Encountering a 401 error on your WordPress website can be quite frustrating. Reloading the page might help, but not always.
So, what’s a 401 Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) response code and what does it mean?
A browser issue may cause this error, but in some rare cases, it could also be a server-side problem.
The good news is that error 401 codes are often straightforward to fix. In fact, once you identify the source of the error, you may be able to fix it yourself. You could also contact a WordPress expert or your host’s customer support team to resolve the problem.
Keep reading to learn the causes of 401 errors and how to troubleshoot and prevent them.
What is a 401 error?
Error 401 is an HTTP status code that indicates your client (or browser) doesn’t have the required permissions to access a particular online resource or webpage. This standard response code may also show when your browser fails to give valid credentials when attempting to access a specific resource.
This error is often a direct result of an issue on the client side. That means there was a bad request from your browser to the server without proper authentication.
When your browser throws this error, it may result from attempting to access a website using an invalid URL, incorrect username or password or an expired browser cache.
Most times, fixing client-side errors can resolve the issue fast. In other cases, the issue may be on the server side, where the web server blocks valid attempts by the client to access a requested resource.
This may result from deliberate changes a user made to the server or an accidental failure in the authentication procedure.
When you face this problem, your browser will display an error message. Different platforms give different titles to the 401 error. Here are examples of what you may see:
- 401 authorization required.
- 401 unauthorized error.
- Error 401 unauthorized.
- HTTP error 401 – unauthorized.
- HTTP 401.
- Access denied.
The error code is the most crucial factor here, not the text variations around it. No matter what your browser displays, the error code tells you the problem you’re facing. It’s also the key to your solution.
Common causes of 401 errors on your WordPress website
Before exploring potential fixes, let’s dive deeper into why your WordPress website may be throwing the 401 error code.
Incorrect URLs
Everyone is guilty of the occasional typo. Typing the wrong URL (Uniform Resource Locator) into the address bar can cause problems, from misdirection to 401 errors.
What if the URL is correct? Maybe the page has been moved or deleted, and you’re attempting to access an outdated page.
The server may reject your request in both cases because the client tries to access the resource you want through an unauthorized or invalid path.
Expired cache and cookies
Your browser uses HTTP cookies to store browser data on your memory, and cookies “remember” your device and browser. Cookies and the browser cache are essential to a fast browsing experience.
Modern cookies also store your authentication status. That way, you no longer have to log in every time to access a website or social media. Browser cookies keep your online session active while ensuring the server sends you information based on your authorization level.
If your cookies expire or your cache is corrupted or cleared, you may receive a 401 unauthorized error because of improper authentication.
Firewall and plugin configurations
If you’ve just installed a new plugin or firewall on your WordPress site, attempts to access certain pages may throw 401 errors.
For instance, some security plugins may take complete control of your website and restrict access to certain pages, even when you have administrator access.
As the plugin runs diagnostics on your website to optimize it, any login attempts may be perceived as malicious activity. That may cause your website to display a 401 error page.
Also, misconfiguring WordPress plugins can cause error 401, especially if you’re handling a new plugin for the first time.
Some WordPress security plugins may inadvertently block authorized users, causing 401 errors. To avoid these issues, consider using Bluehost WordPress Solution, which provides optimized configurations for security and access management. If you’re setting up a new website, the Bluehost AI Site Creation Tool helps create a WordPress site with security best practices, reducing access issues from the start.
Protected URLs
Access to specific URLs may be strictly controlled or managed at the server level. Only authorized personnel can access these restricted resources. In such a case, attempting to access such a URL from an unauthorized web browser may throw an error 401.
.htaccess file restrictions
.htaccess files allow you to change the configuration of a directory within a website. Suppose a .htaccess file comes with password protection directives. Unless you have the password, you may encounter a 401 unauthorized access error.
Troubleshooting 401 errors
As we’ve covered above, a 401 error is often a client-side rather than a server-side issue. For that reason, it’s often straightforward to fix.
Here are several solutions you may attempt:
| Issue | Possible cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Login fails despite correct credentials | Expired session, cache issue | Clear cookies, restart session |
| 401 after plugin installation | Security plugin blocking access | Deactivate security plugins temporarily |
| API integration fails | Missing authentication headers | Verify API key and permissions |
| Website page shows 401 randomly | Outdated DNS cache | Flush DNS using command line |
| Page access denied despite admin login | .htaccess restrictions | Review and update .htaccess file |
| 401 error after switching themes | Theme security settings blocking access | Revert to the previous theme or check theme settings |
| Multiple failed login attempts leading to 401 | Security plugin locked admin access | Reset login via phpMyAdmin |
Verify the URL
One of the simplest fixes for error 401 is checking whether the URL used in your browser’s address bar is valid or correct. To secure a website, servers reject attempted access from invalid or incorrect URLs, often due to entering a wrong username or password.
First, ensure the URL is spelled correctly. Check if your target URL has special characters, hyphens and the correct extension. If everything checks out, you should now access the website without problems.
If you still face error 401, see if the page address has changed since your last access. It may have been moved or deleted. Go back to the homepage and find the page you want to access. Often, you’ll find the correct link this way.
Check your login credentials
Another key thing to check is your login details. Attempting to access a website with an incorrect username or password can cause a page to display this error. Ensure you have valid authentication credentials and that the username and password are correctly used.
If you forgot the password, you can attempt to reset or recover it.
Clear and reload the browser cache and cookies
As discussed above, most modern browsers store your authentication status in cookies and the website’s cache. That way, you can always pick up from where you left off.
The cache also helps speed up browsing, as most page files are temporarily stored in your device’s memory to keep your logins active.
Attempting to access a web app with expired cookies often throws error 401.
An easy fix for this is to clear all website cookies for the problem website and refresh the page. You can also clear browsing data and reload the page. This may mean logging in to a new session.
You can also clear the cache, which deletes all cache files and makes room for new files and logins. That often gets rid of any 401 unauthorized access errors.
The process for clearing cookies differs depending on your browser.
Check for DNS changes
Although rarer than other problems, changes to your domain name server (DNS) may cause 401 errors. DNS records are usually on your device to help it match URLs to their IP addresses.
If your DNS cache is outdated or expired, you may need to flush it to remove incorrect URLs and IP addresses.
You can flush the DNS cache using the command line and force your device to refresh and authenticate the URLs.
From your Windows command prompt, run the command ipconfig/flushdns. Windows will display a message confirming that the DNS cache has been flushed.
On a Mac, run the command sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder.
Using Bluehost Domain Services, you can manage your DNS records efficiently and ensure they are correctly configured to prevent unexpected authentication failures. If your DNS settings change frequently, Bluehost allows for easy domain management to avoid login issues.
Deactivate themes and plugins
Installing a new theme or plugin can change the way your website behaves. It can affect the performance of your website and, in some cases, change the PHP, JavaScript or database code.
If you experience 401 codes on one or multiple pages after installing a new plugin or theme, try deactivating it to see if it resolves the issue. If not, you may have to deactivate and reactivate all your plugins until you find the culprit.
Rolling back updates also can resolve issues caused by unstable code and eliminate 401 error pages.
Disable passwords on pages
Disabling password protection for some pages on your website can sometimes resolve this error code. You can edit your .htaccess and .htpasswd files, but only if you have intermediate or advanced experience dealing with WordPress files.
To disable password protection:
- Log in to your hosting provider’s control panel and access the file manager.
- Find and open the password-protected directory.
- When enabling password protection, your WordPress website generates a .htaccess file. You may find it in this directory.
- Create a backup for the file, as you may need it in the future.
- Once done, delete the .htaccess file from the directory.
- Find the hidden .htpasswd file, create a backup and delete it.
Check the WWW-Authenticate header response
If none of these troubleshooting tips worked, it might be a deeper server-side issue.
Your next step is to check your website’s WWW-Authenticate header. This will require administrator access.
When a server generates a 401 response, it sends a WWW-Authenticate header field with at least one challenge to the target resource. This header often has a fixed authentication method a browser must pass to access the chosen page.
By understanding the response and the required authentication method, you can identify and fix the problem.
To access the WWW-Authenticate header:
- Open the problematic page in your browser. If you’re using Google Chrome, right-click the page and select inspect. Click Shift + Control + C to open the browser console on Firefox.
- Select the entry with the 401 error message under the network tab.
- Click the headers tab. Under the WWW-Authenticate entry in the response headers section, find the server’s authentication method that allows access to the webpage.
Once you access this section, you can tell where the error is and see how to resolve its authentication problem.
For advanced troubleshooting of authentication issues, hosting on Bluehost VPS Hosting or Bluehost Dedicated Hosting allows greater control over server settings, ensuring proper authentication headers are implemented. If you prefer scalable solutions, Bluehost Cloud Hosting optimizes authentication management, reducing access errors.
Contact your host
If you’ve tried everything to no avail, you can contact your hosting provider for help. Your host’s tech support team can explore your website and help you troubleshoot 401 and other HTTP errors.
Related: Everything You Need to Know about 404 Errors – Bluehost Blog
How to prevent future 401 error codes on your website
Avoiding errors is much better than dealing with them. So, how do you avoid 401 and other HTTP error codes on your website?
Here are some quick tips:
- Keep your browser updated, which ensures you access websites from an efficient and powerful browser.
- Ensure your server configuration and its functionality are sound. That prevents server errors that may prevent correct page authentication.
- Double-check URLs and login credentials before accessing a password-protected website.
- Clear cookies and your browser cache frequently. Although you may have to log in to websites more often, this prevents potential 401 errors.
- Ensure your WordPress software, themes and plugins are up to date. Using old themes and plugins exposes your website to errors and other vulnerabilities.
Using Bluehost WordPress Hosting, you can keep your website updated automatically, reducing security risks that can lead to authentication errors like the 401 response. For enhanced security, SiteLock provides automated malware scans, helping prevent unauthorized access and login issues. Additionally, if your 401 error code stem from email authentication issues, Bluehost Professional Email ensures smooth, secure access to your website-related email services.
Common mistakes when fixing error 401
When troubleshooting a 401 Unauthorized Error, it’s easy to overlook certain details that can lead to prolonged issues. Here are some common mistakes to avoid, along with their solutions:
1. Using an incorrect URL format
A simple typo in the URL can trigger the error. Entering an outdated or incorrect URL may result in authentication failure or restricted access to the requested page.
Solution: Double-check the URL to ensure it is correctly spelled, starts with https://, and doesn’t contain unnecessary slashes or characters. If the page has moved or been deleted, navigate to the homepage or sitemap to find the correct link.
2. Forgetting to clear browser cache & cookies
Expired authentication tokens stored in cookies can persist the error 401, even after the issue is fixed. If an old session is stored in your browser cache, the authentication process may fail repeatedly.
Solution: Clear your browser cache and cookies from the settings menu, then restart your browser before reattempting access. This will remove outdated session data and allow for a fresh authentication attempt.
3. Not checking login credentials properly
Users often assume they are entering the correct username and password but may unknowingly use outdated or incorrect credentials. Repeated failed attempts can also lead to temporary account locks and 401 status code.
Solution: Ensure you are using the most up-to-date login credentials. If you’re unsure, reset your password using the website’s recovery options. Also, check if Caps Lock or Num Lock is accidentally enabled while entering your details.
4. Ignoring security plugins & firewalls
Some security plugins or firewalls may block legitimate login attempts, mistaking them for unauthorized access attempts. This can happen if security settings are too restrictive or if an IP address has been mistakenly blacklisted.
Solution: Temporarily disable security plugins like Wordfence or SiteLock and try logging in again. If access is restored, adjust the plugin settings to prevent false positives while maintaining security.
What is the difference between error 401 and 403 errors?
Both 401 Unauthorized and 403 Forbidden errors indicate access restrictions, but they stem from different causes and require different solutions. While they may seem similar, understanding their distinctions can help troubleshoot and resolve them more effectively.
A 401 status code error occurs when authentication is required but has either not been provided or is invalid. This typically happens when a user tries to access a restricted page or API endpoint without the proper credentials. Common causes include incorrect login details, expired session tokens, or missing authentication headers in API requests. To fix this, users should ensure they are entering the correct credentials, refresh session tokens, and verify API authentication settings.
On the other hand, a 403 Forbidden Error occurs when authentication is not the issue, but access is explicitly denied despite having the correct credentials due to access control list (ACL) settings. This happens when a user attempts to access a resource that they do not have permission for. Common causes include incorrect file or folder permissions, misconfigured security settings, or blocked access due to .htaccess rules or firewall configurations. Fixing this often requires adjusting file permissions, disabling conflicting security settings, and reviewing server configurations to ensure legitimate access is not being restricted.
Read more: How to Fix the 403 Forbidden Error in WordPress
Final thoughts
Error 401 response code can be frustrating, but with proper website maintenance, you can prevent and resolve these issues efficiently. Choosing a reliable hosting provider ensures your website remains updated, secure and optimized for smooth authentication processes. With Bluehost WordPress Hosting, automatic updates help reduce vulnerabilities, while SiteLock and CodeGuard provide enhanced security monitoring and backups to prevent login issues.
Looking for a secure and hassle-free hosting experience? Check out Bluehost’s WordPress hosting plans and take advantage of automatic core WordPress updates that help keep your website secure and error-free.
FAQs
A 401 error means “Unauthorized” and occurs when you lack valid authentication credentials to access a webpage or resource.
Seeing a 401 error on a website indicates that you don’t have the necessary authentication to view the content or perform an action.
The most common causes of 401 errors include incorrect login details, expired sessions, missing authorization headers, or restricted access to certain pages
If you encounter a 401 error, check your login credentials, try clearing cookies/cache, or contact the website administrator for assistance.
To fix a 401 error on your website, ensure that users provide valid login credentials or implement proper authentication mechanisms.
Yes, even with correct login credentials, a 401 error can occur if the resource you’re trying to access requires additional permissions or if there’s a server misconfiguration.
Variations of the 401 error include “401 Unauthorized,” “HTTP Error 401,” or simply “Unauthorized,” but they all signify the same lack of valid authentication.
To troubleshoot a 401 error, double-check authentication processes, verify server configurations, review access restrictions, and analyze error logs for potential issues.
