Key highlights
- Understand what a 403 forbidden error means and how it disrupts WordPress site access due to permission or configuration issues.
- Learn the common causes of 403 errors, including incorrect file permissions, faulty plugins and .htaccess file errors.
- Discover simple solutions to resolve 403 errors and make troubleshooting easier.
- Uncover advanced troubleshooting tips, including CDN configuration, DNS fixes and malware scans to tackle persistent errors.
- Know how to prevent future 403 errors by maintaining correct file settings, updating plugins and using reliable hosting services.
The WordPress 403 forbidden error can be frustrating for website owners and administrators because it denies access to a webpage and unexpectedly disrupts your workflow. This error typically indicates that server permissions are improperly configured, preventing access to the requested resource, hence the message “403 forbidden access is denied.”
If you’ve been locked out of certain sections of your website or even your WordPress admin dashboard, you’re likely looking for a quick solution. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the causes of the WordPress 403 forbidden error and provide step-by-step instructions to fix it.
Before diving deeper, here’s a quick summary of what usually causes this error and how to resolve it fast.
TL;DR: Fix a WordPress 403 error fast
A 403 Forbidden error usually means your server is blocking access due to permission settings, security rules or configuration issues. Start with the most common fixes: restore a recent backup, regenerate your .htaccess file and reset file permissions. If that doesn’t work, check plugins, browser cache, CDN settings or server-level restrictions.
To help you identify the right solution quickly, use this cheat sheet below.
Quick overview: Common 403 causes and fixes
Here’s a simplified breakdown of what might be causing your 403 forbidden error and how to resolve it efficiently:
| Issue of 403 error | Fixes of 403 error |
| Recent changes caused site malfunction | Revert to a previous backup |
| Corrupted or misconfigured .htaccess file | Delete and regenerate the .htaccess file |
| Incorrect file or directory permissions | Reset permissions (644 for files, 755 for folders) |
| Conflict with a security plugin | Deactivate security plugins and test |
| Corrupted browser cache or cookies | Clear browser cache and cookies |
| Misconfigured CDN settings | Disable CDN temporarily and adjust rules |
| ISP-level blocking | Try a different network or contact ISP |
| VPN-related IP blocking | Disconnect from VPN and retry |
| Malware infection | Run a malware scan and remove threats |
| Missing index page | Add index.html or index.php with correct permissions |
| Hosting-level restrictions | Contact your hosting provider (For example: Bluehost) |
Now that you have a quick roadmap, let’s understand what this error actually means and why it appears in WordPress. Once you identify the root cause, you can jump directly to the appropriate solution below.
What is the 403 forbidden error?
A 403 error is an HTTP status code that means access to the requested resource is forbidden. This usually occurs when the server understands the request but refuses to authorize it due to permission settings, authentication issues or IP blocking.
What is a 403 forbidden error in WordPress?
A 403 Forbidden error in WordPress means the server understands your request but blocks access due to file permissions, plugins or security rules. It often affects your admin dashboard and prevents visitors from loading your site.
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 proper permissions to do so. This can occur for 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 annoying, this error is usually fixable by identifying and addressing the underlying issues.
What is the impact of a 403 forbidden error on your website?
A 403 Forbidden Error can affect most websites, impacting accessibility by preventing visitors from accessing pages and potentially harming SEO rankings. If unresolved, it can lead to traffic loss. Common causes include incorrect permissions and issues with browser cookies. Identifying and fixing these errors promptly ensures a seamless user experience and proper search engine indexing.
Common causes of the 403 forbidden error in WordPress
The 403 Forbidden error in WordPress usually means that the server is denying access to a specific page or resource. Several underlying issues can trigger this:
- Incorrect file permissions: If your files or folders have restrictive permissions, your server may block access, resulting in a 403 error.
- Faulty plugins or themes: Poorly coded or incompatible plugins and themes can interfere with normal access rules and cause permission-related errors.
- Misconfigured security plugins: Security plugins may mistakenly block legitimate users or scripts, especially if they’re overly aggressive or misconfigured.
- Corrupt .htaccess file: A damaged or poorly edited .htaccess file can cause access rule conflicts, resulting in a 403 error.
- CDN-related issues: If you’re using a Content Delivery Network (CDN), incorrect settings or cache conflicts may block access to your site.
- Incorrect DNS configuration: Outdated or wrong IP address records in your DNS settings can cause misdirect requests, resulting in access being denied.
- Malware infections: Malicious code or scripts injected into your site may trigger server firewalls or security rules, leading to a 403 error.
- Hotlink protection issues: If hotlink protection is set up improperly, it may block legitimate images or file requests from your own site or external sources.
- Server-level security settings: Server firewalls or security modules like ModSecurity might block access based on suspicious patterns, IP addresses or request types.
Identifying which of these factors is responsible is the first step toward restoring access. Once you narrow down the cause, most 403 errors can be resolved with targeted troubleshooting rather than drastic changes. In the next section, we’ll walk through practical steps to fix the issue and get your website back online.
Read more: Handy Guide to Backing Up Your WordPress Website
How to fix the 403 errors on the website?
Now that you understand what the error means and how it affects your site, let’s walk through practical solutions step by step. Start with the most common fixes first, many 403 errors are resolved within minutes using these methods.
1. Revert to a previous backup
If your hosting service provides application or server-level backups, you can use them to undo recent changes and revert to a previous 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, you could restore it to its previous state with just a few clicks.
If you are a Bluehost user, reverting to a prior version is straightforward. Here are the steps to follow:
- Sign in to your Bluehost account.
- Open Websites.
- Select the WordPress site you want to restore and click ‘Manage.”
- Locate the Backups tab.
- Find the backup date you want to restore.
- Click Restore Website next to the chosen backup.
- Confirm the restore process when prompted.
- Wait for the restoration to complete, then reload your site.
That’s all there is to it. Following the steps above will let you quickly and conveniently revert to prior versions on the Bluehost platform.
2. Repair the .htaccess file issues
One potential cause 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.
- First, access your server using an FTP client.
- Navigate to the .htaccess file, housed in the public_html directory.
- Right-click on the .htaccess file and download it to ensure safety.
- After downloading the file, proceed to delete the .htaccess file.
- Next, refresh your website in your browser to see if the 403 error has been rectified.
- If the problem is resolved by deleting the .htaccess file, this confirms that the error was due to a damaged .htaccess file.
- To create a new, clean .htaccess file, follow these steps:
- Access your WordPress dashboard.
- Navigate to Settings > Permalinks.
- This will direct you to the permalink settings page.
- Click on the Save Changes button located at the bottom of the page to create a new .htaccess file.
- 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.
3. Correct file permissions
Incorrect file permissions can prevent the server from accessing essential files, triggering a 403 permission denied error. Ensuring proper values are applied is critical for smooth operation.
To review and adjust directory permissions, complete the following steps:
- Connect to your WordPress website using an FTP client.
- Navigate to the root directory.
- Right-click on public_html and select File Permissions.
- Set the numeric value to 755 (standard) or 750 (restrictive but functional).
- Select Recurse into subdirectories.
- Choose Apply to directories only.
- Click OK.
Next, apply correct permissions to files within the directories:
- Repeat the process for all files.
- Set file permissions to 644 or 640.
- Select Recurse into subdirectories > Apply to files only.
- Click OK.
After resetting permissions, reload your website to check whether the error has cleared. If not, continue with plugin-related troubleshooting.
Using Bluehost WordPress Hosting ensures that your site is hosted in a stable environment with properly configured file permissions, reducing the risk of access issues.
4. Disable security plugins
Security plugins sometimes enforce strict rules that unintentionally block access. Temporarily disabling them can help isolate the issue.
Follow these steps to test for plugin conflicts:
- Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
- Navigate to Plugins > Installed Plugins.
- Deactivate all security-related plugins.
- Refresh your website to check if the issue is resolved.
If the error disappears, reactivate the plugins one by one to identify the source. Once identified, adjust its configuration rather than removing protection entirely.
5. Clear browser cache and cookies
Sometimes the issue is not server-side but stored locally in your browser. Clearing cached data can resolve outdated permission conflicts. If the site loads properly afterward, the issue was likely related to stored data rather than hosting or configuration.
Use the steps below to refresh your browser environment:
- Open your browser settings.
- Navigate to the privacy or history section.
- Select Clear browsing data and ensure cache and cookies are selected.
- Restart your browser and revisit your website.
6. Configure CDN settings
CDNs enhance performance and security, yet misconfigured restrictions can block legitimate access. Reviewing these settings can quickly eliminate conflicts.
To test whether your CDN is responsible, try the following:
- Log in to your CDN provider’s dashboard.
- Review security settings and IP restrictions.
- Temporarily disable the CDN.
- Check if your site loads without errors.
If disabling resolves the issue, adjust firewall rules or access controls before re-enabling the CDN. Integrating Cloudflare can enhance security to avoid conflicts that may trigger 403 errors.
7. Contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP)
In rare cases, access restrictions may occur at the network level. Confirming whether the issue is location-based can save time. If the problem is IP-related, this approach typically resolves it quickly.
Try the following steps:
- Access your site from a different network, such as mobile data.
- Contact your ISP if the site works elsewhere.
- Request a refreshed or reassigned IP address if necessary.
8. Disconnect from your VPN
VPN services can trigger security filters or IP-based blocking rules. Testing without a VPN helps determine whether that is the cause. If access is restored, adjust your VPN settings or whitelist your IP within your hosting firewall.
Proceed with these steps:
- Disable your VPN connection.
- Clear your browser cache.
- Attempt to access your website again.
9. Run a malware scan
Malware infections can modify permissions or inject malicious code, leading to 403 errors. Running a full security scan ensures your files remain clean.
Follow this process carefully:
- Install a trusted security plugin such as Wordfence or Sucuri.
- Run a full site scan.
- Quarantine or delete infected files.
- Reset file permissions to default values.
- Review your .htaccess file for suspicious code.
After cleaning your site, verify that the error no longer appears.
10. Add or upload an index page
A missing index file can also trigger a 403 error if the server cannot locate a default page.
To resolve this, complete the following steps:
- Use FTP or a file manager to add index.html or index.php.
- Assign correct permissions, typically 644.
- Ensure folder permissions are set to 755.
- Clear your browser cache and reload the site.
Once an index file is present and accessible, the error should disappear.
Still seeing the 403 error? Get expert support whenever you need it with Bluehost
If you’ve tried the common fixes and still see a 403 forbidden error, the block may be coming from the hosting layer, such as server security rules or IP restrictions. It could also be related to file ownership or directory settings that you can’t fully manage from the WordPress dashboard.
In that case, Bluehost can step in. From your Bluehost Account Manager, you can reach 24/7 human chat and call support and their WordPress-trained team can help you pinpoint what’s being denied by checking server logs, reviewing firewall/security rules, and verifying file permissions and ownership.
Our experts can also guide you through using Bluehost tools like the File Manager/cPanel and backup restore options (including CodeGuard if you have it) to roll back recent changes safely.
Before you contact support, have these ready: the exact URL showing the 403, when it started, any recent plugin/theme/security changes, and whether you’re using a CDN or VPN. This helps Bluehost troubleshoot faster and get your site accessible again.
Skip the jargon and get live human help 24/7
💬 Chat with an ExpertTroubleshooting advanced 403 error scenarios
Here are some advanced HTTP 403 forbidden fixes:
1. Dealing with server configuration errors
- Check server logs for misconfiguration.
- If using Apache, verify the settings in the httpd.conf file.
- If using Nginx, ensure that the server blocks and location directives are correctly set.
- 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.
2. Resolving DNS and A record issues
- Access your domain registrar’s DNS settings.
- Verify that records point to the correct IP address.
- Check for conflicting CNAME or AAAA records.
- 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.
How to prevent 403 errors in WordPress?
A 403 error usually happens because something is blocking access behind the scenes. In most cases, it comes down to permissions, security rules or configuration issues. The good news is that you can significantly reduce the chances of seeing this error by following a few practical maintenance habits.
To avoid running into a 403 error on your WordPress site, follow these best practices to keep your site secure and accessible:
- Set proper access permissions for both files and folders, typically 644 for files and 755 for directories, to avoid permission errors.
- Avoid applying unique file permissions that might confuse the system or block access to critical files.
- Be selective with plugins and watch out for any problematic plugins that could interfere with certain files.
- Use the WordPress dashboard to manage and disable plugins individually if an issue arises.
- Regularly audit your installed plugins and remove ones that are outdated or no longer in use.
- Use a modern browser, such as Google Chrome, to check how your site displays and functions.
- If errors persist, try clearing site data and browsing data to eliminate conflicts caused by cached content or cookies.
- When editing your .htaccess file, be careful to avoid file errors or incorrect settings that can trigger access issues.
By staying proactive with permissions, plugins and configuration files, you lower the risk of sudden access problems. A few minutes of preventive maintenance today can save hours of troubleshooting later.
Final thoughts
A 403 forbidden error can be frustrating, especially when it disrupts your WordPress site without warning. But with the right approach, whether it’s adjusting file permissions, clearing your web browser cache, checking your htaccess file or contacting your hosting provider, you can resolve the issue efficiently.
Most importantly, prevention is key. Keeping your WordPress files organized, your security plugins updated and your server configuration clean can save you from future permission-related issues. Don’t hesitate to ask for help if needed, especially if you’re with Bluehost, where we provide 24/7 human support just a click away.
Fixing a 403 error may start with a small error code, but solving it gives you more control over your site’s health, security and stability.
FAQs
A 403 Forbidden error is an error code that means the server understands your request but refuses to authorize it. In other words, you don’t have permission to access the requested resource or page. This status code indicates restricted access rather than a missing page.
You might have incorrect file permissions, blocked IP addresses, or a faulty plugin or .htaccess file. In some cases, WordPress plugin conflicts can also trigger the issue. These problems prevent the server from allowing access, resulting in a 403 status code.
Check your file and folder permissions to ensure they are set correctly (typically 755 for folders and 644 for files). Also, review your .htaccess file or server settings for any rules blocking access. If you don’t manage the server, contact your hosting provider for help. In some scenarios, you may also need to provide valid credentials if access is restricted to authorized users only.
Yes, certain plugins, security tools or scripts can block access to parts of your website, leading to a 403 error code. Temporarily disabling these plugins or scripts can help identify if they are causing the issue.
A persistent 403 error code can negatively impact SEO because search engines cannot access your content. It’s important to resolve these errors quickly to ensure your site remains crawlable and accessible.
Yes. Bluehost offers 24/7 human support and tools to help diagnose and fix 403 forbidden errors. Our team can restore backups, reset file and folder permissions, review .htaccess settings and check for IP blocks or security rules that may be restricting access.
We can also review server logs, verify account status and help identify conflicts with plugins, themes or CMS settings to quickly restore access.
A 403 error blocks access to an existing page, while a 404 status code means the page doesn’t exist. One is permission-based, the other is location-based.
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