Error codes are an integral part of the technology. The error code symbolizes an error of specific nature, which is why every error has been codified differently. And one such error code is error code 403. The 403 Forbidden Error is an HTTP response status code. So what does The API Returned an Error Code 403 mean? What are the ways to fix it? These are some of the pertinent questions that I shall be dealing with in this article. In case you are curious and want to know more about Error Code 403. Stay around to know.
Whenever a user does not have proper authorization to get access to the content, it is indicated by a 403 Forbidden Error. 403 error code is an HTTP response status code. Like other HTTP response codes, it is very difficult to diagnose and resolve the error code 403. When there is so much complexity, it is difficult to determine where the fault lies.
In this article, we are primarily concerned with the API returned an Error Code 403. We shall delve into know the possible causes and the ways and methods to fix them. If you are eager to know, stick around to know.
In This Article
The API Returned an Error Code 403 | Causes

All the HTTP response status codes, including Error Code 403, are categorized as 4xx. It, therefore, signifies that these are considered client error responses contrary to 5xx category error codes.
No doubt, the error code 403, more or less, is a client error response. However, the fault from the end of the server can’t be ruled out. At times, it can be the other way around as well. Let us try to explore the potential causes for the API returned an Error Code 403.
Having said that, many 403 Forbidden errors mean that the server denies authorization to a client that has requested content. (a web browser, in most cases).
There are typically two scenarios that usually lead to API returned an Error Code 403.

1. The authentication credentials sent by the client to its server and the acceptance and authentication of these credentials as valid by the server. In spite of this, the authorized client is rejected by the server for some reason is an example of API returned an Error Code 403.
2. Irrespective of the authorization, the content is strictly restricted to all clients whenever an attempt is made to access an invalid or forbidden URL that has been restricted by the web server.
How to Fix the API Returned an Error Code 403?

Since Error Code 403 is a client error response code. So when it comes to fixing the API Returned an Error Code 403. You have to think about the troubleshooting from both sides. From the server and the client’s side. And given below are some of the ways and methods of fixing enlisted.
1. Check the URL
Inputting a wrong and incorrect URL is one of the primary and common causes that often lead to error code 403. So before you input a URL, check and then cross-check to confirm if you typing a correct URL since many tightly secured web servers disallow access to improper URLs.
2. Clear Cookies

HTTP cookies ahs the ability to store tiny pieces of data on your device that are used by the browser to remember information about the browser and the device. Many web browsers try to store the user information so that they can use it for authentication purposes later.
The downside is that after a given point of time, the cookies get corrupted and interfere with the working of an app and browser, and the same can be the case with the API returned an Error Code 403. So it is advisable to clear the cookies to fix this error.
3. Clear Cache
like Cookies also store information about the browser and device and uses it for authentication and authorization. But Cache, too, gets corrupted after a given point of time and therefore starts inferring in the working of web browser or app. So it is better to clear the cache and check if API returned an Error Code 403 is fixed.
4. LogOut and LogIn

At times, Since you might have a previous session logged in, the web browser might be running into a problem with that. It might be the string that the server sends to its client in order to identify that client when any future request is made. So it is advisable to log out and log in again to fix this error.
5. Rollback to the Previous Update
In case you recently updated content management systems (CMS) before the error code 403 appeared. It is better to roll back to the previous version of the system on which it was working fine. Even if you added any extension or module, it can also lead to API returned an Error Code 403. In such a case, it is advisable to roll back to the previous update and confirm if the error is fixed or not.
6. Check the Server Status

At times, the API returned an Error Code 403, which can be caused by the other side as well. It is not always a client error response code. It can other way around as well. So check the server status. If the server is down or facing an outage or the server is under maintenance, it can lead to API returned an Error Code 403. In such a case, you can do nothing but wait till the error is fixed from the back end.
7. Check Your Internet Connection
Check your internet connection and make sure that you have a stable and strong internet connection. Check your internet strength and confirm if it is alright as required. A weak and poor internet connection does not allow your web to connect to the server therefore can lead to API returned an Error Code 403.
Wrapping Up
API returned an Error Code 403, in most cases, is a client error response error code. However, the fault on the part of the server can not be ruled out. It can, at times, be one of the causes. However, there are ways to fix it without any external help. In this article, the possible causes and the standard ways to fix error code 403 have been explained at length. You can go through it.
I hope this article will be of help to you. In case something is missing, you can let us know by writing in the comments section. We also look forward to your valuable feedback. You can visit our website for content like this and much more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q 1: What does API returned an Error Code 403 mean?
Ans: Whenever a user does not have proper authorization to get access to the content. Error code 403 is the identification of this error.
Q 2: What are the causes of API returned an Error Code 403 mean?
Ans: This is a client response error, and in most cases, the fault lies at the side of the client. It can be a corrupted cache, corrupted cookies, or an incorrect URL, among others.
Q 3: How to fix API returned an Error Code 403?
Ans: Check your URL, clear cookies and cache, log out and log in again, and roll back to the previous update.