How to fix the 403 Forbidden error

What is a 403 error?

When you open a web page, the server sends back a number code. 200 means all is well. 403 means "Forbidden". The server found the page, but it will not let you see it. It is like a door that exists but is locked.

The common causes are:

• Wrong file or folder permissions. Permissions are rules about who may read or change a file.
• A broken or wrong .htaccess file. This is a settings file for the Apache web server.
• No index file in the folder, such as index.html or index.php.
• A security tool or firewall blocking your IP address.
• A plugin that is causing trouble, on sites like WordPress.

Steps to fix it

1. Check for an index file

1. Log in to your hosting control panel. The details are in your Hostvento welcome email.
2. Open File Manager and go to your website folder, often public_html.
3. Check that a file named index.html or index.php is there. Names are case-sensitive, so Index.html will not work.

2. Check the .htaccess file

1. Turn on the option to show hidden files in File Manager.
2. Right-click .htaccess and choose Download to keep a backup.
3. Rename the file on the server to .htaccess-old.
4. Reload your website. If it works, the file had a bad rule.
5. For WordPress, go to Settings then Permalinks in the dashboard and click Save Changes. This makes a fresh file.

3. Check permissions

1. In File Manager, right-click a folder and choose Change Permissions (or Permissions).
2. Set folders to 755.
3. Set files to 644.
4. Click Change Permissions to save.

The numbers mean the owner can read and write, while everyone else can only read. Folders also need the "enter" right.

4. Switch off plugins

If you use WordPress, rename the wp-content/plugins folder to plugins-off. If the site loads, a plugin is the cause. Rename it back and turn plugins off one by one.

5. Check for a block

If only you see the error, your IP address might be blocked by a firewall or security rule. Open a ticket at the support ticket page and give your IP address. You can find it by searching "what is my IP" in a browser.

Quick recap

• 403 means the server refuses to show the page.
• Check that an index file exists.
• Rename .htaccess to test it.
• Set folders to 755 and files to 644.
• Turn off plugins and ask support about IP blocks.