10 ways to fix 403 Forbidden Error (2023)

Are you getting any of the 403 Forbidden errors while accessing websites on Google Chrome?

Are you getting any of these errors?

• Forbidden: You don’t have permission to access [directory] on this server

• HTTP Error 403.14 – Forbidden

• Error 403 – Forbidden

• HTTP 403

• 403 Forbidden

• HTTP Error 403 – Forbidden

• Forbidden

• Error 403

If it is, then you might not be able to access the website.

In this article, you’ll learn what 403 forbidden error is and how to fix it.

What is 403 Forbidden Error?

403 Forbidden error occurs when the server understands the request but refuses to authorize it.

This is like a forbidden area or a restricted area that is only accessible to some.

In this case, you would not be allowed to enter the site.

This is denoted by a status code of 403. 

How to fix 403 Forbidden Error?

There are a lot of ways to fix the 403 forbidden error.

Here we are discussing 10 ways to fix it.

1. Check the URL

There can be mistakes when you type the URL or copy that from other places.

Double-check the URL address before proceeding further.

2. Refresh 

This error can be also caused by a small glitch or an issue in the search engine.

Refreshing the system can just clear the error.

You can refresh the system by pressing Ctrl+F5 or clicking the refresh button.

3. Try to access the site from another system or mobile phone.

This could also be an issue with the system that you are using to access the website.

So, try to get access to the URL address using another system, or mobile phone. 

4. Double-check the Internet connection

This error can also be shown because of the loading issue of the page.

So, we need to ensure the internet connection.

Double-check the internet connection, its connectivity, availability of the network, proper connection with the system, etc.

And ensure that you are signed in to your network. 

5. Check with others

You can check with others in your region whether they can enter the same address.

This should be done only if you can give this address to someone else and also if the entry is not offensive. 

6. Issue with the ISP

The errors can be found when there is an issue with the ISP (Internet Service Provider).

ISP is a company that provides web access to consumers.

So, if there is a problem with a particular ISP then the same issue can be faced by the people using the same. 

7. Clear your Browser Cookies and Cache

This can be an error caused when the page with the error got cached in your browser.

So, you have to clear your cache and cookies to access the updated website.

We will show you how to clear browser cookies and cache in a Google Chrome browser.

How to clear browser cookies and cache in Google chrome through desktop or laptop?

Follow the below steps to clear browser cookies and cache in Google chrome through desktop or laptop.

Open the Google Chrome browser. 

Click the 3 vertically arranged dots on the top right of the page. 

Click on “More tools”.

Click on “Clear browsing data”. 

Now the Clear browsing data page is open, adjust the “Time Range”.

You can see Browsing History, Download History, Cookies, and other site data, etc. on the pop-up.

Choose Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files.

Click on Clear data.

How to clear browser cookies and cache in Google chrome through Mobile phone?

Follow the below steps to clear browser cookies and cache in Google chrome through mobile phone.

Open the Google Chrome app. 

Click the 3 vertically arranged dots on the top right of the page.

Select “Settings” from that. 

Select “Privacy and security”. 

Click “Clear browsing data”. 

Now the Clear browsing data page is open, adjust the “Time Range” and all the data you want to clear. 

Click on Clear data.

8. Check whether the site is down

You can check whether the site you are accessing has some problem or not currently.

Follow the below steps to check whether the site is down or not.

Visit the 3rd party website Is it down or not?

Enter the name of the website you wish to access.

Click on Check.

Now you will get to know the status of the website.

9. Check the DNS records of sites are propagated correctly

Sometimes, if the site has recently updated its DNS records then it might take some time to fully propagate among DNS servers located across multiple regions worldwide.

Follow the below steps to check if the DNS records of the website are fully propagated.

Visit the DNS checker website.

Enter the name of the website you wish to access.

Click on Search.

Now you will get to know whether the DNS records of the website are fully propagated.

Green marks indicate that DNS is propagated in the region.

Red marks indicate that DNS is not propagated.

10. Try after sometime

If you tried all the above methods and the issue is still not resolved, then it is better to wait and try after some time.

Wrapping Up

We hope that these 10 tips from the above guide will help you solve the 403 Forbidden errors on your browser.

Kindly let us know if you have any queries.