How to Fix the 403 Forbidden Error in WordPress

You’re not alone if you’ve encountered 403 forbidden errors on your WordPress website. This error can be frustrating, mainly when you rely on your site to reach your audience. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore what causes the 403 error and walk through several solutions step-by-step to help you fix it. 

Whether you’re a seasoned developer or a WordPress beginner, this post will help you troubleshoot and resolve the issue without needing advanced technical expertise.

What is the 403 Forbidden Error?

The 403 forbidden error is an HTTP status code that indicates your server understands your browser’s request but refuses to authorize it. In practical terms, it means you do not have permission to view the page or resource you’re trying to access. 

This error can occur for various reasons, including file permission issues, misconfigurations in your .htaccess file, conflicts with plugins or themes, or security rules set by your web host.

Common Causes of the 403 Forbidden Error

Before diving into the solutions, it’s essential to understand the common reasons behind this error. Here are some of the most frequent causes:

• Incorrect File Permissions: The server might block access if your WordPress files or directories have overly restrictive permissions.
• Misconfigured .htaccess File: A corrupted or improperly configured .htaccess file can inadvertently block legitimate access requests.
• Plugin Conflicts: Certain plugins, especially security plugins, may mistakenly block users or legitimate bots.
• Theme Issues: Sometimes, a conflict with your active theme may result in a 403 error.
• IP Blocking: Overzealous firewall rules or security settings might block your IP or those of your visitors.
• Hotlink Protection: Misconfigured hotlink protection rules can sometimes lead to this error.

Now that we know what might be causing the error let’s explore how you can fix it.

Step 1: Check Your File Permissions

Incorrect file permissions are among the most common causes of the 403 error. WordPress recommends setting the correct permissions for files and directories to ensure security and functionality.

How to Check and Update File Permissions

1. Access Your Server: Log in to your server using an FTP client (like FileZilla) or your hosting provider’s file manager.
2. Locate Your WordPress Files: Navigate to your WordPress installation folder.
3. Check Permissions: Files should typically be 644, while directories should be 755.
4. Update Permissions: If your permissions are incorrect, update them using your FTP client’s file permission settings.

Step 2: Reset Your .htaccess File

The .htaccess file controls how your server handles requests. A small error in this file can cause a 403 error.

How to Reset Your .htaccess File

Always create a backup of your existing .htaccess file before making changes.

You can use your FTP client or file manager to rename the file (e.g., change it to .htaccess_old) or delete it.

1. Log in to your WordPress admin dashboard.
2. Navigate to Settings > Permalinks.

3. Without making any changes, click Save Changes. WordPress will generate a new .htaccess file with default settings.

Learn more about the .htaccess file and its role by checking out Learn more about .htaccess file.

Step 3: Deactivate All Plugins

Plugins are a powerful aspect of WordPress, but sometimes they can cause conflicts that result in a 403 error.

How to Deactivate Plugins

1. Access Your WordPress Dashboard: If you can log in, go to Plugins > Installed Plugins.
2. Bulk Deactivate Plugins: Deactivate all plugins and check if the error is resolved.

3. Reactivate Plugins One by One: Reactivate each plugin individually to determine which is causing the conflict.

If you cannot access your WordPress dashboard, you can also deactivate plugins via FTP:

• Rename the plugins folder /wp-content/ to something like plugins_old. This action deactivates all plugins.

• Once the error is resolved, revert the folder name and reactivate plugins one at a time.

For further assistance in troubleshooting plugin issues, check out this helpful resource on How to troubleshoot plugin issues in WordPress.

Step 4: Switch to a Default Theme

Sometimes, the active theme might be causing the error. Themes with custom code or improperly queued files can lead to a 403 error. Activating the default theme can help you troubleshoot.

How to Switch Themes

1. Log in to Your Dashboard: If you can, navigate to Appearance > Themes.

2. Activate a Default Theme: Switch to a WordPress theme like Twenty Twenty-Five.

3. Check Your Site: Visit your site to see if the error has been resolved.

If you cannot access the dashboard, you can change the theme via FTP by renaming your active theme folder in /wp-content/themes/. WordPress will then revert to a default theme if one is available.

For more on managing themes, read Learn more about using a default theme in WordPress.

Step 5: Increase Your PHP Memory Limit

Sometimes, the 403 error is a symptom of your site running out of available PHP memory. Increasing the PHP memory limit often resolves the issue.

How to Increase PHP Memory Limit

Access your site via FTP and locate the wp-config.php file in the root directory.

Insert the following line of code before the line that says “/* That’s all, stop editing! Happy blogging. */”

define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '512M');

Save your changes and upload the modified file to your server.

For detailed instructions, visit WordPress Memory Limit.

Step 6: Disable Hotlink Protection

Hotlink protection prevents other websites from using your images or media files. However, if misconfigured, it can result in a 403 error.

How to Disable or Adjust Hotlink Protection

1. Access Your Hosting Control Panel: Log in to your hosting control panel, where hotlink protection settings are managed.
2. Review Hotlink Settings: Check the hotlink protection settings to ensure that legitimate requests are not blocked.
3. Disable Temporarily: As a test, turn off hotlink protection and see if the error disappears. If it does, you may need to adjust the settings rather than completely turning it off.

For more insights into hotlink protection, you can explore this guide on Hotlink Protection Best Practices.

Step 7: Examine Your IP Blocking or Security Software

Security plugins and firewalls sometimes block IP addresses they perceive as threatening. If your IP or visitors’ IPs are mistakenly blocked, you could see a 403 error.

How to Check and Adjust IP Blocking

1. Review Security Plugin Settings: If you use a security plugin like Wordfence or Sucuri, review their settings for IP blocking rules.
2. Check Your .htaccess File: Sometimes, security rules are added directly to the .htaccess file. Open the file and look for any IP deny rules.
3. Allow Your IP: If you discover that your IP address is blocked, allow it in your security plugin settings or .htaccess file.

To explore a variety of WordPress security plugins, click the link for additional tools and information.

Step 8: Contact Your Hosting Provider

If you’ve tried all the above solutions and are still encountering the error, it may be time to contact your hosting provider. There might be server-level issues or configurations that only your host can resolve.

What to Ask Your Hosting Provider

• Server Configuration: Ask if any recent changes to server configuration or security protocols exist.
• IP Blocking: Inquire whether your IP or your site’s IPs are blocked.
• Logs: Request access to error logs that could provide more details about what is causing the 403 error.

Your hosting provider’s support team can often provide insights not immediately visible from the WordPress dashboard or your FTP client.

Final Thoughts

Encountering a 403 forbidden error on your WordPress site can be a roadblock, but with a systematic approach, it can be overcome. You can resolve such issues by checking file permissions, resetting your .htaccess file, and deactivating problematic plugins.

Remember, each WordPress site is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. It’s essential to follow the troubleshooting steps carefully and document any changes you make. This documentation can be invaluable if you need to revert your changes or seek further assistance.