Fix common website errors: 403, 404, 500 and 503

When something goes wrong, your website shows an error with a number, such as 404 or 500. The number tells you what kind of problem it is. This guide explains the most common ones and how to fix them.

For any error, check cPanel first: log in to cPanel and open Errors. It lists the most recent errors on your site, often with the exact file and reason.

403 Forbidden

The server found the page but won’t show it.

Common cause	How to fix it
No home page file	Make sure `index.html` or `index.php` is directly inside `public_html`
Wrong file permissions	In File Manager, folders should usually be `755` and files `644`. Select an item and use Permissions to change it
A rule in `.htaccess` blocking access	Rename `.htaccess` to `.htaccess-old` and test. In File Manager, turn on Show Hidden Files in Settings to see it
A security rule blocking you	If only you see it, your IP address may be blocked. See Check if your IP is blocked

404 Not Found

The page doesn’t exist at that address.

Common cause	How to fix it
A typo in the address, or an old link	Check the address. Set up a redirect from old addresses with Redirects in cPanel
Files not uploaded, or in the wrong folder	Check your files are in `public_html` (or the domain’s own folder). See Upload files
WordPress links broken after a move	In WordPress, go to Settings → Permalinks and click Save Changes

500 Internal Server Error

Something in your website’s code or settings crashed.

Common cause	How to fix it
A plugin, theme or code error	Undo your last change. For WordPress, see Fix a white screen or 500 error
A problem in `.htaccess`	Rename `.htaccess` to `.htaccess-old` and test
Wrong PHP version, or PHP ran out of memory	Change the version or raise `memory_limit` in Select PHP Version. See Change your PHP version and settings
Wrong file permissions	Files usually `644`, folders `755`. Never use `777`

503 Service Unavailable or 508 Resource Limit Is Reached

The site is temporarily overloaded or has hit its resource limits.

Common cause	How to fix it
A traffic spike, or bots crawling the site	Wait a few minutes. Block bad bots, and add caching
Heavy plugins or scripts	Remove plugins you don’t need, and run cron jobs less often
Regularly hitting your plan’s limits	Check Resource Usage. See Check disk and resource usage, and upgrade your plan if your site has grown

Hosting suspended for an unpaid invoice? The site shows a suspension page instead of your content. See Overdue invoices and suspension.

Site not loading at all?

If you don’t see an error code, but “This site can’t be reached” or a connection error, see Fix a website that isn’t loading. Still stuck? Open a ticket with your domain name, the error and the page address.

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Fix common website errors: 403, 404, 500 and 503

403 Forbidden

404 Not Found

500 Internal Server Error

503 Service Unavailable or 508 Resource Limit Is Reached

Site not loading at all?

​403 Forbidden

​404 Not Found

​500 Internal Server Error

​503 Service Unavailable or 508 Resource Limit Is Reached

​Site not loading at all?

403 Forbidden

404 Not Found

500 Internal Server Error

503 Service Unavailable or 508 Resource Limit Is Reached

Site not loading at all?