Almost everyone today is using WordPress. It’s simple, user-friendly, and secure, but sometimes you may encounter some errors.

It’s the most popular content management system for website development. However, like any technology, it is not immune to occasional errors. 

In this guide, we’ll help you fix error 403 forbidden on WordPress, understand its causes, and provide practical solutions to fixing it. 

Additionally, we will discuss preventive measures to ensure it doesn’t happen again. Maintain a smooth and uninterrupted WordPress experience.

What is Error 403 Forbidden?

Error 403 Forbidden is an HTTP status code that indicates the server’s refusal to fulfill the user’s request for a specific resource. 

It means the server understands the user’s request but denies access to the requested resource. 

This error on a WordPress website usually manifests as a message stating “403 Forbidden – Access Denied.”

What causes Error 403 Forbidden on WordPress?

There are several potential causes for Error 403 Forbidden on WordPress. Let’s explore some of the most common culprits:

a. Insufficient file permissions

Each file and directory on your WordPress website has specific permissions that determine who can access them and what actions they can perform. 

If the permissions are misconfigured, the server may interpret it as a security risk and deny access, resulting in the 403 Forbidden error.

Sometimes this happens when the administrator changes some settings or misconfigures some permissions.

b .htaccess file misconfiguration

The .htaccess file is a configuration file used by Apache web servers to control various aspects of website functionality. 

If this file is misconfigured or contains incorrect directives, it can lead to Error 403 Forbidden. 

Common causes of .htaccess misconfiguration include syntax errors, conflicting directives, or improper access restrictions.

c. Plugin or Theme conflict:

WordPress’s extensive plugin and theme ecosystem significantly contribute to its flexibility and customization capabilities. 

However, certain plugins or themes may have conflicts with your server configuration, leading to the 403 Forbidden error.

It could be due to incompatible coding practices, security restrictions imposed by the plugin or theme, or conflicts with other installed plugins.

Five fixes to Error 403 Forbidden on WordPress

Now that we have the causes let’s fix it:

1. Check File Permissions

File permissions cause some systems not to function properly. However, this can be rectified by setting appropriate permissions for your WordPress files and directories. 

Using an FTP client or the file manager in your web hosting control panel, navigate to the root directory of your WordPress installation. 

Use the settings action to show hidden files, like the .htaccess file. Make sure to download a copy before making changes.

The file permissions should typically be set to 644 for files and 755 for directories. Right-click on the file or directory, select “File Permissions” or “Change Permissions,” and adjust them accordingly.

2. Temporarily deactivate plugins and themes

If the previous steps did not resolve Error 403 Forbidden, it is advisable to investigate whether a plugin or theme is causing the conflict. 

Temporarily deactivate all your WordPress plugins and switch to a default theme (such as Twenty Twenty-One). 

If the error disappears, you can gradually reactivate each plugin and switch back to your preferred theme to identify the specific culprit. 

Consider updating or replacing incompatible plugins or themes to prevent further occurrences of the error.

3. Scan for malware

Scan your WordPress website for malware using reputable security plugins or services. Once the malware is removed, restore the .htaccess file to its original form. 

It is achieved by regenerating the .htaccess file within the WordPress dashboard or manually replacing it with a backup copy.

Removing malware can fix error 403 forbidden instantly.

4. Verify IP address and DNS settings

Double-check your domain’s IP address and DNS settings to ensure they are correctly configured. 

Contact your web hosting provider if necessary, and provide them with the correct IP address to avoid any access restrictions causing the 403 error.

5. Clear your web cache

When encountering a 403 error, it’s worth considering that your browser’s cache and cookies could be the culprits. 

Website cache is the data stored after a site visit—the cache stores data to speed up website loading times upon subsequent visits.

However, the website you’re trying to access may have undergone updates, resulting in a different web page link than what is stored in your cached version.

Additionally, cookies can sometimes be the cause of the error. Happen on websites where you usually log in without issues, but a recent login attempt triggered the 403 error message.

You can clear your browser’s cache and cookies to resolve this issue. Clearing cookies will also sign you out from all the websites where you were previously logged in.

Here is how to do it:

1. Open your browser’s settings or preferences menu. 
2. Look for the “History” or “Privacy & Security” section within the settings menu.
3. Within the history or privacy settings, locate the option to clear browsing data, clear history, or clear cache and cookies.  
4. Clear the cache and cookies.
5. Once the cache and cookies are cleared, restart your browser for the changes to take effect.

Try these to prevent Error 403 Forbidden from recurring

Prevention is always better than a cure. To safeguard your WordPress website from Error 403 Forbidden, implement these:

1. Regularly update WordPress, Plugins, and Themes

Keeping your WordPress core, plugins, and themes up to date is crucial for maintaining a secure and optimized website.

Developers frequently release updates that address security vulnerabilities, bug fixes, and compatibility issues. 

Stay current with updates; you reduce the chances of encountering errors, including the 403 Forbidden error.

2. Set appropriate file and directory permissions

Do this to balance security and functionality. Avoid granting excessive permissions that may expose your website to potential threats. 

Regularly review and adjust permissions as required, especially after installing new plugins or changing your WordPress configuration.

3. Choose reliable and compatible Plugins and Themes

Opt for reputable sources and carefully review user ratings and reviews. Ensure that they are compatible with your version of WordPress and regularly updated by their developers. 

Choosing reliable and compatible options minimizes the risk of encountering compatibility issues that could trigger the 403 Forbidden error.

It also protects your site from attacks.

Final say;

To fix error 403 forbidden is that easy. The Error 403 Forbidden can be a frustrating roadblock for WordPress website owners and administrators. 

However, armed with the knowledge of its causes and the solutions provided in this article, you can confidently tackle this issue head-on. 

Remember to troubleshoot file permissions, review and modify the .htaccess file if necessary, and conduct thorough investigations of plugins and themes. 

Implement preventive measures and stay proactive with updates; you can maintain a stable and secure WordPress website, ensuring a seamless experience for your visitors and users.