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Elementor is one of the most popular page builders for WordPress users, but even with its advanced features, users often face technical errors such as 403 Forbidden and 500 Internal Server Error. If you’ve encountered these issues while designing your website, you’re not alone. The most common reason behind 403 error and sometimes error 500 in Elementor usually ties back to your web hosting provider.
In this article, we’ll explore the primary causes of these errors, how they relate to your hosting environment, and what you can do to prevent or fix them.
Understanding 403 and 500 Errors in Elementor
Before diving into the reasons, it’s important to understand what these errors mean:
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403 Forbidden Error: This error indicates that the server is refusing to fulfill the request. It’s often due to permission issues or server settings that block access.
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500 Internal Server Error: This is a generic error when the server encounters an unexpected condition that prevents it from fulfilling the request.
Both these errors can interrupt your workflow in Elementor, especially when trying to update a page, access certain features, or save changes.
Most Common Reason Behind 403 Error and Sometimes Error 500 in Elementor
The #1 cause of both the 403 and 500 errors in Elementor is your web hosting provider, particularly those with restrictive PHP configurations, overactive security protocols, or over-reliant CDN settings.
Limited PHP Configuration Access
Some budget hosting providers offer very limited access to PHP settings. Elementor, being a dynamic and resource-heavy plugin, often requires custom PHP configurations such as:
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Increased
memory_limit -
Higher
max_input_vars -
Longer
max_execution_time -
Updated PHP versions (preferably PHP 8.0 or above)
When the hosting provider restricts the ability to modify these values via .htaccess, php.ini, or the control panel, Elementor may crash or fail to function properly, triggering a 403 or 500 error.
Overprotective Security Features
Security is important, but too much of it can backfire. Some hosting environments deploy:
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ModSecurity rules that block legitimate Elementor actions.
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Firewall configurations that flag Elementor AJAX calls as suspicious.
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False positives in server-side WAFs (Web Application Firewalls) that interpret Elementor’s backend processes as threats.
These security rules can block access to certain files or functions, triggering 403 Forbidden errors or causing server crashes (500 Internal Server Error).
CDN & Cache Conflicts
Another overlooked reason is aggressive CDN or caching configurations (e.g., Cloudflare). These tools are essential for speeding up websites but can cause Elementor-related scripts to break due to:
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Cached versions of outdated JavaScript or CSS
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Blocked POST or AJAX requests
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Rate-limiting on frequent updates or saves within the Elementor editor
Other Possible Causes (But Less Common)
While hosting is the major culprit, a few other causes could also contribute:
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Faulty Plugins: Especially those that conflict with Elementor’s backend functionalities.
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Incorrect File Permissions: Especially on
wp-contentorelementorfolders. -
Corrupted .htaccess File: Improper directives could lead to server miscommunication.
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Exhausted PHP Limits: Even with permission to configure, exceeding limits without proper upgrades can cause 500 errors.
How to Fix or Avoid 403 and 500 Errors in Elementor
1. Choose a Hosting Provider That Supports Elementor Well
Look for WordPress hosting providers that are compatible with Elementor. Here are a few Elementor-recommended hosting providers:
These hosts offer adjustable PHP settings, staging environments, and minimal restrictions.
2. Upgrade PHP Configuration
If your current host allows access, consider updating the following:
memory_limit = 256M upload_max_filesize = 64M post_max_size = 64M max_execution_time = 300 max_input_vars = 5000
3. Disable Overactive Security Rules
Check with your hosting support if ModSecurity is blocking Elementor. They may whitelist necessary rules or disable certain restrictions on request.
4. Bypass CDN During Editing
If using Cloudflare or any CDN, temporarily pause caching or use development mode while editing pages with Elementor. Also, whitelist your admin IP address.
5. Check .htaccess and File Permissions
Ensure your .htaccess file is properly configured and that your file permissions are set to:
-
Folders:
755 -
Files:
644
Pro Tip: Use Error Logs to Identify the Problem
Access your server error logs via cPanel or your hosting dashboard. These logs can reveal the exact file or script causing the issue. Look for entries near the time of the error and search for keywords like “403”, “500”, or “Elementor”.