How to fix: 403 Forbidden Error

A 403 Forbidden Error occurs when the server blocks access to a directory or file due to security restrictions. Our servers prevent browser access to directories that do not contain an index file (e.g., index.php or index.html). This security measure helps protect your website from potential threats, such as hackers attempting to browse your directory contents.

Why Am I Seeing a 403 Forbidden Error?

If you receive this error when trying to access a folder, it likely means that:

• The folder does not contain an index.php or index.html file.
• The server is preventing direct access to the directory for security reasons.
• File or folder permissions are incorrectly set.

How to Fix the 403 Forbidden Error

1. Ensure an Index File Exists

If you’re trying to open a folder directly, the server expects an index file to load automatically. To fix this:

• Create an index.php or index.html file inside the folder.
• If the folder is meant for storing files and not for direct access, link to a specific file instead of the folder itself.

Example Fix:

Instead of:
http://domainname.com.au/folder

Use:
http://domainname.com.au/folder/file.php

2. Check File and Folder Permissions

Incorrect file or folder permissions can also trigger a 403 Forbidden Error.

• Files should typically have 644 permissions.
• Folders should have 755 permissions.
• Avoid setting permissions to 777, as it poses a security risk.

To update permissions:

1. Access your hosting account via cPanel File Manager or FTP.
2. Locate the folder or file returning the error.
3. Right-click, select Permissions, and set them correctly.

3. Verify .htaccess Rules

A misconfigured .htaccess file can also block access to certain directories. To check:

1. Open the public_html directory in cPanel File Manager.
2. Look for the .htaccess file and open it for editing.
3. If you see rules that deny access to your folder, modify or remove them if necessary.

4. Check for Hotlink Protection or Security Plugins

If you have hotlink protection enabled or use security plugins, they might be restricting access.

• Disable any restrictive security settings and test again.
• If using a WordPress security plugin, review its settings and adjust any rules blocking access.

Need Further Assistance?

If you’re still seeing the 403 Forbidden Error after following these steps, please contact our support team for further assistance.