How to Fix 401 Error in WordPress

Getting locked out of your WordPress site is frustrating. A frequent reason is the 401 Unauthorized Error. It typically occurs when a page’s access is blocked by your server. When attempting to access admin features or log in, this error may show up.

The 401 error means your browser could not pass authentication. In simple terms, your login failed. The server refused access because it didn’t recognize the user. This issue is often seen in WordPress logins or admin areas.

Many WordPress users in the USA face this issue. It affects bloggers, agencies, and eCommerce sites. If not fixed, it can prevent site updates or content changes. It may even stop plugins or page builders from working.

This error may also confuse your visitors. If they see it, they may think the site is broken. That’s not good for SEO or user trust. Resolving the 401 error as soon as possible keeps your website safe and functional.

To tackle this problem, you don’t need to know how to code. Most solutions are simple and safe to try. We’ll explain the causes and solutions in this post.

One type of HTTP status code is 401 Unauthorized Error. It tells you that access to a page or resource is blocked. This often happens due to failed login or missing credentials.

The 401 error in WordPress can appear in a variety of ways:

• “401 Unauthorized” message on your login page
• Blocked access to /wp-admin/ area
• Certain plugins like Elementor stop working
• REST API calls fail to connect or return errors

These messages mean the server did not approve your request. It may be checking for a password or user token. If these are wrong or missing, access is denied.

Some common signs of a 401 error include:

• Login page reloads without logging you in
• You’re logged out after plugin updates
• WordPress dashboard becomes unavailable
• API-based features break or give errors

The 401 error is not the same as 403 or 404. A 403 error indicates that access is prohibited. A 404 indicates that the page is not there. But a 401 means access needs valid credentials.

Fixing the 401 error helps improve site access, plugin function, and user trust.

Understanding the cause of a 401 error is very important. It helps you fix the issue faster and prevents it from coming back. In WordPress, many things can trigger this error. Some are simple login mistakes, others are related to plugins or themes.

The most frequent causes of 401 errors in WordPress are shown below.

1. Incorrect Login Credentials

This is the most basic reason for a 401 error. If you type the wrong username or password, the server blocks access. WordPress checks your login credentials before letting you in. If the information is incorrect, you will see a 401 unauthorized message.

Sometimes, a plugin or security setting may also treat correct credentials as wrong. This happens when your cookies expire or sessions end early.

To avoid this:

• Verify your login credentials again.
• Try using a different browser to log in.
• Try again after clearing the cookies in your browser.

If nothing works, reset your password from your hosting panel or phpMyAdmin.

2. Security Plugins Blocking Access

Security plugins are great for protecting your website. But sometimes, they block access by mistake. These plugins may see a real user as a threat. This leads to a 401 error even with correct credentials.

Some well-known plugins that can cause this issue include:

• Wordfence
• iThemes Security
• All In One WP Security

They may block:

• Your IP address
• Your browser
• Specific login attempts

You can test this by deactivating the security plugin using FTP. You’ve identified the issue if the website begins to function. Reconfigure the plugin settings to avoid future blocks.

3. Plugin Conflicts After Updates

Sometimes, the 401 error starts after a plugin update. New versions can have bugs or conflict with other plugins. This affects how your site handles login and access.

To test this:

• Deactivate recently updated plugins one by one.
• Every time, try refreshing the page to see if the error goes away.
• The plugin is the problem if the error disappears.

It might be necessary to revert to a previous version of the plugin. Use a rollback plugin or manually install a previous version via FTP.

4. REST API Authorization Fails

WordPress uses REST API for many modern features. It helps plugins and themes run smoothly. If the REST API can’t verify your login, it will return a 401 error.

This can affect:

• Page builders like Elementor
• WooCommerce stores
• Contact form submissions

Reasons for REST API errors include:

• Missing application passwords
• Incorrect user roles or permissions
• Broken API tokens

You can test REST API access using the Site Health Tool under WordPress Tools. Look for warnings under the “REST API” section.

5. Firewall or CDN Blocking Requests

External firewalls or content delivery networks (CDNs) sometimes block access. Services like Cloudflare may mistake your login as a threat. This happens when firewall rules are too strict or caching is outdated.

This can lead to:

• Blocked access to /wp-admin
• Errors after updates or login attempts
• API calls failing

Fixes include:

• Whitelisting your IP in the firewall settings
• Turning off aggressive security rules
• Clearing the CDN or firewall cache

6. Theme Conflicts or Custom Code

Sometimes, the active theme or custom code may block access. A bad function or script may affect login handling or permissions.

To check:

• Use a default WordPress theme instead, such as Twenty Twenty-Four.
• Refresh and try to log in again

If this fixes the error, your theme has a problem. Contact the theme developer or remove custom code causing issues.

Understanding these causes gives you a strong start in fixing the error.

It’s time to solve the 401 error now that you know what causes it. The steps below are safe and easy to follow. Advanced tools and coding knowledge are not required. You can do most fixes using WordPress, FTP, or your hosting panel.

Follow these steps one by one to solve the issue.

1. Check and Reset Login Credentials

This should be your first step. A simple mistake in login details can trigger the 401 error. If your password or username is incorrect, the server will block access.

Try these basic checks first:

• Type your login info slowly and carefully.
• Use the “Show Password” option to double-check.
• Try using a different browser or device to log in.

If you are unable to log in, try changing your password:

• Go to the WordPress login screen.
• Click “Lost your password?”
• To reset it, adhere to the email’s instructions.

If email reset doesn’t work:

• Log into your hosting account (like cPanel).
• Navigate to your WordPress database by opening phpMyAdmin.
• Find the wp_users table and update the password manually.

Make sure to use MD5 encryption if changing it from the database.

2. Deactivate All Plugins via FTP

Plugins are often the main cause of 401 errors. A security plugin might block your login or an API request. If you are unable to access the dashboard, use FTP to disable every plugin.

Follow these steps:

• Open your FTP client (like FileZilla) or File Manager in cPanel.
• Go to wp-content/plugins.
• Name the folder plugins-old or something like.

This will deactivate all plugins. Then:

• Attempt to log into WordPress once more.
• If login works, the issue is with one of your plugins.

To identify the problematic plugin:

• The folder should be renamed to plugins.
• Next, give each plugin folder a new name.
• After each rename, check if the site works.

When you find the plugin causing the error, delete or replace it.

3. Deactivate Security Plugins Specifically

Security plugins often trigger 401 errors. They might block users due to strict rules or IP filtering.

Typical plugins that cause problems:

• Wordfence Security
• iThemes Security
• Sucuri
• All In One WP Security

If you’re using one of these:

• Deactivate it temporarily through FTP or hosting panel.
• Try logging in again after clearing the cache on your website.

Once inside WordPress, update the plugin settings. Whitelist your IP and reduce aggressive blocking features.

4. Switch to a Default Theme

A theme issue or custom code may be the problem. If the theme has broken functions or restricted access rules, you’ll face a 401 error.

How to test this:

• Go to your WordPress dashboard.
• Navigate to Appearance > Themes.
• Activate a default theme like Twenty Twenty-Four.

If you’re locked out and can’t log in:

• Access your site via FTP.
• Go to wp-content/themes.
• Rename your active theme folder.

WordPress will be forced to use a default theme as a result. After switching, try logging in again. If it works, your theme needs fixing.

5. Clear Firewall or CDN Cache

Sometimes, external services like Cloudflare or Sucuri Firewall cause 401 errors. These services might think you’re a threat and block access.

To fix it:

• Log into your CDN or firewall account.
• Go to the cache section.
• Click “Purge Everything” or “Clear Cache”.

Additionally, see whether your IP has been blocked:

• Look under firewall settings.
• Add your IP to the whitelist.

Disabling “Browser Integrity Check” in Cloudflare also helps. Wait a few minutes after making the changes, then try again.

6. Roll Back Recently Updated Plugins

Sometimes plugin updates cause unexpected problems. A new version might conflict with another plugin or change how logins work.

If a plugin update caused your error:

• To change the name or remove that plugin folder, use FTP.
• Or install a plugin rollback tool like WP Rollback.

Steps to roll back:

• Go to Plugins > Installed Plugins.
• Click Rollback under the plugin name.
• Select a stable version and confirm.

This should restore functionality if the latest update broke access.

7. Fix WordPress REST API Issues

The 401 error may be REST-related if you’re using plugins that depend on APIs or page builders like Elementor.

How to check:

• Go to Tools > Site Health.
• Look under the “REST API” section.
• If there’s an error, it will show details.

Fixes include:

• Make sure you’re logged in with the right user role.
• Regenerate Application Passwords under your user profile.
• Temporarily disable API authentication plugins.

If your server blocks API calls, contact your host to whitelist your IP.

8. Fix Elementor-Specific 401 Errors

If you’re using Elementor, the 401 error might block editing or saving. This happens when Elementor fails to connect through AJAX or the REST API.

Fixes include:

• Deactivate Elementor and re-enable it.
• Clear browser cache and cookies.
• Deactivate conflicting plugins like security tools or caching plugins.

Also, increase memory limits in your wp-config.php:

define(‘WP_MEMORY_LIMIT’, ‘256M’);

If the problem persists, look for loopback or REST API issues with Site Health.

If the basic steps did not fix the 401 error, don’t worry. A few more sophisticated options are available to assist. These tips go deeper into WordPress and server settings. You should try these only after completing the basic steps in the previous part.

Let’s examine each sophisticated way to completely fix the WordPress 401 problem.

1. Check Server Error Logs for Clues

Your server keeps records of all activity, including errors. These logs help find the root of many issues, including the 401 error.

To access server logs:

• Open your hosting control panel (such as Plesk or cPanel) and log in.
• Look for “Errors” or “Raw Access Logs”.
• Open the log file and search for “401”.

The error log may show:

• Which page or file is causing the issue.
• Which IP address was blocked.
• Whether the request was missing credentials.

This helps in determining the source of the issue:

• A theme or plugin
• A specific URL
• A blocked IP or user

If you’re unsure how to read the log, contact your host’s support team.

2. Disable or Reset .htaccess File

The .htaccess file controls how your server handles requests. A broken or misconfigured .htaccess file can cause a 401 error.

You can reset it easily:

• FTP or File Manager can be used to connect to your website.
• Look in the root folder (typically public_html) for the.htaccess file.
• Download a copy for backup.
• Then, delete the .htaccess file.

Next, log into your WordPress dashboard:

• Go to Settings > Permalinks.
• Click “Save Changes” to regenerate a new .htaccess file.

This refreshes your site rules and often resolves hidden access errors.

3. Use an Error Logging Plugin

If you can access your WordPress admin, install an error logging plugin. These plugins can track 401 and other errors in real-time.

Recommended options:

• WP Debugging
• Query Monitor
• Error Log Monitor

Once installed:

• Enable WordPress debugging.
• Check error reports in the plugin’s dashboard or logs.
• Look for any failed login attempts, plugin conflicts, or API calls.

These logs can point directly to the plugin, theme, or code causing issues.

4. Increase Server Memory Limit

Low server memory can cause some plugins or functions to fail. This could trigger a 401 error, especially when using large themes or builders.

To increase memory:

• Open wp-config.php from your site’s root folder.
• Add the following line before the “That’s all” comment:

define(‘WP_MEMORY_LIMIT’, ‘256M’);

This helps prevent timeout issues and enables WordPress to use more RAM. If your host has limits in place, you may need to ask them to increase it.

5. Test in a Staging Environment

If you’re still stuck, it helps to clone your site to a staging environment. This lets you test changes without breaking the live site.

Many hosts like Bluehost, SiteGround, or WP Engine offer one-click staging. You can also utilize plugins like as

• WP Staging
• Duplicator
• All-in-One WP Migration

In staging:

• Try disabling themes or plugins freely.
• Test login and admin access without fear of downtime.
• Narrow down the cause through safe testing.

Once fixed in staging, apply the working setup to your live site.

6. Check for Conflicting HTTP Authentication Settings

Some server setups use their own authentication rules. These may block WordPress from handling logins properly.

You may see this in:

• Hosts that use cPanel password protection
• Custom Apache or NGINX rules in .htaccess

Look for signs like:

• Prompted HTTP login popup outside of WordPress
• Redirect loops after login

To fix this:

• Remove extra authentication rules from .htaccess
• Ask your host to disable cPanel directory protection
• Avoid using both server and plugin-based protection on /wp-admin

Let WordPress handle all logins natively unless absolutely needed.

7. Confirm File and Folder Permissions

Improper file permissions can prevent WordPress from loading correctly. Some users may get 401 or even 403 errors due to this.

Correct permissions are:

• Folders: 755
• Files: 644

To fix:

• Use FTP or cPanel File Manager
• Right-click a folder or file and select “Change Permissions”
• Set folders to 755 and files to 644 recursively

Permissions should not be set to 777 because this poses security risks.

8. Disable Browser Extensions or Antivirus Software

Sometimes, the problem is not with your website. Browser extensions or antivirus tools may block the login page or interfere with cookies.

Try the following:

• Use Incognito or Private mode
• Disable ad blockers or security plugins
• Temporarily turn off your antivirus firewall

If the login works now, your local software is interfering. Whitelist your website in those tools.

9. Review WordPress Site Health Status

WordPress has a built-in Site Health tool. It gives technical insights into REST API errors, plugin conflicts, and authorization problems.

To access:

• Go to Tools > Site Health
• Review all warnings and recommendations
• Focus on:
  • REST API status
  • Loopback request failures
  • Background update status

If anything is marked critical, follow the recommended steps to fix it. This tool can reveal hidden errors not seen elsewhere.

10. Use Application Passwords for REST API Access

If you’re using apps or plugins that connect through the REST API, they might need Application Passwords.

To create one:

• Go to Users > Profile
• Scroll to Application Passwords
• Enter a name and click “Add New Password”

Use this new password in the plugin or app settings. It helps prevent 401 errors caused by missing authentication in API calls.

Fixing a 401 error is helpful, but preventing it is even better. Once your site is back to normal, take a few steps to avoid future problems. Most 401 errors happen because of incorrect settings, plugin issues, or blocked access. These pointers will keep your WordPress website functioning properly.

1. Use Strong and Secure Login Details

Weak usernames or passwords are a big risk. Hackers may try to access your site. If login attempts fail often, some plugins or servers may block you.

To stay safe:

• Make use of letters, numbers, and symbols to create a strong password.
• Avoid using “admin” as your username.
• Change login details every few months.

2. Configure Security Plugins Properly

Security plugins protect your site, but they can be too strict. If not set up right, they can lock out even real users.

Do this:

• Whitelist your own IP address.
• Reduce the limit on failed login attempts.
• Avoid blocking REST API unless required.

Always test changes before applying them live.

3. Keep Plugins and Themes Updated

Security flaws or bugs can be caused by outdated software. Some updates fix known issues like login errors or API failures.

Make sure to:

• Update plugins and themes regularly.
• Backup your site before major updates.
• Use trusted plugins only.

4. Whitelist IPs in Your Firewall or CDN

Verify that your IP address isn’t blocked if you use Cloudflare or a comparable service. This can be done through the firewall dashboard.

Add these to your whitelist:

• Your IP address
• Plugin services that connect through REST API

This prevents unneeded blocks and login failures.

The 401 error in WordPress is common but easy to fix. Most problems come from wrong logins, plugin issues, or blocked access. You can resolve the problem and prevent it from happening again by following the instructions in this guide.

Regular updates, backups, and clean plugin setups will keep your site healthy. If you ever feel stuck, 24x7WP Support is here to help.