What Does 403 Forbidden Mean and How to Fix It?

A Simple Explanation of “403 Forbidden” and Ways to Resolve the Issue

Some point down the line, every browser user is faced with a website error. You click on a link to open a page, and instead, a notice pops up telling you that access is denied. Refreshing the page will not give you a different answer.

Such errors might be the result of numerous factors, such as browser data and networking conditions, to restrictions imposed by the server, which lie beyond the realm of your control. The positive aspect here is the fact that the majority of the errors associated with 403 are temporary in nature and usually not requiring any technical knowledge to resolve them.

In this article, we will explain the meaning of a 403 Forbidden error message, how and why it occurs, and what methods you can employ to resolve it or bypass it when necessary.

403 – Forbidden: Access Is Denied Error

A 403 error, also known as a Forbidden error, indicates that the web server recognizes a request that is not authorized. The number “403” is a status code from HTTP that is generally used when a particular resource is denied access.

This is normally seen when accessing the website by certain permissions, geolocation, IP, or security settings. In some instances, it is done so on purpose. In other instances, it is an error.

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These days, websites make use of firewalls, content delivery networks (CDNs), or auto-generated security rules. This is why 403 errors can occur due to IP blocking, geo-restrictions, or protection from bots today rather than permission denials.

That’s also why the error message can appear in many different forms, including:

• HTTP 403
  
• FORBIDDEN
  
• 403 Forbidden
  
• HTTP Error 403.14 – Forbidden
  
• 403 – Forbidden Error – You are not allowed to access this site
  
• Error 403
  
• Forbidden – You don’t have permission to access / on this server
  
• You are not authorized to access this page
  
• Error 403 – Forbidden
  
• It appears you don’t have permission to access this page
  
• Forbidden 403: You don’t have permission to access this web page
  

How to Fix 403 Forbidden Error on Google Chrome

Often, the situation where a 403 error occurs is entirely dependent on the server side, and there is nothing much for visitors to do. Nevertheless, there are Browsers, Operating Systems, or Networks involved, making it possible to attempt the solutions below.

Even though Google Chrome is mentioned in this section, these instructions can be applied to other Chromium-based browsers, which also include Microsoft Edge.

Solution #1: Refresh the Web Page

Sometimes the error is caused by a temporary issue on the server or an incomplete request. Refreshing the page can trigger a new request and resolve the problem.

• On Windows, press Ctrl + R.
• On macOS, press Command + R.
• You can also click the Refresh icon near the address bar.

If the page still doesn’t load, wait a few seconds and try again.

Solution #2: Check the URL

An incorrectly typed URL is a common cause of forbidden errors. Double-check the web address to make sure there are no extra characters, missing sections, or incorrect paths.

Most public web pages end with extensions like .com, .org, .net, or .edu. URLs that end with a forward slash often point to directories rather than actual files.

Many modern servers disable directory browsing for security reasons. If no default page is available, the server may return a 403 error instead of redirecting you.

Solution #3: Clear Your Browser Cache and Cookies

Web browsers store cached files and cookies in order to speed up page loading and remember user preferences. Sometimes, outdated and corrupt information can cause access problems. 

Clearing the cache deletes the website’s files and compels the browser to reload the data. Deleting cookies deletes the session data; this will solve any issues regarding permissions. 

However, once this data is removed, websites might take a little while to load at first, and one has to log in again.

To clear cache and cookies in Google Chrome:

• Open Chrome
• Click More and select More Tools

• Choose Clear browsing dat
• Select a time range (choose All time to remove everything)
• Check Cached images and files and Cookies and other site data
  
• Click Clear data
  

Solution #4: Check If You Have the Necessary Permissions to Access the Website

Some sites may restrict access to their contents to registered/logged-in users. If a site tries to redirect a non-logged-in visitor to a login page to access a page with protected content, instead, a visitor might receive a 403 error from the server.

This is more frequent on dashboard sites, forums, subscription sites, and even company websites. If you believe this is the problem, you should try logging in and then reloading the webpage.

Solution #5: Give It Time

If all the solutions haven’t worked yet, it may be a temporary issue with the servers. Websites frequently update the firewall settings, permissions, and security settings, which might be causing the temporary hindrance.

Sometimes, waiting for a few minutes or looking for the information later could easily solve the problem.

Solution #6: Contact the Website Owner

In case the website routinely produces a 403 error message, trying to contact the site’s owner may not be a bad idea. This would involve searching for the site’s support or contacts on websites like ‘About Us’ or the site’s official accounts on any of the popular social media platforms.

To help the site owners resolve the error, it is necessary to provide the correct URL and the stage when the problem arises.

Solution #7: Ask Your Internet Service Provider

If a site is available to others but not you, your IP or network might be blocked. Some sites limit access from specific geographical locations or ISP blocks.

Reaching out to your Internet Service Provider may give some indication if it is an IP filtering issue, DNS restrictions, or other network restrictions.

Solution #8: Do Not Use a VPN

Today, many websites are known to ban VPN connections, particularly if they are from a common or data center IP address. Even online media sites will often avoid using VPN by using automated software to block such connection attempts. 

If you are connected to the VPN and receive the 403 error, simply disconnect the VPN connection and attempt to visit the website again. If the problem is resolved, it is likely a problem with the VPN. Not all VPNs are viewed equally, however. 

Some change their IP addresses or routing techniques, so it may help if you need to use a VPN by just changing VPNs.

Solution #9: Scan for Website Malware

Malware can impact the behavior of the website and can cause forbidden errors because of server rules or code injection, though this happens because of security scripts stopping suspicious activity on many websites. 

As a visitor, it is best to leave the website to be safe. Website administrators can utilize different measures to eliminate the infection to gain normal access.

Solution #10: Uninstall Any Third-Party Application Programs

Extra software installed on Windows systems can interfere with network traffic or browser behavior. Examples include security tools, proxy software, or badly configured utilities.

Some users have been able to resolve persistent issues with access by removing recently installed software or those deemed suspicious.

To uninstall programs on Windows:

• Open the Start menu and go to Control Panel
  
• Navigate to Add or Remove Programs
  
• Select the program you want to remove
  
• Click Uninstall and follow the prompts
  

After uninstalling, restart your device and check the website again.

Wrapping Up

A 403 Forbidden error can be frustrating because it blocks access without clearly explaining why. In most cases, it has to do with a problem with permissions, security rules, or automated restrictions rather than something you did wrong.

While that may not be the case for bypassing every 403 error, the steps above should get you through issues related to browser data, network settings, using a VPN, or local software conflicts.

Knowing how these work will make it easier to act upon when one pops up and also will help identifying where the problem is- your side or the website’s.