How to Fix the 401 Error on WordPress Sites Print

Are you trying to access your website and encountering the 401 error? This may happen on a WordPress site or on someone else’s site you’re trying to visit.

In this article, we’ll explain what the 401 error is, what causes it, and how to fix it.

What Does the 401 Error Code Mean?

The 401 “Unauthorized” error is an HTTP status code indicating that the server received a request that hasn’t been authenticated. Often, 401 error code responses are generated due to invalid login credentials or an invalid link to a specific page or destination on the website.

This means your web browser cannot authenticate with the server, and thus, the pages cannot be displayed. For example, a particular page might require a valid username and password to be viewed.

401 vs. 403 Error:

People often confuse the 401 error with the 403 error, but the two are different. A 403 error means access to the page is completely forbidden, while a 401 error simply indicates an issue with authenticating access to the page. In other words, a 401 error doesn’t necessarily mean access is forbidden but that the request for access cannot be authenticated.

Variations of the 401 Error Code:

The exact message indicating a 401 error code varies depending on the server, but here are some common forms:

• 401 Unauthorized

• Authorization Required

• Access Denied

What Causes the 401 Error Code?

Here are some common causes of the 401 error code:

1. Incorrect URL: Sometimes, a 401 error occurs due to an incorrect URL. Ensure you’ve entered the website’s URL correctly.

2. Invalid Login Credentials: Some website pages require you to log in to access information. If you haven’t logged in or your login credentials are incorrect, you’re likely to encounter a 401 error. Verify that the login credentials you’re entering are correct.

3. Login Error: Rarely, a website that doesn’t require login may still display a login page. This indicates an issue on the administrator’s side, often resulting in a 401 error.

4. DNS Errors: Occasionally, errors in entering the domain’s DNS information can lead to a 401 error.

5. Security and Protection: Some WordPress security plugins or server firewalls can trigger a 401 error if they detect malicious or repeated activity. Additionally, faulty WordPress plugins on your site may also cause a 401 error.

How to Fix the 401 Error Code on WordPress Sites

Often, a 401 error can be resolved by simply refreshing the page. If refreshing doesn’t work, try the following options:

1. Check the URL for Errors: A 401 error might occur because you entered the URL incorrectly or the login URL has changed. Alternatively, you may have clicked an outdated link in your browser. If the page doesn’t exist, the server may display a 401 error. Check the URL for spelling mistakes. You can also use a search engine to find the correct URL for the site you’re trying to access.

2. Clear Browser Cache and Cookies: Browser cache improves your browsing experience by reducing website load times. However, cached data can sometimes interfere with the live version of an application, leading to errors like 401. To fix this, clear your browser’s cache and cookies.

3. Deactivate WordPress Plugins: Since WordPress plugins can alter how your site functions, they are a common cause of 401 errors. For instance, some security plugins may lock your login page if they detect a potential attack, triggering a 401 error when you try to access it. A firewall in plugins like Wordfence might also cause the issue. Once you identify the problematic plugin by deactivating it, contact the plugin’s support team to understand the issue. In other cases, it could be an unintended compatibility issue. To pinpoint the plugin causing the 401 error, try deactivating all plugins on your site and reactivating them one by one. If the error appeared after installing a new plugin, deactivate that plugin first.

4. Remove Server-Level Password Protection: If you’re using .htaccess / .htpasswd to protect parts of your WordPress site with an additional username/password, try disabling this extra password protection. Many hosting providers also offer tools to manage these passwords from cPanel. Look for a tool named something like “Password Protect Directories” or “Directory Privacy.”

5. Flush Your DNS: In rare cases, DNS errors can cause the server to display a 401 error in your browser. To fix this, flush the DNS on your device. While this is an uncommon cause, it’s relatively easy to resolve.

   • For Windows Users:

     • Log in to your computer as an administrator.

     • Open the “Search” window.

     • Type CMD.exe in the search field to open Command Prompt.

     • Enter this command in the Command Prompt: ipconfig /flushdns.

   • For macOS Users:

     • Open the Terminal.

     • Enter this command in the Terminal: sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder.

6. Try Waiting: Like security plugins, some hosting providers temporarily block your IP if they suspect malicious activity, such as entering an incorrect password multiple times. In this case, waiting a bit might resolve the issue, as the block may only be temporary. Additionally, many WordPress sites require periodic downtime for maintenance or plugin updates. If you’re seeing a 401 error on someone else’s site, it could be due to temporary backend maintenance or adjustments causing login issues. Give the administrators some time and try logging in again after a few minutes.

Conclusion

If you’ve tried these steps and the issue persists, don’t hesitate to contact the BayHost support team for further assistance.