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# What is 403 forbidden error and how to fix it

The HTTP 403 is an HTTP status code meaning access to the requested resource is forbidden. In most cases, it is a misconfiguration of the site.

You will know the error when it is displayed on the main page or when you try to save some changes.

**Here are a few solutions you should check to fix it.**

**1. Look for AddHandler code set in the .htaccess file.** Go to cPanel -> File Manager -> Settings -> enable "Show Hidden Files". Then look for the code and remove it. It is most probably left from an old migration. The PHP version should be set only within the PHP Selector in cPanel.

**2. Check for a deny rule set within the .htaccess file and remove it.**

**3. Check for a .htaccess file under the main directory (like /home/user) and remove it.**

**4. Check file/folder permissions.** Another possible cause is incorrect permissions set for files or folders. File permissions should be 644 and folders should be 755. If set differently, you can change them directly within the File Manager: select the file -> right click on it -> Change permissions -> set the correct value -> click Change.

**5. Disable the security plugin for WordPress sites.** If it is a WordPress site and you have a security plugin, try to disable it by renaming the folder to something like currentplugin\_stop. You can do that within the File Manager.

**6. Run a malware scan.** Sometimes the site can be infected/hacked, which can cause such a forbidden issue. We would suggest running a malware scan for the account under cPanel -> Imunify360 -> Start scanning.

If none of the above helps, contact our support and we will investigate further for you.