The 403 Forbidden Error in WordPress indicates that the server understands the request but refuses to authorize it. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps to diagnose and resolve this error.
Step 1: Check File Permissions
File permissions are a common cause of 403 errors. Incorrect permissions can prevent WordPress from accessing necessary files and directories.
1. Connect to your website using an FTP client or file manager in your hosting control panel.
2. Navigate to your WordPress root directory (usually public_html).
3. Set the correct permissions:
– Directories: 755 (drwxr-xr-x)
– Files: 644 (-rw-r–r–)
4. Pay special attention to key WordPress files and directories:
– wp-config.php
– .htaccess
– wp-content directory
– wp-includes directory
– wp-admin directory
To change permissions in most FTP clients, right-click on the file or folder and select “File Permissions” or “CHMOD“.
Step 2: Review and Fix .htaccess File
A corrupted .htaccess file can cause 403 errors. Here’s how to check and fix it:
1. Locate the .htaccess file in your WordPress root directory.
2. Download a backup copy to your local machine.
3. Rename the current .htaccess file to .htaccess_old.
4. Create a new .htaccess file with the default WordPress rules:
# BEGIN WordPress
<IfModule mod_rewrite.c>
RewriteEngine On
RewriteBase /
RewriteRule ^index\.php$ – [L]
RewriteCond %{REQUEST_FILENAME} !-f
RewriteCond %{REQUEST_FILENAME} !-d
RewriteRule . /index.php [L]
</IfModule>
# END WordPress
5. Upload this new .htaccess file to your WordPress root directory.
6. Try accessing your website. If it works, the old .htaccess was likely corrupted.
Step 3: Disable and Test Plugins
Sometimes, a plugin conflict can cause a 403 error. To check:
1. Rename your plugins directory (usually wp-content/plugins) to plugins_old.
2. Try accessing your site. If it works, a plugin is likely the culprit.
3. Rename the directory back to plugins.
4. Deactivate all plugins through the WordPress admin panel.
5. Reactivate plugins one by one, checking your site after each activation.
6. When you find the problematic plugin, update it or seek an alternative.
Step 4: Check for Malware
Malware can sometimes cause 403 errors by modifying server behavior.
1. Use a WordPress security plugin like Wordfence or Sucuri to scan your site.
2. Review the scan results and remove any detected malware.
3. If you’re unsure about the results, consult with a security professional.
Step 5: Verify PHP Version
Ensure your PHP version is compatible with your WordPress version:
1. Check your current PHP version in your hosting control panel.
2. Compare it with the PHP requirements of your WordPress version.
3. If necessary, update PHP to a compatible version (consult your host for assistance).
Step 6: Review Server Logs
Server logs can provide valuable information about the cause of 403 errors:
1. Access your server logs through your hosting control panel or via FTP.
2. Look for entries related to 403 errors around the time you experienced the issue.
3. The log entries may point to specific files, plugins, or server configurations causing the problem.
Preventive Measures
To avoid future 403 errors:
1. Keep WordPress core, themes, and plugins updated.
2. Use strong, unique passwords and change them regularly.
3. Implement a Web Application Firewall (WAF).
4. Regularly back up your website.
5. Monitor your site’s security with a reputable security plugin.
Remember: Always back up your website before making any significant changes. This ensures you can restore your site if something goes wrong during the troubleshooting process.
By following these steps, you should be able to resolve most instances of the WordPress 403 Forbidden Error.