What Is Error Code 403 and How to Fix It?

One of the most famous (or perhaps infamous) error codes you’re bound to encounter while browsing or trying to set up your own server is “403 – Forbidden.” This error code can be triggered due to different reasons on both the server and the client side. Let’s look into the error code 403 fix and troubleshooting.

What Causes the 403 Forbidden Error?

There are a few different issues that are all bundled up under the “403 error” umbrella:

Incorrect file permissions: On the server side, files need to be specifically set up with permissions on who can access them and how.
Server settings: The entire server can be set up to prevent access to specific domains or subdomains.
IP blocking or geolocking: In some cases, the server is set up to block access from specific IPs that are associated with foreign countries for security or performance.
Plugin conflicts: Some plugins on a server can overwrite permissions, causing various errors.

Error Code 403 Fix for Browsing – Restart and Recheck Page

If you experience the issue while browsing the web, there are only a few fixes you can do, but the simplest one might do the trick.

Step 1. Refresh the page you’re trying to access. In most browsers, this can be done with “Ctrl + R” or by pressing the “Refresh” icon in the URL bar.

Step 2. If this didn’t work, you can try to refresh the page while removing the cached copy. The shortcut for this is “Ctrl + F5.” Alternatively, you can click on the URL bar and hit “Enter.”

Step 3. If refreshing the page didn’t work, recheck the actual URL you’re trying to access. In some cases, you might be trying to access private content that the server should be storing and using on other pages.

Error Code 403 Fix and VPNs

In some cases, the server might be set up to be able to be accessed from particular IP addresses or locations.

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In this case, your options are limited to using a VPN to get an IP for a different region.

Step 1. Download a VPN from its website and make a free account.

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Step 2. Open the downloaded application. Use the registration information to log in. You may need to verify the account through the email address you submitted.

Step 3. Click on the “Connect” or “Quick Connect” button in the program to connect to a server in a different country.

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VPNs may perform this in various ways. Some providers will assign you to a random country if you only have a free account, which may have the same geolocking in place anyway. You can try various VPNs for free if you only need to access a website for a short time without inputting any payment details. When you find a VPN that works, stick to it.

In some cases, however, the reverse may be true and an active VPN might prohibit you from accessing content. Some streaming services, for example, created VPN detectors to prevent location spoofing. You’ll need to deactivate your VPN and refresh the page to see if that solves the issue.

How to Fix 403 Error Code – Contact the Administrator

If you’re trying to access a website that’s used for private purposes (such as one currently being built), chances are the server is setup to accept only a specific IP address or suite of addresses. In this case, you’ll need to contact an administrator for proper proxy and VPN setups. Once you do, you can enter them in your Windows’ stock VPN.

Step 1. Open Settings and go to the “Network & Internet” tab.

Step 2. Click on “VPN” from the list of options.

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Step 3. Click on “Add VPN.”

Step 4. A pop-up window will ask for VPN and proxy information. Fill in the fields as required and select “Save.”

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Step 5. You can connect to VPNs via the taskbar by clicking the network options and then VPN.

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Step 6. Refresh the page you’re trying to access. If you’ve set up the VPN properly, you should see the content.

Error Code 403 Fix for Website Owners

If you’re trying to test your own website and are running into a 403 error, chances are you had misconfigured one or more files to block access.

Usually, this is due to the .htaccess file having wrong information. You can offload the file from the server and re-test the connection. If you can access the server without the file, you can start troubleshooting its content.

Alternatively, a plugin that you’re using might be interfering with your server provider. Consult your provider’s knowledge library or customer support for more direct assistance, as this can vary wildly.