1. Reset the .htaccess FileA corrupted .htaccess file can lead to a 403 Forbidden error. To fix this:
    • Log into your website via FTP or File Manager.
    • Locate the .htaccess file in the root directory of your WordPress site.
    • Rename it to something like .htaccess_old.
    • Visit your WordPress dashboard and go to Settings > Permalinks.
    • Without making any changes, click the Save Changes button to generate a new .htaccess file.

    If the issue was caused by a corrupted .htaccess file, your site should be accessible again.


  1. Deactivate Plugins and ThemesA plugin or theme may be causing the 403 error. To identify the culprit:
    • Deactivate all your plugins by renaming the plugins folder via FTP.
    • Check if the error is resolved.
    • If the site works after deactivating plugins, reactivate them one by one to find the problematic one.

    If the problem lies with your theme, switch to a default WordPress theme (like Twenty Twenty-One) and check if the error persists.


  1. Check Your Security Plugin SettingsIf you’re using a security plugin, it may be blocking access to certain parts of your site. To troubleshoot:
    • Temporarily deactivate your security plugin and check if the 403 error goes away.
    • If deactivating the plugin resolves the issue, check the plugin settings to ensure it’s not blocking legitimate traffic.
    • Some security plugins have settings that block IP addresses, so be sure to review any IP-blocking options.

  1. Check for IP BlockingIf your IP address has been blocked, either by a security plugin or by your hosting provider’s firewall, you may see the 403 Forbidden error. To resolve this:
    • Contact your hosting provider to ensure your IP isn’t blacklisted or blocked by their firewall.
    • Some security plugins, such as Wordfence, may block IP addresses that appear suspicious. Check the settings in your plugin to see if your IP address is being blocked.

How to Prevent the 403 Forbidden Error in the Future

  1. Regularly Check File Permissions
    Regularly monitor your site’s file permissions to ensure they’re set correctly. Incorrect permissions are a common cause of the 403 error.
  2. Use a Reliable Hosting Provider
    Hosting plays a major role in preventing security and access issues. Managed WordPress hosting services like Kinsta or Pressable are optimized to avoid conflicts that might lead to the 403 error.
  3. Install a Good Security Plugin
    While security plugins can sometimes cause issues, they are important for protecting your site from malicious activity. Opt for well-rated and widely used plugins that balance protection with usability.
  4. Backup Your Site Regularly
    Regular backups are essential in case anything goes wrong. This way, you can restore your site quickly without significant downtime.

Conclusion

The 403 Forbidden error in WordPress is typically related to permission issues, security settings, or plugin conflicts. By following the steps outlined in this article—checking file permissions, resetting the .htaccess file, deactivating plugins, and reviewing security settings—you can fix the issue and restore access to your site. To prevent this error in the future, consider using a reliable hosting provider and a trusted security plugin.


Affiliate Disclaimer:
Some links on this page are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!

ALSO READ  How to Fix the WordPress 502 Bad Gateway Error
No Comments
Comments to: How to Fix the 403 Forbidden Error in WordPress

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Attach images - Only PNG, JPG, JPEG and GIF are supported.