{"id":2827,"date":"2023-06-21T13:52:09","date_gmt":"2023-06-21T13:52:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.copahost.com\/blog\/?p=2827"},"modified":"2026-06-06T20:44:50","modified_gmt":"2026-06-06T20:44:50","slug":"401-vs-403-error","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.copahost.com\/blog\/401-vs-403-error\/","title":{"rendered":"401 vs 403 HTTP Error: Differences, Causes & How to Fix"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In this article, we will explain the differences and causes between 401 vs 403 error in HTTP. We will show the causes, the possible fixes for them, and explain why do they happen in the web server.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 401 and 403 HTTP status codes both indicate that a user’s request to access a web resource has been denied, but they have different implications and meanings:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

401 Unauthorized<\/strong>: The 401 status code is used when the requested resource requires authentication, and the user making the request has not provided valid credentials or has not yet authenticated themselves. In this case, the server is indicating that the user needs to provide valid authentication credentials (such as a username and password) in order to access the requested resource. The server may include a WWW-Authenticate<\/code> header in the response, specifying the authentication method expected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

403 Forbidden<\/strong>: The 403 Forbidden (Unauthorized)<\/a> status code is used when the server understands the user’s request and has authenticated them, but the user is still not permitted to access the requested resource. Unlike 401, where authentication is required, 403 indicates that the user is authenticated but lacks the necessary permissions to access the resource. The server is essentially saying that the user is forbidden from accessing the requested resource, regardless of authentication status.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n \n
\n
\n <\/svg>\n
\n
401 Unauthorized<\/div>\n
Authentication required<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n
Is the user logged in?<\/div>
No \u2014 or credentials invalid<\/div><\/div>\n
Will logging in help?<\/div>
Yes \u2014 it resolves the error<\/div><\/div>\n
Key header<\/div>
WWW-Authenticate<\/div><\/div>\n
Typical cause<\/div>
Missing or expired credentials<\/div><\/div>\n
Who fixes it<\/div>
The user \u2014 re-authenticate<\/div><\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n \n
\n
\n <\/svg>\n
\n
403 Forbidden<\/div>\n
Access denied<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n
Is the user logged in?<\/div>
Yes \u2014 but lacks permission<\/div><\/div>\n
Will logging in help?<\/div>
No \u2014 permissions must change<\/div><\/div>\n
Key header<\/div>
No auth header sent<\/div><\/div>\n
Typical cause<\/div>
Insufficient permissions, IP block, ACL<\/div><\/div>\n
Who fixes it<\/div>
The server administrator<\/div><\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n